Hi all. New to forum and new to Dodge Rams. I just picked up a '02 Ram 1500 QC 2WD 4.7 w/33k miles. Being new to Chrysler products I figured I better dive into the owner's manual and see if there are any special maintenance requirements for a Dodge. I was a bit surprised that the rear axle and tranny both need fluids replaced every 12k miles. Having bought the truck from a small auto lot and not knowing the maintenance history, I figured I best replace ALL fluids and filters asap. (I'll pray to the Mopar Gods tonight, hoping that the appropriate maintenance schedule was adhered too).

To make a long story short, I guess I have a 45RFE tranny that requires a special filter, right? Went to the local AutoZone to buy tranny fluid and filter, got asked "with or without a 45RFE tranny?" Blank stare from me... Parts clerk states "The RFE tranny has a 15-bolt pan". Okay, went out to the parking lot, slid under the truck, counted tranny pan bolts. Yep, 15! Told by clerk that they don't carry the filter, it's a dealer item. Okay, whatever. Went to PepBoys, same thing. So, finally to my questions: Is the filter for the 45RFE tranny a dealer-only item? Anything else I should know? I'm definitely getting a factory service manual asap.

Sorry for the long post. I searched the forum for anything related to trannys and didn't find anything. My apologies if this has already been covered in detail...

 

Well, for starters....WELCOME TO DF

In regards to your transmission, the 45rfe is the newer transmission that DC developed. it is the 45 series trans, Rear wheel drive, Fully Electronic controlled. The 545-RFE is the 5 speed version of the same transmission.

As far as the filters go, as far as I know, the only place to get the filter is at the dealership. Same as the ATF+4 transmission fluid. DON'T USE ATF+3!!! only the ATF+4 fluid. I can only find it at the dealership as well, even though some are running around on Mobil, Royal Purple, etc transmission fluid. Personally, I'd stick to Mopar ATF+4. I'd also let the dealership do the service since it gets rid of the fluid in the torque converter as well. It is approx. $150 depending on the area. On my truck, it is recommended being changed every 30K miles, I don't know why yours would be any different.

As far as the factory service manual, you can download it from here. You'll see the link at the upper (1/3) left side of the page.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask, that's what we're here for

 

Doc, thanks for the welcome and the info. I hope I read the owner's manual wrong, won't be the first time, lol. On a side note, I did find Valvoline ATF+4 at my local Autozone

Thanks again...

 

I was able to find Valvoline ATF+4 at Autozone, Advanced Auto, and a local Napa store--it's not a Napa part, but the local store decided to carry it. I was also able to get a trans filter kit from Napa--part # 1-8594 for the 545rfe 4WD. The 4WD version has a deeper sump and the filter has a longer suction tube. The Napa kit includes a gasket so you can avoid the RTV hassle in your so inclined.

Opps! Forgot about the spin-on filter. Napa had that one too.

If you're going to do this yourself, check out these links:

http://www.60ateight.com/DodgeRam/
https://dodgeforum.com/m_448510/tm.htm

Roger...

 

There where 2 auto transmissions available. The 45RFE was used on the 3.7L & 4.7L equipped trucks and I think the 46RH was used for the 5.9L.

So if you have the 4.7L then you do in fact have the 45RFE... which uses TWO filters.


SPEED SAFE, AIR RAM

 

[b]i had a 2004 dodge 1500 sport with the HEMi,,, the truck had alot of power,, to bad it was in the shop more than i was able to drive it. I live in Clovis NM and i purchased my RAM from BENDER!!! Boy was that a huge mistake. I had my tuck in the shop 17 times and i only owned the truck for 18 months[/b]
the only problem with the new mexico lemon law is it has to be in there 4 times for the same problem within the first year of owning the vehicle. the last 4 times it was in the shop was for the rear end. after they had the truck for 2 1/2 weeks, then 1 1/2 weeks, then another 2 weeks and couldnt correct the problem i couldnt deal with it anymore and traded it in. I had problems with the CRUISE CONTROL twice, once for brake switch the second fort he wiring harnes, WINDOW MOTOR, AIRCONDITIONER compressor went out, BAD FUEL INJECTOR, RATTLING NOISE IN THE DASH, ( 4 TIMES), FRONT END VIBRATION ( RACK AND PINION)< they had to replace the stereo TWICE,,, then they tried to tell me that i wouldnt play burned CD's, (REALLY) well the second one they put in worked just fine,,, also the FUEL GAUGE QUIT WORKING (bad sending unit) ,,and last but not least the rear end. DO NOT BUY DODGE, they did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to help me out!!!!!!! NEITHER DID the BENDER DEALERSHIP!!!