2007 08 24

24 GEARS August 2007
KEEP THOSE TRANNYS ROLLING

by Pete Huscher
45RFE with an
Erratic 2-3 Flare
I
n this issue of Keep Those Trannys
Rolling, were going to look at a
2002 Dodge Durango with a 4.7L
engine and a 45RFE transmission
and an erratic, intermittent 2-3 flare. I
first became involved with this vehicle
when a technician named Charlie called
the ATRA Technical HotLine. Having
talked to Charlie several times in the
past, I knew he was a good technician;
he had a good understanding of how
transmissions worked, but he really
didnt have a whole lot of experience
with the 45RFE.
Our first conversation on this
transmission was about basic rebuild
issues, such as a bent accumulator
plate (a very common problem), clutch
application and clearances, solenoid
pack changes, and other updates to the
45RFE transmission. Evidently, when
the vehicle came in, the customer men-
tioned erratic shifts and slipping on the
2-3 shifts. After a complete diagnostic
check and pan removal it was evident
what the problem was. The accumula-
tor plate was blown out, as usual, and
the fluid was smoked, a good chance
that the clutches were burnt; it needed
an internal inspection before going any
further.
After a few days I heard back from
Charlie. He said the overhaul had gone
very smoothly, but hes been fighting
an erratic, intermittent 2-3 flare for the
past two days.
Charlie had installed the pressure
testing oil pan assembly, which allows
you to check apply pressures right at
the clutches. It wasnt a pressure prob-
lem; all pressures were within specifi-
cations.
He had air checked all the compo-
nents, and everything appeared okay.
He replaced the solenoid pack twice
but there was no change. He replaced
the valve body; no change. At this point
he was lost; he couldnt figure this one
out.
I told Charlie to stop right were he
was at; this is a computer strategy prob-
lem and the NGC (New Generation
Controller) probably needed to be
reprogrammed.
I recommended that he have the
NGC reflashed with the latest update
available. I explained that the NGC
programming may have been corrupted.
It could have been caused by anything
from battery disconnects, to power-
and-ground problems, to EMIs (electro-
magnetic interference). With that infor-
mation in hand, Charlie headed out to
his neighborhood Dodge dealer to see
if there were any updates to the
vehicles NGC programming.
A few hours later I received a call
from Charlie. According to his Dodge
dealer, this vehicle did indeed have an
update for the NGC controller. He had
the dealer update the controller, and the
Durango was fixed. On the way back
to his shop, Charlie noticed an immedi-
ate change in the way the transmission
shifted and he knew the transmission
was fixed.
Remember in todays transmission
industry, reprogramming IS part of the
rebuild procedure. So if youre having
a come back that youre dealing with
and youve checked everything in the
transmission and feel comfortable with
the rebuild, suspect a programming
issue, a simple reprogramming of the
controller may be all you need to keep
those trannys rolling.
24pete807.indd 24 7/11/07 10:21:56 AM
* See dealer for limited warranty details. Ford and Motorcraft
Remanufactured diesel engines are covered by a 2-year/unlimited-mileage limited warranty covering parts and labor.
FORD POWERTRAIN
THE PERFECT FIT EVERY TIME
ASSISTANCE
CENTER
ASSISTANCE
CENTER
GAS ENGINES
CASH BACK
$
200
TRANSMISSIONS
$
150
CASH BACK
DIESEL ENGINES
CASH BACK
$
300
35,000 assemblies at
44 distribution centers
Motorcraft
Parts Online
Catalog at motorcraft.com
Our Powertrain Assistance Center
provides sales, technical
assistance and warranty support.
Call 1-800-392-7946 from
8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, ET M-F
Assemblies are vehicle-specic
no one-size-ts-all
Remanufactured transmissions include all
sensors and uids for plug and play replacement
Ford and Motorcraft
Remanufactured gas
engine and transmission assemblies are
covered by a 3-year/75,000-mile limited
warranty covering parts and labor*
No delay immediate credit
100% refund, regardless
of damage
Visit motorcraft.com for details. Motorcraft
is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.

HURRY,
CASH BACK
OFFERS END
AUGUST 31!
PLEASE PRINT:
Independent Repair Shop/Fleet Name
Last Name First Name
Address (No PO Boxes)
City State ZIP
Phone Number: (_______) ________ - _____________
Yes, please e-mail me communications including product information, offers and incentives
from Ford Motor Company.
E-mail address @
GEARS
Mail to:
Ford Powertrain Rebate, Program Headquarters, PO Box 2909, Farmington Hills, MI 48333-2909.
Submit a copy of this form and proof of purchase. Retain a copy for your records. Repeat for
future purchases.
Not valid with any other offer. Must purchase a Ford or Motorcraft
Remanufactured gas engine, diesel engine

or transmission between 07/01/07 and 08/31/07 to be eligible for the rebate. Open to Independent Repair Shops/
Fleets only. All Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealers and employees are ineligible. Coupons must be completed in full
and postmarked no later than 09/07/07. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-800-323-7741 for details.
FordMotorcrft807.indd 25 7/11/07 10:36:03 AM

2007 08 24

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

2007 08 24

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

2007 08 24

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

24 GEARS August 2007

KEEP THOSE TRANNYS ROLLING

is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.

Remanufactured gas engine, diesel engine

You might also like