when cruiseing at freeway speeds and w3atch the tach and have slight load i can watch the needel rise and fall between 2300 and 1900 rpm , throttle not moved at all - cruise has same effect . when engine is decelerating from 2300 rpm its nice and smooth gradual going down. almost seems as if 2 clutches atre grabbing at same time. going to pull the pan and do the filter tonite and where is this spin on return filter located?

 

Sounds like 5th gear dis-engaging and re-engaging. How does the fluid look/smell?

 

looks good smells ok - im a 16 year diesel mechanic vet- i suspect dextron 3 instead of dex 4 was used too top it off

 

now this is goofy - the sticker in window when bought bran new lists a 545rfe but the tranny tag says 45rfe

 

Does it shift good otherwise? The TCM might need to be "re-flashed".
Or the fluid/filter could need changing. I talked to the dealer service dept. about that in-line filter and was told they never change those and didn't recommend it. Then why do they sell them?http://www.wjjeeps.com/trans_filter_4799662.jpg
http://www.wjjeeps.com/service/transmission.htm

 

it is a 45rfe. supposidly the "More reliable" transmission..

but mine is having a couple serious problems aswell.

 

545rfe and 45rfe are the same trans. it's just that the programming wasn't available for the 2nd OD until the 01 model year.

 

well the spin on filter was found after i pulled off the pan. new filters and fluid and a severe test beat- all systems go . GOOD AS NEW