From Australia, I did the TCM swap with my 45 to 545 and the result was instant. At 100Km/hr the engine revs were 2200 with the 45, with the 545 the revs are now 1780.
I wish I would have known all of this before I bought my 99 Limited. No regrets of any kind, but would have done more to it knowing all of this information. Keep the videos coming with all of your explanations. Makes a world of a difference. Thanks again. Wish I could share pics of mine on here. Drove it for over 100K with a bad lifter. bought with 130K and drove from L.A. to Cincinnati, on Route 66 and back through the northern states. Miss it...
Performed the swap on my 02 Dakota today. You are exactly right...1st gear is now a little quicker and I felt 5th around 55 MPH. The swap was a literal piece of cake. Thanks for the info.
In my 2002 KJ, I swapped in the 545rfe TCM from a 2001 WJ. I noticed an improved shift pattern and a 200 rpm drop in top gear. It seems to hold gears more often when accelerating or under load, allowing you to make full use of the torque without constantly downshifting. I recently added a Michigan Motorsports line pressure booster, $18 and 1min install. It now has quicker shifts and feels the way it should have come from the factory.
Yes! The Blue Dragon (2001 Limited) has the 545RFE! I always just figured it was a 45RFE because it has a 45RFE placard on the side of the transmission case. Thanks for the build sheet tip Doug! Lovin the channel. Thank you guys for representing the WJ community!
Found one and installed it today on my 2000 WJ! 2K RPM at 70MPH is NICE! I used the Build Sheet info website to verify the Jeep at the junkyard came with a 545RFE stock. Got there and discovered someone had already pulled it and left it and the mounting bracket (with the screws) sitting on the driver's seat. Talk about cake walk, I brought tools for nothing lol!
Follow up, i'm noticing rough shifting into 2nd (both up and down) since the TCM swap, wasn't doing that with old TCM, gonna swap back tomorrow to test. Could that indicate a bad 545RFE TCM?
Yes, I have the 45rfe in the 99. At highway speeds it's all RAWRRRRRRR. I actually killed my tensioner pulley while on the highway. $76 and a ride to/from the jeep and my garage for tools got a new one in, roadside. I can't wait until I can find a new TCM.
Thank you so much. A while ago I had the jeep worked on and after that it didn't change the same way it used to and never really got the same fuel consumption that I had previously. I heard along the grape vine that a mechanic working for this business had improved his mates jeep with parts from other vehicles (namely mine). Made complaints and never was able to prove anything. I now have a spare jeep to pull apart and will use your information to see if this part had been swapped out. Awesome.
I have little over 98,000 miles on the 545rfe in my Dodge Dakota doing 10 hr trips across Texas and it’s been great with only a bad relay fuse. Doing a filter and fluid change sucks cause of a support arm in the way but it sounds and pulls so good with the 4.7 V8 when it goes up hill with a load. 😊
I'm doing the tcm now due to p0613 code which is internal processor failure but my tcm was halt in with 3 torx course thread screws. I'm going through headache after headache after headache with this jeeps electrical for the trans... I really hope I can get it fixed soon cause I really need my ride for work . But I'm going to def give my 45rfe the update to 5th gear for sure... thank u for the insightful and knowlagable video!!!👍👍👍
Wow! Electronically different, Amazing!!! Yea man, Jeeps are muddy Indeed! I feel like Jeep has always been inconsistent with their changes. XJs switching from a High to a Low pinion D30 in 2000 pisses me off most! I heard that change was to prepare for the Liberty on the way and I guess they ran out of high pinions a year early. lol.
Gotta love it man.. HAHA. Between that and the 50/50 mix of metric and standard fasteners, we should all have our heads checked for being so loyal to Jeeps (just kidding!)
Thanks for the link btw for the build sheet,My 1999 limited has the 45 trans and it runs around 1800 to 2000 rpm at 70mph and to be honest I have to commute up and down the hill out here in lone pine ca it could use lower gears in my opinion , dose do great on the highway tho getting 18-20 mpg
Thanks for this information because I need to do some work on my Durango transmission and I wouldn't mind swapping over a tcm and I'm seriously considering getting a Fiat 124 Spyder abarth
Ty for your intelligent knowledge on the dodge and jeep information. I have a 2001 dodge Dakota sport I git from my father when he passed. And I want to maintain it and improve it .plus it is fully loaded. I love . It even though I'm a Chevy guy. Lol. If I didn't love Chevrolet so much .I would definitely love dodge ; )
2nd video I've watched regarding this hack. I have a 2001 Durango SLT Plus (mfr date 06/01) and I'm about to do the PCM swap. My 2003 Dakota SLT has the 5 speed PCM but its not torqued up like Jeep. So im going with the jeep item number(s)
Excellent video Doug. For viewer reference: The 2 second gear ratios are 1.67:1 for upshifting and 2nd Prime is 1.50:1 for downshifting. Keep it up gents! Your videos are awesome.👍
The Vin search was pretty cool bought my first ever jeep it's an 2000 xj. While looking up the vin it was built for a U.S fleet. Pretty cool info for the build sheets would love to find out what company and all! Thanks for the good content!
Damn! Good ear! I have a rear axle bearing that could use some attention.. the 17" wheels thing is a personal choice. For me I always go with the smallest rim possible. Just how I roll
@@DEInTheGarage i personally like more tire myself but when i bought my rims i had new tires so i had to match them and got 17s with -12mm offset. It grew on me and looking nice plus i like the wider stance it gives my wj!
I have a 2002 Dodge Durango with 4.7L and a 45RFE (DG4) transmission. So not all vehicles after 2001 have the 545 rfe transmission as explained in the video.
Doug, You refer to, WJ,,, what do those letters represent ?? I have a '02 Dakota that I looked up on the Chrysler website you listed,, and I do have the 45RFE Transmission,, so all I have to do is to find a TCM from a 545RFE Trans ??
Hey bud. Most Jeep models have a two letter distinction. The Grand Cherokee I have (99=04) which came with the 4.7L is known as a "WJ". Long story short, it does not apply to you if you aren't in a Jeep. In your dodge all you need is the TCM from a truck with the 545 and you are good to go!
Searched my local u pull u pay for hours looking for the right tcm. Ended up finding one stashed in the trunk of an Oldsmobile 🤣 best $20 I ever spent!
I would be interested in learning more about the TCM hack to change the amount of gears and how it could work. Sure would be cool to know how to tune the TCM to add more gears. I was always confused why the 545rfe trans in my 1Ton felt like it had 6 forward gears thanks.
Awesome info... I have a P0740 code on my 4.7l 2004 grand cherokee. I was wondering if you ever had that code and if so was a full rebuild needed to clear out the code.
I'd trade if I thought the mail would handle the exchange fast enough to get me to work on Monday. I want the 545 but since I have 99 GC I have the 45.
I do not know anyone who has done it in a Liberty, but everything I understand about the 45 and 545 is that it will work. Regardless of application the 45 and 545 always used the same eternal TCM which means this swap is always possible. Now my question is ... is Dodge and the Grand Cherokee already had the 545 in 2003 (since mid 2001)... are you sure you 03 Liberty doesn't already have it?
@@DEInTheGarage Νο, my liberty haw 45RFE for sure.... I belive that body in Dodge, jeep etc are diferent but mechanical and electronics are the same.... I am asking for this exact pn. If it works in other 45RFE it will work for me also. Just to be sure before order....!!!!! Note that I am in Hellas, in the other side of the planet....!!!!
I own a 2002 sxt with a 45rfe transmission with a 5speed overdrive which is confusing and what I have learned is this transmission is completely electronic .
I did this TCM swap on my 2001 Dodge Dakota 4.7L and it works amazingly well. I got the info from another video made by Tony the Truck Guy who did it on his Dakota. As you mentioned it ONLY works on the 45RFE trannys to convert it to 5spd auto. I bought a used tcm from an 03 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the p/n P56044574AC. Simple install and I am extremely happy I did it. You are right when driving on the freeway with a 4 spd auto, that engine is working overtime at speeds of 65mph or higher. Now I am cruising at 60mph @ 1600rpms instead of 2100rpms. It equates to better mileage on the freeway, does not do much for city driving though but I still love it that improved my gas mileage for freeway driving. Here's the video I watched when I did this, ua-cam.com/video/0XigAx86Zp0/v-deo.html.
I know this old. Sorry for the late arrival. I know my 00 Dakota came with the 45RFE, but to my understanding...if I drive down the road and it shifts 4 times, my TCM has already had the update?
@@DEInTheGarage sounds good and from what info you gave in the video I have the same jeep that you have and with quadra drive also but my transmission is the 45rfe
What's funny is how he said Crysler just throws leftover shit into the next model line of cars. I must have the only 2002 Jeep Liberty Limited edition 4x4 3.7Lt. with a 45RFE 4 speed automatic trans, with overdrive. Not the 545RFE and I have confirmed the trans is original to this Liberty, Oh- wait is that why they called it a limited edition? Limited to the leftover parts on hand? LMAO :) I will most defiantly be doing this. Thank you for confirming what I had suspected after seeing a broken down trans at the wrecking yard, I also knew about the possibility of 8 forward gears and 3 reverse gears. Thanks buddy great video, will be subscribing just for that. :)
D&E, I can now confirm everything you said is true. I watch your video a year ago to confirm what I had already found out from Martin on martinbuilt's channel, and from my own exhausting 3 month-long research, the 45RFE and the 545RFE are in fact the same physical transmission with just a software update to them to go from a 4-5 speed trans. I did the swap out on the TCM shortly after watching your's and Martin's videos, and will never look back. It was as easy as changing a lightbulb. I went from the 45RFE running at 2400 RPMs at 65 MPH to the 545RFE running 1500 RPMs at 65 MPH with a one-year-long test concluding in a drastic Mile Per Gallon increase from 14 MPG at the start to a whopping 19 MPG in town and 23-24 MPG on the open highway. Guys an increase of 5-6 MPG is frigen amazing. Plus not to mention the longevity of the trans running at a lower RPM means it runs cooler and will last longer. Thanks again for the great video D&E.
From what I'm finding there's slight differences from year to year and make to make in the software compatability. I just pulled a tcm from an 03 and put in my 2000 and it wouldn't communicate with the software in the tcm which I don't understand what the reasons for the changes but it screwwed me big time
Yes but having eight forward gears also means that there's a problem with fitting as many clutches in the clutch packs and you end up with 8 shitty gears instead of 4 good solid gears. It never seems to work out well. Unless you can make the transmission large enough to put enough clutch packs in it to make it last. There's always a trade-off.
@@44hawk28 never thought of that but I think the 8 speed is a dsg so it has normal gears like a manual and is shifted by electric solenoids inside the transmission at least that's how vw does it
I’m not sure about your year info, I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 4.7 and as far as I know it has a 45rfe. I could be wrong. Maybe we are only talking jeeps.
Did the data build spec sheet and it says under the standard equipt it had quadra-trac ll on demand but then on optional equipt it says quadra drive ll? It is a quadra drive but was the quadra drive ll really an option for 01 WJ? Just bought it and this thing is LOADED! Inside, outside and underneath it's got all the skid plates as well, looks like damn near like an overland build.
Mine is the exact same. 2001 with QD. It lists QTII under the standard equipment and QD under the optional. I am assuming that since QD was the nicest package they considered it an "upgrade" in 2001 since QTII was a standard option. Sounds like you have a really awesome WJ there!
@@DEInTheGarage Yeah, I got the 247 not the 245. That and ESD of QD2 with the Variloks that I have didnt make sense. I will print it out and take it in to the dealership and demand that they hold up their end of things since it wasnt installed😂. Tell them we will call it even if they fab the mounts and install the JKs axles with lockers😏
I have a 2007 RAM with a 545RFE and was wondering why at 65 mph on a flat stretch, the RPM would sometimes be 1.8k RPM and other times be 2.2k RPM. I thought the transmission was slipping but your expanation of the transmission potentially having 8 forward gears was really helpful- thanks!
You may be noticing a difference because you are near a shift point. If you are accecerating you may get a higher rpm than if you go sligly faster (letting it shift to the next gear) then slow. I noticed the same thing on my 02 Dakota. Accelerating to 45 the rpms are higher than if I go 50 then slow to 45. Did the hack, 300 less rpms on the highway. Easy way to tell which TCM you have at highway sleep turn OD off then on, 1 up shifts 45RFE (4SP) 2 up shifts 545RFE. (5SP)
Brother great vid. I’m trying to verify what transmission I have between the 45 RFE or the 545 RFE. The website you referred to tells me I have a 45RFE. I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 4.7. I don’t think I have the 545 and I need to save that gas. I wrote down the details from that site it says 4 speed 45rfe. Thanks I need to know for sure
@@dbkhew10 I'm not sure if it's possible. But the 42re and 42rle were installed on the 4.0L. The 45rfe and 545rfe were installed on the 4.7L. So again I'm not sure if it's do-able, but the gearing would be optimized for their corresponding engines.
@@DEInTheGarage I found a forum thread that lists the TSB the dealer would need to perform the update. www.jeepforum.com/forum/f310/45rfe-flashed-545rfe-1086147/#/topics/1086147?page=1
So when does the 5th gear come into play will be at the end of the gears or in the middle so for example right now I have four gears will that 5th gear come into play after my fourth gear
Hi There... i Have Jeep JK 2.8L CRDi with has T12TJ body transmision. And it runs only 4speed. Not in 5speed. Is your software hack can change into 5speed mode in my Jeep??
My 2001 jeep grand Cherokee limited door sticker says it was made in 09-2000 and my transmission sticker says 45rfe but my RPM is at 2,000 when doing 70mph so I'm assuming my tcm has already been flashed do you know what rpm the 545rfe has when doing 70mph
Hi Doug, I have a 2000 WJ 3.1 Diesel with 42RE Transmission. I only have 1, 2, 3 and O/D. Can I use the upgrade the TCM of the 545RFE? Regards. Thanks for the tips!
I seen when you put that they were the exact same transmission... My question is I have a 2002 Dodge ram 1500 4 wheel drive adjust acquired according to my research it has a 45 RFE which is burnt out I have a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7 that has a 545rfe... Everything I've been reading so far says I can chunk that transmission right in that truck and leaves the factory TCM and it should function as a four speed just like normal or I could use the TCM from the Jeep and utilize the transmission as a 5-speed.... Is all of this correct can I use this transmission in my Dodge truck in either scenario I really don't care if it utilizes the 5-speed function or not I just want to get the truck on the road and drive it...👍👍👍.. I also have a '04 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7 with the same transmission was going to use it but it's farther away from the year of the Dodge truck I figured the 2001 Jeep would be a closer match or are they The same?... As far as working in my Dodge truck....?
Sure wish somebody would get back with my comment..I've got the truck at my house with the transmission out and ready I'm getting ready to pull a transmission from one of my many 4.7 Jeep Grand Cherokees. The one I'm thinking about using was made in 4 or 5 of 2001. the truck is a 9 of 2001 which is a 3rd gen with the 4.7.
I have had people tell me you could have the tcm flashed for no charge at the dealership. I believe there was a tsb or recall for this change. I can't confirm or deny this is true as mine is the 545rfe.
You are not swapping the ECM (controls the engine) you are swapping the TCM (controls the transmission), so to answer you questions, no. It will not matter what engine it has as long as it is the proper year
I'm new to this lifestyle and I really want to get an XJ, lift it and turn it into an overlander. Damn, an XJ in good shape is so hard to find in my area (Mid-Atlantic). What year range do you recommend? As a plan B, I'd buy a WJ if I could not find a decent XJ. Which year range and engine would you recommend? Thanks for your help.
If you are going to daily an XJ as well as lift it, get one from 97-01 after they went to OBD II. They are just easier to work on and a bit more comfortable. People will argue that point, but not having OBDII makes diagnosing an issue on what is now a 20+ year old vehicle a PITA. if you go WJ, they are all good, but they made small changes every year so the closer to 2004 you get the better they are. It is nothing major, just small things they improved from 99-04 which make the 04's absolutely perfect. I have videos on both WJs and XJs which explain some of the good bad and ugly. check them out for more info ua-cam.com/video/Mx5yc_KNWUg/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/1phOjmnlwu4/v-deo.html
I have a question to Doug/Eric and all the viewers of this great channel. It appears the WK and XK also had the 4.7 with the 545RFE, however it also had "tiptronic" manual shifting. How would you go about adding this kind of manual shifting to the WJ's 45/545RFE and could you program a switch to change the function of the back steering wheel buttons to be your upshift and downshift paddle-shift commands? would appreciate any feedback.
I'm not sure if that would even be possible. But I guess you could get a competent mechanic to price the job for you and see if he can come up with a way.
Hey Doug, i have a 2001 4.7 that runs around 24-2500 rpms @70. According to my buildsheet it has the 545, and not only that there’s a sticker under my hood stating the TCM was flashed back in 03. I have no codes, and all the gears including OD work fine. Any input? Im having trouble counting the gears as well haha
From Australia, I did the TCM swap with my 45 to 545 and the result was instant. At 100Km/hr the engine revs were 2200 with the 45, with the 545 the revs are now 1780.
I wish I would have known all of this before I bought my 99 Limited. No regrets of any kind, but would have done more to it knowing all of this information. Keep the videos coming with all of your explanations. Makes a world of a difference. Thanks again. Wish I could share pics of mine on here. Drove it for over 100K with a bad lifter. bought with 130K and drove from L.A. to Cincinnati, on Route 66 and back through the northern states. Miss it...
Performed the swap on my 02 Dakota today. You are exactly right...1st gear is now a little quicker and I felt 5th around 55 MPH. The swap was a literal piece of cake. Thanks for the info.
In my 2002 KJ, I swapped in the 545rfe TCM from a 2001 WJ. I noticed an improved shift pattern and a 200 rpm drop in top gear. It seems to hold gears more often when accelerating or under load, allowing you to make full use of the torque without constantly downshifting. I recently added a Michigan Motorsports line pressure booster, $18 and 1min install. It now has quicker shifts and feels the way it should have come from the factory.
Isn't that line booster a 1.5K resistor?..
@@motersickel basically
Yes! The Blue Dragon (2001 Limited) has the 545RFE! I always just figured it was a 45RFE because it has a 45RFE placard on the side of the transmission case. Thanks for the build sheet tip Doug! Lovin the channel. Thank you guys for representing the WJ community!
Found one and installed it today on my 2000 WJ! 2K RPM at 70MPH is NICE! I used the Build Sheet info website to verify the Jeep at the junkyard came with a 545RFE stock. Got there and discovered someone had already pulled it and left it and the mounting bracket (with the screws) sitting on the driver's seat. Talk about cake walk, I brought tools for nothing lol!
Follow up, i'm noticing rough shifting into 2nd (both up and down) since the TCM swap, wasn't doing that with old TCM, gonna swap back tomorrow to test. Could that indicate a bad 545RFE TCM?
Yes, I have the 45rfe in the 99. At highway speeds it's all RAWRRRRRRR. I actually killed my tensioner pulley while on the highway. $76 and a ride to/from the jeep and my garage for tools got a new one in, roadside. I can't wait until I can find a new TCM.
Thank you so much. A while ago I had the jeep worked on and after that it didn't change the same way it used to and never really got the same fuel consumption that I had previously. I heard along the grape vine that a mechanic working for this business had improved his mates jeep with parts from other vehicles (namely mine). Made complaints and never was able to prove anything.
I now have a spare jeep to pull apart and will use your information to see if this part had been swapped out. Awesome.
Damn.. so they stole your TCM?! That is crazy!
That's cray
I have little over 98,000 miles on the 545rfe in my Dodge Dakota doing 10 hr trips across Texas and it’s been great with only a bad relay fuse. Doing a filter and fluid change sucks cause of a support arm in the way but it sounds and pulls so good with the 4.7 V8 when it goes up hill with a load. 😊
Super helpful ! I have a 2001 WJ 4.7 and needs some attention to transmission . Thank you
I'm doing the tcm now due to p0613 code which is internal processor failure but my tcm was halt in with 3 torx course thread screws. I'm going through headache after headache after headache with this jeeps electrical for the trans... I really hope I can get it fixed soon cause I really need my ride for work . But I'm going to def give my 45rfe the update to 5th gear for sure... thank u for the insightful and knowlagable video!!!👍👍👍
Wow! Electronically different, Amazing!!! Yea man, Jeeps are muddy Indeed! I feel like Jeep has always been inconsistent with their changes. XJs switching from a High to a Low pinion D30 in 2000 pisses me off most! I heard that change was to prepare for the Liberty on the way and I guess they ran out of high pinions a year early. lol.
Gotta love it man.. HAHA. Between that and the 50/50 mix of metric and standard fasteners, we should all have our heads checked for being so loyal to Jeeps (just kidding!)
@@DEInTheGarage LMAO. Amen!
I had an 99 f350 7.3 l all factory, it was like whatever they had went in to it. It's not just Chrysler
Thanks for the link btw for the build sheet,My 1999 limited has the 45 trans and it runs around 1800 to 2000 rpm at 70mph and to be honest I have to commute up and down the hill out here in lone pine ca it could use lower gears in my opinion , dose do great on the highway tho getting 18-20 mpg
Sounds like it was updated sometime. My 45rfe does 2400 or so @70.
Its funny you put this out today, I just emailed you about my transmission and my little puddle incident.
I emailed you back
I'm on a long drive and I really appreciate your time on posting this video. Thanks for the info.
I have a 02 jeep liberty that has a 45rfe, its at 2500 rpms at 75mph. I'm looking to upgrade to the 545rfe n came across ur video
Thanks for this information because I need to do some work on my Durango transmission and I wouldn't mind swapping over a tcm and I'm seriously considering getting a Fiat 124 Spyder abarth
I have a 2000 Durango with the 4.7L and 45RFE. My highway speeds at 70 mph are roughly at 2000-2200 rpms. It doesn’t get to 2500+ until I break 80 mph
You are a God. Thank you for this info. I love my WJ and it is still breathing. I hope it runs forever.
Ty for your intelligent knowledge on the dodge and jeep information. I have a 2001 dodge Dakota sport I git from my father when he passed. And I want to maintain it and improve it .plus it is fully loaded. I love . It even though I'm a Chevy guy. Lol. If I didn't love Chevrolet so much .I would definitely love dodge ; )
Thanks for the link Doug,great info.
2nd video I've watched regarding this hack. I have a 2001 Durango SLT Plus (mfr date 06/01) and I'm about to do the PCM swap. My 2003 Dakota SLT has the 5 speed PCM but its not torqued up like Jeep. So im going with the jeep item number(s)
I met a guy who explained this to me last year, he did it to his dodge truck too..
Thanks. It always seemed it could use another gear.
That’s pretty neat I didn’t know you could do that.
Excellent video Doug.
For viewer reference:
The 2 second gear ratios are 1.67:1 for upshifting and 2nd Prime is 1.50:1 for downshifting.
Keep it up gents! Your videos are awesome.👍
How I miss this vid? We just mentioned this a month ago.
I have a 45rfe still. I'll do this in the spring.
@D&E In The Garage. Excellent info and thanks for the input.
The Vin search was pretty cool bought my first ever jeep it's an 2000 xj. While looking up the vin it was built for a U.S fleet. Pretty cool info for the build sheets would love to find out what company and all! Thanks for the good content!
So if I change my converter it won't matter if its a 45RfE or 545???
Thank you for the build sheet info. Great find. Now I know the in's and outs of Lil Betsy. Thanks again bud.
I have two 99-WJs. #1 has a 45RFE that I daily, #2 99-WJ 545RFE pulled out of a river. Engine is toast. But transmission is 545RFE from a 2002.
Where is the TCM located on the 4.7 Durango with a 545RFE
Excellent information!👍
9:20 i hear a wheel bearing! And wtf! Ive got 17inch aftermarket rims and i think they look great!
Damn! Good ear! I have a rear axle bearing that could use some attention.. the 17" wheels thing is a personal choice. For me I always go with the smallest rim possible. Just how I roll
@@DEInTheGarage i personally like more tire myself but when i bought my rims i had new tires so i had to match them and got 17s with -12mm offset. It grew on me and looking nice plus i like the wider stance it gives my wj!
I can get behind that. i have seen your DubJ and dig the look
I have a 2008 ( i know you don't like them) Overland with the 3L turbo diesel and i wish it had a fifth gear. It just screams down the Hwy.
I wouldn't say we dont like them here on D&E. Especially the diesel ones! I would love to have a Diesel WK. Does it have 5th gear?
HAHA.. you got me one that one
I have a 2002 Dodge Durango with 4.7L and a 45RFE (DG4) transmission. So not all vehicles after 2001 have the 545 rfe transmission as explained in the video.
Doug, You refer to, WJ,,, what do those letters represent ?? I have a '02 Dakota that I looked up on the Chrysler website you listed,, and I do have the 45RFE Transmission,, so all I have to do is to find a TCM from a 545RFE Trans ??
Hey bud. Most Jeep models have a two letter distinction. The Grand Cherokee I have (99=04) which came with the 4.7L is known as a "WJ". Long story short, it does not apply to you if you aren't in a Jeep. In your dodge all you need is the TCM from a truck with the 545 and you are good to go!
Searched my local u pull u pay for hours looking for the right tcm. Ended up finding one stashed in the trunk of an Oldsmobile 🤣 best $20 I ever spent!
Do you know what the benefit of making it at 8 speed would be? Also do you know if that code is available?
if you find it or some one willing to program it please let me know where to go, been trying to find that as well
Thank you very much for this video.
I would be interested in learning more about the TCM hack to change the amount of gears and how it could work. Sure would be cool to know how to tune the TCM to add more gears. I was always confused why the 545rfe trans in my 1Ton felt like it had 6 forward gears thanks.
Awesome info... I have a P0740 code on my 4.7l 2004 grand cherokee. I was wondering if you ever had that code and if so was a full rebuild needed to clear out the code.
I cant say I have much info on that code. never had it myself. sorry bud. Check jeepforum.com
I have a question
I want to put a 45rfe in my truck that has a 545rfe
Do I put the TCM from the 45rfe in my truck ?
Keep your TCM and the 45 will become a 545 when you put it in your truck
@@DEInTheGarage awesome man I'm gunna do the swap this weekend and I'll let you know how it goes
I'm hoping for a plug and play haha
I'd trade if I thought the mail would handle the exchange fast enough to get me to work on Monday. I want the 545 but since I have 99 GC I have the 45.
Two years late, but I can confirm that I’m a subscriber who owns an XJ and a Fiat
Can I use a 2 wheel drive out of a 2006 with a 4.7 motor in a truck with a 2004 5.7 hemi that is 4x4
I have a 2003 KJ with 45RFE. The question is simple: The TCM pn 56041905AD will do the job or not?
I do not know anyone who has done it in a Liberty, but everything I understand about the 45 and 545 is that it will work. Regardless of application the 45 and 545 always used the same eternal TCM which means this swap is always possible. Now my question is ... is Dodge and the Grand Cherokee already had the 545 in 2003 (since mid 2001)... are you sure you 03 Liberty doesn't already have it?
@@DEInTheGarage Νο, my liberty haw 45RFE for sure.... I belive that body in Dodge, jeep etc are diferent but mechanical and electronics are the same.... I am asking for this exact pn. If it works in other 45RFE it will work for me also. Just to be sure before order....!!!!! Note that I am in Hellas, in the other side of the planet....!!!!
My 4.0 jeep has an extremely violent shift at highway speeds when going uphill. What could cause this? It is like it skips a gear.
I own a 2002 sxt with a 45rfe transmission with a 5speed overdrive which is confusing and what I have learned is this transmission is completely electronic .
In most any automatic transmission, you have many unused gears. It's super intriguing.
What about the 42RFE? I think that's what I got in my 97 Dakota 5.2
Your thoughts on a 2006 Jeep Commander. Thanks.
I owned one and loved it. The 3.7 leaves something to be desired, but if you can manage a 4.7 or 5.7 Hemi you will love it!
👍
whats transmission is in a 2006 jeep grand cherokee laredo 45rfe or 545rfe
I did this TCM swap on my 2001 Dodge Dakota 4.7L and it works amazingly well. I got the info from another video made by Tony the Truck Guy who did it on his Dakota. As you mentioned it ONLY works on the 45RFE trannys to convert it to 5spd auto. I bought a used tcm from an 03 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the p/n P56044574AC. Simple install and I am extremely happy I did it. You are right when driving on the freeway with a 4 spd auto, that engine is working overtime at speeds of 65mph or higher. Now I am cruising at 60mph @ 1600rpms instead of 2100rpms. It equates to better mileage on the freeway, does not do much for city driving though but I still love it that improved my gas mileage for freeway driving. Here's the video I watched when I did this, ua-cam.com/video/0XigAx86Zp0/v-deo.html.
I know this old. Sorry for the late arrival. I know my 00 Dakota came with the 45RFE, but to my understanding...if I drive down the road and it shifts 4 times, my TCM has already had the update?
The link to find my vehicle info isn't working for me for some reason
Unfortunately the site goes down ALL the time. Check back in a day. It always comes back on line eventually
@@DEInTheGarage sounds good and from what info you gave in the video I have the same jeep that you have and with quadra drive also but my transmission is the 45rfe
why did you stop at 2004? my 05 ram has 545rfe?
So is that mean if you have a 45rfe transmission in 2001 dakota need to replace your transmission you can replace it with a 545rfe from 03+
What's funny is how he said Crysler just throws leftover shit into the next model line of cars. I must have the only 2002 Jeep Liberty Limited edition 4x4 3.7Lt. with a 45RFE 4 speed automatic trans, with overdrive. Not the 545RFE and I have confirmed the trans is original to this Liberty, Oh- wait is that why they called it a limited edition? Limited to the leftover parts on hand? LMAO :) I will most defiantly be doing this. Thank you for confirming what I had suspected after seeing a broken down trans at the wrecking yard, I also knew about the possibility of 8 forward gears and 3 reverse gears. Thanks buddy great video, will be subscribing just for that. :)
D&E, I can now confirm everything you said is true. I watch your video a year ago to confirm what I had already found out from Martin on martinbuilt's channel, and from my own exhausting 3 month-long research, the 45RFE and the 545RFE are in fact the same physical transmission with just a software update to them to go from a 4-5 speed trans. I did the swap out on the TCM shortly after watching your's and Martin's videos, and will never look back. It was as easy as changing a lightbulb. I went from the 45RFE running at 2400 RPMs at 65 MPH to the 545RFE running 1500 RPMs at 65 MPH with a one-year-long test concluding in a drastic Mile Per Gallon increase from 14 MPG at the start to a whopping 19 MPG in town and 23-24 MPG on the open highway. Guys an increase of 5-6 MPG is frigen amazing. Plus not to mention the longevity of the trans running at a lower RPM means it runs cooler and will last longer. Thanks again for the great video D&E.
3 planetaries and no bands how do you get that in reverse or any other ratio?
After doing this mod would it be a bad idea to do a superchips mod?
I was watching this while driving at 70 in my 45 rfe and I am exactly 2,000 RPMs doing 70
Question, I have a 45RFE DODGE DAKOTA and I'm getting a p1899 how would I go bout fixing that couldnt find the switch nowhere.
Should be on the driver side at the front of the trans behind the other linkage.
From what I'm finding there's slight differences from year to year and make to make in the software compatability. I just pulled a tcm from an 03 and put in my 2000 and it wouldn't communicate with the software in the tcm which I don't understand what the reasons for the changes but it screwwed me big time
Having 8 forward gears would be amazing for fuel economy and power delivery.
New Dodges do
Yes but having eight forward gears also means that there's a problem with fitting as many clutches in the clutch packs and you end up with 8 shitty gears instead of 4 good solid gears. It never seems to work out well. Unless you can make the transmission large enough to put enough clutch packs in it to make it last. There's always a trade-off.
@@44hawk28 never thought of that but I think the 8 speed is a dsg so it has normal gears like a manual and is shifted by electric solenoids inside the transmission at least that's how vw does it
I’m not sure about your year info, I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 4.7 and as far as I know it has a 45rfe. I could be wrong. Maybe we are only talking jeeps.
I am also basing this information off of Wikipedia
They changed the Dodge and Jeep in late 2001, so your 2000 would have the 45 and could be upgraded to the 545
Did the data build spec sheet and it says under the standard equipt it had quadra-trac ll on demand but then on optional equipt it says quadra drive ll? It is a quadra drive but was the quadra drive ll really an option for 01 WJ? Just bought it and this thing is LOADED! Inside, outside and underneath it's got all the skid plates as well, looks like damn near like an overland build.
Mine is the exact same. 2001 with QD. It lists QTII under the standard equipment and QD under the optional. I am assuming that since QD was the nicest package they considered it an "upgrade" in 2001 since QTII was a standard option. Sounds like you have a really awesome WJ there!
@@DEInTheGarage Any ideas why it says Quadra-Drive ll (R) 4wd System? Typo? Lol
Definitely a typo. QDII came in the WK and XK, not the WJ
@@DEInTheGarage
Yeah, I got the 247 not the 245. That and ESD of QD2 with the Variloks that I have didnt make sense. I will print it out and take it in to the dealership and demand that they hold up their end of things since it wasnt installed😂. Tell them we will call it even if they fab the mounts and install the JKs axles with lockers😏
@@kilswitch4336 Bahaha... please film that exchange.. I would love to see it.
I have a 2002 Dodge Ram with 4 7L and 45RFE.....i want to get the 545RFE swapped in.....do i keep my 45TFE TCM or just put in the 545RFE TCM?
Just swap the 45 TCM with 545 TCM and voila! I know it sounds too easy to be true, but it is
I have a 2007 RAM with a 545RFE and was wondering why at 65 mph on a flat stretch, the RPM would sometimes be 1.8k RPM and other times be 2.2k RPM. I thought the transmission was slipping but your expanation of the transmission potentially having 8 forward gears was really helpful- thanks!
You may be noticing a difference because you are near a shift point.
If you are accecerating you may get a higher rpm than if you go sligly faster (letting it shift to the next gear) then slow.
I noticed the same thing on my 02 Dakota. Accelerating to 45 the rpms are higher than if I go 50 then slow to 45.
Did the hack, 300 less rpms on the highway. Easy way to tell which TCM you have at highway sleep turn OD off then on, 1 up shifts 45RFE (4SP)
2 up shifts 545RFE.
(5SP)
Brother great vid. I’m trying to verify what transmission I have between the 45 RFE or the 545 RFE. The website you referred to tells me I have a 45RFE. I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 4.7. I don’t think I have the 545 and I need to save that gas. I wrote down the details from that site it says 4 speed 45rfe. Thanks I need to know for sure
So how can you tell that your 545 is properly shifting? I have a launch scanner that only shows 4 speeds Plus overdrive lock up on a scanner.
Ah I got it. 5th does not come on until 55+ mph
so, if i originally had the 545 and i put a 45 in it, it would automatically become a 545?
Assuming you keep your original TCM you will be fine
@@DEInTheGarage sweet...appreciate the quick response
You mention 45RFE and 545RFE, what about 42RE? Could you explain the difference between them.
The 42re is a completely different transmission and is not applicable for this hack, unfortunately.
So u cant put a 545 from a 2000 in a 99 jeep that has a 42re tranny??
@@dbkhew10
I'm not sure if it's possible. But the 42re and 42rle were installed on the 4.0L.
The 45rfe and 545rfe were installed on the 4.7L.
So again I'm not sure if it's do-able, but the gearing would be optimized for their corresponding engines.
Great job - Thank you!
Nice vid !! But where I can buy a TCM from a 545RFE ???? Love the sound and smoothness of the 4.7L :)
Any junk yard will be able to find you one. They are very common
@@DEInTheGarage
I found a forum thread that lists the TSB the dealer would need to perform the update.
www.jeepforum.com/forum/f310/45rfe-flashed-545rfe-1086147/#/topics/1086147?page=1
So when does the 5th gear come into play will be at the end of the gears or in the middle so for example right now I have four gears will that 5th gear come into play after my fourth gear
Hi There... i Have Jeep JK 2.8L CRDi with has T12TJ body transmision. And it runs only 4speed. Not in 5speed. Is your software hack can change into 5speed mode in my Jeep??
Unfortunately, no. I think you would have to go to a dealer. Sorry
I hv a 2002 dodge ram 1500 4x4 it's a pig on the highway what's the straight tranny replacement that is an actual 7 speed auto.
This swap will work pn my 2006 dakota v6 3.7?
I have a wj 2004 v8 but I think mines have 45rfe ?
Yours would be the 545rfe
D&E In The Garage I wish I can see the sticker on the side of the transmission but it’s blank lol but thank you
Cool info thanks
Hey Doug is this just for the 4.7 or is it also the 4.0?
Just the 4.7. We are stuck with the 42RE as is unfortunately
Dose it matter how many miles you have on your WJ?
Nope. it is the same as updating the iOS on your cell phone
My 2001 jeep grand Cherokee limited door sticker says it was made in 09-2000 and my transmission sticker says 45rfe but my RPM is at 2,000 when doing 70mph so I'm assuming my tcm has already been flashed do you know what rpm the 545rfe has when doing 70mph
Not off hand, probably around 2100-2200. You can count the shifts if you can go from zero on a long road
Will this work in export models?
I just tried the site for two of my jeeps WJ and XJ. It said no records found.
Hello there, does it going to involve changing the liquid contents of gearbox gear for fresh ones?
Website didn't work for me ☹️ I have an 01 grand Cherokee and an dyin to know which one I have. Feb 22 2020
ha ha you were right, I checked the website today and it worked! Cool video btw, thanks!
Hi Doug, I have a 2000 WJ 3.1 Diesel with 42RE Transmission. I only have 1, 2, 3 and O/D. Can I use the upgrade the TCM of the 545RFE? Regards. Thanks for the tips!
I seen when you put that they were the exact same transmission... My question is I have a 2002 Dodge ram 1500 4 wheel drive adjust acquired according to my research it has a 45 RFE which is burnt out I have a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7 that has a 545rfe... Everything I've been reading so far says I can chunk that transmission right in that truck and leaves the factory TCM and it should function as a four speed just like normal or I could use the TCM from the Jeep and utilize the transmission as a 5-speed.... Is all of this correct can I use this transmission in my Dodge truck in either scenario I really don't care if it utilizes the 5-speed function or not I just want to get the truck on the road and drive it...👍👍👍.. I also have a '04 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7 with the same transmission was going to use it but it's farther away from the year of the Dodge truck I figured the 2001 Jeep would be a closer match or are they The same?... As far as working in my Dodge truck....?
Sure wish somebody would get back with my comment..I've got the truck at my house with the transmission out and ready I'm getting ready to pull a transmission from one of my many 4.7 Jeep Grand Cherokees. The one I'm thinking about using was made in 4 or 5 of 2001. the truck is a 9 of 2001 which is a 3rd gen with the 4.7.
What if any effect does this have on the overdrive lockout on my 01 Dakota 4.7l. ? I have same setup on my 01 Grand Cherokee, with OD lockout.? Thx
I have had people tell me you could have the tcm flashed for no charge at the dealership. I believe there was a tsb or recall for this change. I can't confirm or deny this is true as mine is the 545rfe.
Guess I should have watched the whole video before I commented. Lol. Oh well.
Weird thing is I have an 02 ram and it has the 45rfe.
kool video, will this TCM swap work for a 2002 Liberty as well? 2002/2003 have a 45RFE.
I have 2000 4,7 v8 whit 4 speeds. Dose it Mather if I find ECM from high output model?
You are not swapping the ECM (controls the engine) you are swapping the TCM (controls the transmission), so to answer you questions, no. It will not matter what engine it has as long as it is the proper year
Do these years apply to a 03 Dodge ram?
Your 03 will have the 545 rfe
Yep dodge and Chrysler always throw in whatever is left over in end runs. Seen it over and over.
I'm new to this lifestyle and I really want to get an XJ, lift it and turn it into an overlander. Damn, an XJ in good shape is so hard to find in my area (Mid-Atlantic). What year range do you recommend? As a plan B, I'd buy a WJ if I could not find a decent XJ. Which year range and engine would you recommend? Thanks for your help.
If you are going to daily an XJ as well as lift it, get one from 97-01 after they went to OBD II. They are just easier to work on and a bit more comfortable. People will argue that point, but not having OBDII makes diagnosing an issue on what is now a 20+ year old vehicle a PITA. if you go WJ, they are all good, but they made small changes every year so the closer to 2004 you get the better they are. It is nothing major, just small things they improved from 99-04 which make the 04's absolutely perfect. I have videos on both WJs and XJs which explain some of the good bad and ugly. check them out for more info
ua-cam.com/video/Mx5yc_KNWUg/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/1phOjmnlwu4/v-deo.html
I have a question to Doug/Eric and all the viewers of this great channel. It appears the WK and XK also had the 4.7 with the 545RFE, however it also had "tiptronic" manual shifting. How would you go about adding this kind of manual shifting to the WJ's 45/545RFE and could you program a switch to change the function of the back steering wheel buttons to be your upshift and downshift paddle-shift commands? would appreciate any feedback.
I'm not sure if that would even be possible. But I guess you could get a competent mechanic to price the job for you and see if he can come up with a way.
But does this work with the 4.0
That’s what I’m wondering
Hey Doug, i have a 2001 4.7 that runs around 24-2500 rpms @70. According to my buildsheet it has the 545, and not only that there’s a sticker under my hood stating the TCM was flashed back in 03. I have no codes, and all the gears including OD work fine. Any input? Im having trouble counting the gears as well haha