Chrysler RFE is a range of electronic control automatic transmissions with a manual gear selector feature found on Chrysler, Jeep, RAM and Dodge models, among others. In 1999, the first transmission of this series, the 4-speed 45RFE transmission, was installed on Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. Subsequently, 5- and 6-speed gearboxes were launched. All are intended for both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles. It is characterized by excellent performance, reliability and durability.
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How Chrysler RFE transmissions work
Unlike traditional automatic transmissions, Chrysler RFE has 3 planetary gears rather than 2, which allows more modes to be used and gear ratios to be set more precisely. To manually select a specific gear, the driver moves the shift lever to the appropriate position. Depending on the transmission revision and vehicle model, as well as the year the vehicle was manufactured, the shift pattern may vary.
Popular Chrysler RFE Transmission Versions
| Transmission Code | Number of gears | Max. Displacement in liters | Max. Engine torque, N m | Year of manufacture | Models |
| 45RFE | 4 | 500 | 4.7 | 1999 | Jeep Grand Cherokee; dodge ram; Dodge Dakota; Jeep Liberty; Dodge Durango |
| 545RFE | 5 | 500 | 5.7 | 2001 | Dodge Power Wagon; Jeep Grand Cherokee; dodge ram; Jeep Commander; Dodge Dakota; Jeep Liberty; Dodge Durango; Mitsubishi Raiders; Chrysler Aspens; Jeep Wrangler |
| 68RFE | 6 | 1152 | 6,7 | 2007 | Dodge Ram |
| 65RFE | 6 | 540 | 5.7 | 2012 | Dodge Durango; Jeep Grand Cherokee; Ram 1500 |
Common defects in the Chrysler RFE transmission
| Defects | Transmission |
| Wear on the seals and rings of the hydraulic system. It's also possible for them to crack due to overheating. | 45RFE; 68RFE; 545RFE |
| If the fine oil filter is not replaced in time, the electronics can fail and the pipes of the hydraulic unit can become clogged. | 45RFE; 545RFE |
| The electromagnetic assemblies fail prematurely. | 545RFE; 45RFE |
| The contacting parts of the oil pump will wear out if the gearbox is not serviced in time. | 545RFE; 45RFE |
| The overrunning clutch, as well as the friction discs and the seals of the torque converter, wear out prematurely. | 68RFE |