545RFE Transmission going out. What route to take? Experiences?

[lchron36]

I threw a check engine light, checked the code on the truck. The code I got was p0933, transmission hydraulic low pressure sensor. Truck was driving fine still. So I took it to the dealer, typically I do everything myself, but I was on a time crunch and am driving 1600 miles over the next few days. I was hoping for just a faulty sensor and the dealer would replace it right away before my trip. After running diagnostics, the dealer says I am only getting 25 psi, which isn't anywhere near the 125 psi that should be put out by the transmission pump. The dealer says I need a new remaned transmission and quote me $6500. I obviously wont let the dealer do that work due to the cost. I can pull and replace the tranny myself on a weekend.

So my question is, for anyone who has ever replaced the 545rfe, was there a specific brand or company you went with? And if so how has the transmission been so far? I was hoping there is a big name company out there who has the 545rfe. I know ATS has a remaned one for right around $2000. I have heard both good and bad about ATS in the diesel world, but don't know how their gas trans are. Any other companies, or just general remanufactured trans suppliers I should check out?

Little info about my truck.

2010 Dodge Ram 2500 ST
4x4 Reg cab 5.7L 545RFE
just under 100,000 miles on it
always overly maintained. Trans fluid and both filters changed at 50000 miles
I do tow up to 9k, but not too often. Typically I am loading the bed to payload capacity.

Anyone else have experience with the P0933 code before? Wasn't sure if its possible that the sump filter came out of place and that would cause the pressure loss all of a sudden.

Thanks for your time guys

 

[ST-8]

Junkyard trans the way to go. If you do it yourself you can be up an running for well under 1k

 

[Lee Peterson]

I've read a few people having the spin on filter come loose causing low pressure. How did they check pressure, threw OBD port or with a mechanical gauge on the trans?

 

[Pull Ya]

I would do some research on ATS before you buy anything from them. Their reputation has gone to hell in the last few years. Paramount now has a transmission they are selling but it is a little more expensive than the OEM. From all reports it seems to be "bullet proof".
Jay

 

[2010 Infantry Vet]

Call paramount

 

[huntergreen]

Paramount or stock. Depends on how long you are keeping the truck.

 

[meedom]

Unfortunately it looks like you won't get a warranty on a Paramount tranny though....

Due to current tuning capabilities there is no warranty for these products. We also recommend torque management needs be retained in tune for proper operation of all MOPAR platform transmissions.

 

[2010 Infantry Vet]

Unfortunately it looks like you won't get a warranty on a Paramount tranny though....

Due to current tuning capabilities there is no warranty for these products. We also recommend torque management needs be retained in tune for proper operation of all MOPAR platform transmissions.

Do you work for paramount?

 

[meedom]

Nope, just checked out the website.....

 

[2010 Infantry Vet]

Do you work for paramount?

I spoke with the owner over the phone, and he said he has had the built 545RE in his own personal truck and it’s pushing 800 RWHP and is holding up fine. That was the selling point for me...when mine blows of course.

 

[HemiHavoc]

My transmission was making a whining noise at the beginning of the year, so in May I replaced it. It wasn't shot, but it was only a matter of time. I went with this company and so far it has been great. Plus their service was really good (which seems really hard to find these days).

https://spprecision.com/products/54...MIhZDE19GS2gIVSrnACh1howxXEAQYASABEgJYDPD_BwE

 

[lchron36]

Sorry for the delay guys. I had to take a Silverado on vacation which, personally not a fan of.

If it would just be that spin on filter that would be great. But I am unsure of what the extent of damage is now due to operating at such low pressure for about 30 miles. I noticed when i was driving home from the dealership I could hear the tranny whine, so thats not good. I guess at this point I might as well replace it.

I know junkyard trans would be the most cost effective way to go, especially since I only plan to keep this reg cab one to three years more, then upgrade to a crew cab. I was even weighing the possibility of just trading it in soon, of course I wouldn't get the full trade value unless I replaced the trans. Anyone have any useful tips on locating a solid junk yard trans? other than the obvious call them. I also got a quote from a trans reman company called Street Smart transmissions. They seem to be a pretty decent deal. It's $1880 for the trans, torque converter and Pennzoil Platinum LV Multi-Vehicle synthetic fluid. Their warranty is 3yr/unlimited miles.

HemiHavoc - Thanks for the tip on that company. Did you do your swap yourself? Did they include the torque converter like in the picture on their site? Any small changes you noticed from the oem trans to that company's?

My dealership also recommended that I put a new trans cooler in for the chance that there are metal particles in the cooler, which could get in the new trans. I was thinking there may be a way for me to flush it out. Or I wont mind changing it out for a new one for piece of mind. Do you think it is a valid possibility of metal fragments in the cooler which would take out the new trans?

Thanks again for the help guys! Yall are the best