545RFE 02-05 vs 06 & up

Mega-Hemi · Mar 23, 2015

Is there a difference between the 545RFE's made pre-06 and post-06. Everywhere I look seems to have a different part number for rebuild kits between the two but I can't find any difference. I know '03 had the stand alone controller but that shouldn't be a problem. Not sure exactly what year they went from 45 to 545 (was under the impression this was nothing but a programming change anyway) but was thinking since my controller would already have the 545 program in it it would work fine.

Thing is I found an '05 to possibly rebuild and put in my truck, just don't know if it will work. I'm getting a headache trying to find all the info on these, and seems like I'm just working in circles..

RonJon '06 · Mar 23, 2015

I found this at allpar.com:

In 2006, Chrysler claimed that the transmission had been “refined for higher-quality shifts;” it was strong enough to give the Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee class-leading towing capacity of 7,200 lbs. The changes included a redesigned solenoid to provide quieter operation when shifting (ending “solenoid clatter”), and a turbine damper to cut noise and vibration from the torque converter.

Here's the full article:

http:// http://www.allpar.com/mopar/transmissions/545RFE.html

Mega-Hemi · Mar 23, 2015

I did read that earlier, do you think I could update the 05 with the newer solenoid and damper? I think if that was the case they wouldn't even sell the separate kits, just the updated one..

I don't even know if my trans is bad yet. I blew a cooler line on the way to work the other morning and pretty much lost all the fluid. I did drive it about a mile or so to get off the thruway before I got off the road. So, trans was slipping some then. I fixed the line and refilled the trans (7qts low). Not sure if it caused any internal damage or not, just trying to plan for the worst. It seems to be working fine but I'm just worried it's gonna act up soon. Doesn't help I just bought a 28' TT I plan on hauling around during the summer..

RonJon '06 · Mar 23, 2015

Not sure on that one but I'd think you would be able to update the '05 to work with your truck. I would be willing to bet your current trans is fine too.

Redtruck-VA · Mar 24, 2015

There are a few posts on the forums where they upgraded 45RFE's to be 545RFE's by using a 2002 Grand Cherokee TCM. Also have read the 05 solenoid plug is a different color and for the 03's to use the newer solenoid when rebuilding. I just removed a perfectly good 03 trans with a stg III VB and a Edge 2800 converter from my truck that I'll let go if you are interested shoot me a PM.

Mega-Hemi · Mar 25, 2015

My trucks an '06 so the controller is integrated, no separate controller for the trans. Just wasn't sure if the '05 was something I could use. Found a used one for $125, for that price it's worth grabbing for a core even if it doesn't work in my truck. Thanks though.

Redtruck-VA · Mar 25, 2015

Mega-Hemi said:
My trucks an '06 so the controller is integrated, no separate controller for the trans. Just wasn't sure if the '05 was something I could use. Found a used one for $125, for that price it's worth grabbing for a core even if it doesn't work in my truck. Thanks though.

Just to clarify, the 03 has a separate TCM, starting in 04 the TCM was integrated into the single PCM module.

545RFE 02-05 vs 06 & up

Mega-Hemi

US AIR FORCE '08-'18

RonJon '06

Senior Member

Mega-Hemi

US AIR FORCE '08-'18

RonJon '06

Senior Member

Redtruck-VA

Senior Member

Mega-Hemi

US AIR FORCE '08-'18

Redtruck-VA

Senior Member

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