2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 42RLE - Service Information - Nitro

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

PRELIMINARY

Two basic procedures are required. One procedure for vehicles that are drivable and an alternate procedure for
disabled vehicles (will not back up or move forward).
VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

7.
8.
9.

Record all DTCs and the accompanying DTC Event Data.

Check for an appropriate Technical Service Bulletin that applies to the customer complaint.
Check fluid level and condition.
Road test and note how transmission upshifts, downshifts, and engages.
If the complaint was related to shift quality, perform the TCM QUICK LEARN procedure , and the
DRIVE LEARN Procedure .
If the shift complaint still exists, compare actual line pressure (sensor reading, using the scan tool) to the
Desired Line Pressure reading, in Park, Drive, and Reverse at 1500 RPM. Check that the LP sensor reads
30 psi (the minimum it should ever display) with key on/engine off.
Perform air-pressure test to check clutch operation. See DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING.
Replace the Transmission Solenoid/TRS Assembly and perform the Quick Learn and Drive Learn
procedures again.
If the complaint still exists, remove, inspect, and repair the transmission as necessary.

VEHICLE IS DISABLED

1. Record all DTCs and the accompanying DTC Event Data.

2. With engine running, place transmission in gear and verify correct PRNDL reading. Observe the Input
and Output speeds using the scan tool. If output RPM is greater than zero but vehicle does not move,
check for transfer case in Neutral (or failed internally), failed propshaft, or failed/disconnected drive axle.
If output RPM is zero and input RPM is greater than zero, internal transmission slippage is indicated. Run
clutch slip tests using the scan tool, check oil pan for debris, and air check the various clutch circuits.
3. Shift the transmission into neutral, if both input and output speeds are zero, check flexplate bolts, torque
converter, and transmission input shaft.
4. Compare actual line pressure (sensor reading, using the scan tool) to the Desired Line Pressure reading, in
Park, Drive, and Reverse at 1500 RPM. Check that the LP sensor reads 30 psi (the minimum it should
ever display) with key on/engine off. If line pressure is incorrect, check fluid level and condition.
5. Remove, inspect, and repair the transmission as necessary.
HYDRAULIC PRESSURE TESTS - 42RLE

NOTE:

Before preforming the hydraulic pressure tests be certain to disconnect the

Variable Line Pressure (VLP) electrical connector at the transmission. Check for
and clear any codes that may have been set after preforming any hydraulic
pressure test and connecting the Variable Line Pressure (VLP) electrical

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2007 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 42RLE - Service Information - Nitro

connector.

Fig. 8: Pressure Taps

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
1 - TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH OFF
2 - REVERSE
3 - LOW/REVERSE
4 - 2/4
5 - UNDERDRIVE
6 - TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH ON
7 - OVERDRIVE
Pressure testing is a very important step in the diagnostic procedure. These tests usually reveal the cause of
most transmission problems.
Before performing pressure tests, be certain that fluid level and condition, and shift cable adjustments have been
checked and approved. Fluid must be at operating temperature (150 to 200 degrees F.).
Install an engine tachometer, raise vehicle on hoist which allows the wheels to turn, and position tachometer so
it can be read.
Using special adapters L-4559, attach 300 psi gauge(s) C-3293SP to the port(s) required for test being
conducted.
Test port locations are shown in the Pressure Taps graphic. See Fig. 8
TEST ONE - SELECTOR IN MANUAL 1 (1st Gear)

NOTE:

This test checks pump output, pressure regulation and condition of the
low/reverse clutch hydraulic circuit and shift schedule.

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2007 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 42RLE - Service Information - Nitro

1. Attach pressure gauge to the low/reverse clutch tap.

2. Move selector lever to the MANUAL 1 position.
3. Allow vehicle wheels to turn and increase throttle opening to achieve an indicated vehicle speed to 20
mph.
4. Low/reverse clutch pressure should read 115 to 145 psi.
TEST TWO - SELECTOR IN MANUAL 2 (Second Gear)

NOTE:

This test checks the underdrive clutch hydraulic circuit as well as the shift
schedule.

1. Attach gauge to the underdrive clutch tap.

2. Move selector lever to the MANUAL 2 position.
3. Allow vehicle wheels to turn and increase throttle opening to achieve an indicated vehicle speed of 30
mph.
4. In second gear the underdrive clutch pressure should read 110 to 145 psi.
TEST TWO A - SELECTOR IN DRIVE (OD ON - Fourth Gear)

NOTE:

1.
2.
3.
4.

This test checks the underdrive clutch hydraulic circuit as well as the shift
schedule.

Attach gauge to the underdrive clutch tap.

Move selector lever to the DRIVE position. Verify that the OD switch is ON.
Allow wheels to rotate freely and increase throttle opening to achieve an indicated speed of 40 mph.
Underdrive clutch pressure should read below 5 psi. If not, than either the solenoid assembly or controller
is at fault.

TEST THREE - SELECTOR IN DRIVE (OD OFF - Third and Second Gear)

NOTE:

This test checks the overdrive clutch hydraulic circuit as well as the shift
schedule.

1. Attach gauge to the overdrive clutch tap.

2. Move selector lever to the DRIVE position.
3. Allow vehicle wheels to turn and increase throttle opening to achieve an indicated vehicle speed of 20
mph.
4. Overdrive clutch pressure should read 74 to 95 psi.
5. Move selector lever to the DRIVE position and increase indicated vehicle speed to 30 mph.
6. The vehicle should be in second gear and overdrive clutch pressure should be less than 5 psi.
TEST FOUR - SELECTOR IN DRIVE (OD ON - Fourth Gear)

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NOTE:

This test checks the 2/4 clutch hydraulic circuit.

1. Attach gauge to the 2/4 clutch tap.

2. Move selector lever to the DRIVE position.
3. Allow vehicle front wheels to turn and increase throttle opening to achieve an indicated vehicle speed of
30 mph. Vehicle should be in fourth gear.
4. The 2/4 clutch pressure should read 75 to 95 psi.
TEST FIVE-SELECTOR IN DRIVE (OD ON - Fourth Gear, CC on)

NOTE:

These tests check the torque converter clutch hydraulic circuit.

1. Attach gauge to the torque converter clutch off pressure tap.

2. Move selector lever to the DRIVE position.
3. Allow vehicle wheels to turn and increase throttle opening to achieve an indicated vehicle speed of 50
mph. Vehicle should be in 4th gear, CC on.
CAUTION: Both wheels must turn at the same speed.

4.
5.
6.
7.

Torque converter clutch off pressure should be less than 5 psi.

Now attach the gauge to the torque converter clutch on pressure tap.
Move selector to the OD position.
Allow vehicle wheels to turn and increase throttle opening to achieve an indicated vehicle speed of 50
mph.
8. Verify the torque converter clutch is applied mode using the RPM display of the scan tool.
9. Torque converter clutch on pressure should be 60-90 psi.
TEST SIX-SELECTOR IN REVERSE

NOTE:

This test checks the reverse clutch hydraulic circuit.

1. Attach gauge to the reverse and low/reverse clutch tap.

2. Move selector lever to the REVERSE position.
3. Read reverse clutch pressure with output stationary (foot on brake) and throttle opened to achieve 1500
RPM.
4. Reverse and low/reverse clutch pressure should read 165 to 235 psi.
TEST RESULT INDICATIONS

1. If proper line pressure is found in any one test, the pump and pressure regulator are working properly.
2. Low pressure in all positions indicates a defective pump, a clogged filter, or a stuck pressure regulator
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valve.
3. Clutch circuit leaks are indicated if pressures do not fall within the specified pressure range.
4. If the overdrive clutch pressure is greater than 5 psi in step 6 of Test Three, a worn reaction shaft seal ring
or a defective solenoid assembly is indicated.
5. If the underdrive clutch pressure is greater than 5 psi in step 4 of Test Two-A, a defective
solenoid/pressure switch assembly or controller is the cause.
ALL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS ARE PSI (on hoist, with wheels free to turn)
Gear
Actual Gear
PRESSURE TAPS
Selector
Underdrive Overdrive Reverse Torque Torque
2/4 Low/Reverse
Position
Clutch
Clutch Clutch Converter Converter Clutch
Clutch
Clutch
Clutch
Off
On
PARK - 0 PARK
0-2
0-5
0-2
60-110
45-100
0-2
115-145
mph *
REVERSE - REVERSE
0-2
0-7
165-235 50-100
35-85
0-2
165-235
0 mph *
NEUTRAL NEUTRAL 0-2
0-5
0-2
60-110
45-100
0-2
115-145
- 0 mph *
Low - 20
FIRST
110-145
0-5
0-2
60-110
45-100
0-2
115-145
mph #
Third - 30 SECOND
110-145
0-5
0-2
60-110
45-100
115- 0-2
mph #
145
Third - 45 DIRECT
75-95
75-95
0-2
60-90
45-80
0-2
0-2
mph #
OD - 30
OVERDRIVE 0-2
75-95
0-2
60-90
45-80
75-95 0-2
mph #
OD - 50
OVERDRIVE 0-2
75-95
0-2
0-5
60-95
75-95 0-2
mph #
WITH TCC
* Engine Speed at 1500 RPM
# CAUTION: Both wheels must be turning at same speed.
CLUTCH AIR PRESSURE TESTS - 42RLE

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Fig. 9: Air Pressure Test Plates & 2/4 Clutch Retainer Hole
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
1 - AIR PRESSURE TEST PLATES
2 - 2/4 CLUTCH RETAINER HOLE
Inoperative clutches can be located by substituting air pressure for fluid pressure. The clutches may be tested by
applying air pressure to their respective passages after the valve body has been removed. Use Plate Set 6599-1
(1) and 6599-2 (1) to perform test. See Fig. 9.
To make air pressure tests, proceed as follows:
NOTE:

The compressed air supply must be free of all dirt and moisture. Use a pressure
of 30 psi.

1. Remove oil pan and valve body. See REMOVAL.

2. Apply air pressure to the holes in the special tool (1), one at a time.
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3. Listen for the clutch to apply. It will give a slight thud sound. If a large amount of air is heard escaping,
the transmission must be removed from vehicle, disassembled and all seals inspected.
2/4 CLUTCH

Apply air pressure to the feed hole located on the 2/4 clutch retainer (2). Look in the area where the 2/4 piston
contacts the first separator plate and watch carefully for the 2/4 piston to move rearward. The piston should
return to its original position after the air pressure is removed.
OVERDRIVE CLUTCH

Apply air pressure to the overdrive clutch apply passage and watch for the push/pull piston to move forward.
The piston should return to its starting position when the air pressure is removed.
REVERSE CLUTCH

Apply air pressure to the reverse clutch apply passage and watch for the push/pull piston to move rearward. The
piston should return to its starting position when the air pressure is removed.
LOW/REVERSE CLUTCH

Apply air pressure to the low/reverse clutch feed hole passage. Look in the area where the low/reverse piston
contacts the first separator plate. Watch carefully for the piston to move forward. The piston should return to its
original position after the air pressure is removed.
UNDERDRIVE CLUTCH

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Fig. 10: Testing Underdrive Clutch

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
1 - AIR PRESSURE TEST PLATE 6599-1
2 - AIR NOZZLE
Because this clutch piston cannot be seen, its operation is checked by function. Use an air nozzle (2) to apply air
pressure is to the low/reverse or the 2/4 clutch opening in Plate Set 6599-1 (2). This locks the output shaft. Use
a piece of rubber hose wrapped around the input shaft and a pair of clamp-on pliers to turn the input shaft. Next
apply air pressure to the underdrive clutch. The input shaft should not rotate with hand torque. Release the air
pressure and confirm that the input shaft will rotate. See Fig. 10.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RLE

CAUTION: Before attempting any repair on the 42RLE Four Speed Automatic
Transmission, always check for proper shift cable adjustment. Also check
for diagnostic trouble codes with the scan tool and the 42RLE
Transmission Diagnostic information.
42RLE automatic transmission malfunctions may be caused by these general conditions:
Poor engine performance
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2007 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 42RLE - Service Information - Nitro

Improper adjustments
Hydraulic malfunctions
Mechanical malfunctions
Electronic malfunctions
When diagnosing a problem always begin with recording the complaint. The complaint should be defined as
specific as possible. Include the following checks:
Temperature at occurrence (cold, hot, both)
Dynamic conditions (acceleration, deceleration, upshift, cornering)
Elements in use when condition occurs (what gear is transmission in during condition)
Road and weather conditions
Any other useful diagnostic information.
After noting all conditions, check the easily accessible variables:
Fluid level and condition
Shift cable adjustment
Diagnostic trouble code inspection
Then perform a road test to determine if the problem has been corrected or that more diagnosis is necessary. If
the problem exists after the preliminary tests and corrections are completed, hydraulic pressure checks should
be performed.
FLUID LEAKAGE
FLUID LEAKAGE - TORQUE CONVERTER HOUSING AREA

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Fig. 11: Fluid Leakage Paths

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
1 - PUMP SEAL
2 - PUMP VENT
3 - PUMP BOLT
4 - PUMP GASKET
5 - CONVERTER HOUSING
6 - CONVERTER
7 - REAR MAIN SEAL LEAK
When diagnosing converter housing (5) fluid leaks, three actions must be taken before repair:
1. Verify proper transmission fluid level.
2. Verify that the leak originates from the converter housing area and is transmission fluid.
3. Determine the true source of the leak.
Fluid leakage at or around the torque converter area may originate from an engine oil leak (7). The area should
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2007 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 42RLE - Service Information - Nitro

be examined closely. Factory fill fluid is red and, therefore, can be distinguished from engine oil. See Fig. 11.
Some suspected converter housing fluid leaks may not be leaks at all. They may only be the result of residual
fluid in the converter housing, or excess fluid spilled during factory fill, or fill after repair. Converter housing
leaks have several potential sources. Through careful observation, a leak source can be identified before
removing the transmission for repair.
Pump seal (1) leaks tend to move along the drive hub and onto the rear of the converter. Pump o-ring or pump
body leaks follow the same path as a seal leak. Pump attaching bolt (3) leaks are generally deposited on the
inside of the converter housing (5) and not on the converter itself. Pump seal (1) or gasket (4) leaks usually
travel down the inside of the converter housing. See Fig. 11.
TORQUE CONVERTER LEAKAGE

Fig. 12: Outside Diameter Weld, Torque Converter Hub Weld, Starter Ring Gear & Lug
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC
1 - OUTSIDE DIAMETER WELD
2 - TORQUE CONVERTER HUB WELD
3 - STARTER RING GEAR
4 - LUG
Possible sources of torque converter leakage are:
Torque converter weld leaks at the outside diameter weld (1). See Fig. 12
Torque converter hub weld (2).
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2007 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 42RLE - Service Information - Nitro

ROAD TEST

Prior to performing a road test, verify that the fluid level, fluid condition, and linkage adjustment have been
approved.
During the road test, the transmission should be operated in each position to check for slipping and any
variation in shifting.
If the vehicle operates properly at highway speeds, but has poor acceleration, the converter stator overrunning
clutch may be slipping. If acceleration is normal, but high throttle opening is needed to maintain highway
speeds, the converter stator clutch may have seized. Both of these stator defects require replacement of the
torque converter and thorough transmission cleaning.
Slipping clutches can be isolated by comparing the "Elements in Use" chart with clutch operation encountered
on a road test. This chart identifies which clutches are applied at each position of the selector lever.
A slipping clutch may also set a DTC and can be determined by operating the transmission in all selector
positions.
ELEMENTS IN USE AT EACH POSITION OF SELECTOR LEVER
INPUT CLUTCHES
HOLDING CLUTCHES
Shift Lever
Position
Underdrive
Overdrive
Reverse
2/4
Low/Reverse
P - PARK
X
R - REVERSE
X
X
N - NEUTRAL
X
OD - OVERDRIVE
First
X
X
Second
X
X
Direct
X
X
Overdrive
X
X
D - DRIVE*
First
X
X
Second
X
X
Direct
X
X
L - LOW*
First
X
X
Second
X
X
Direct
X
X
* Vehicle upshift and downshift speeds are increased when in these selector positions.
The process of elimination can be used to detect any unit which slips and to confirm proper operation of good
units. Road test analysis can diagnose slipping units, but the cause of the malfunction cannot be determined.
Practically any condition can be caused by leaking hydraulic circuits or sticking valves.
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