545RFE hard shift from 2-3

[Dr. Pluh]

Hello i have a 2006 KJ 2.8 crd with the 545rfe transmission.

The car shifts fine on every shift except from 2nd to 3rd gear. It feels like the brakes are applied slightly and then it slams into gear, NO PRM RISE/slipping, also NO SHUDDER. This is only noticeable on low throttle, like 1500rpm, if i go above 1800 it shifts smooth.

I replaced the ATF and filters, with no improvement. No check engine light, unfortunately i dont have a code reader nor can i get a diagnosis done.

Any info welcome

 

[BC56]

Hello i have a 2006 KJ 2.8 crd with the 545rfe transmission.

The car shifts fine on every shift except from 2nd to 3rd gear. It feels like the brakes are applied slightly and then it slams into gear, NO PRM RISE/slipping, also NO SHUDDER. This is only noticeable on low throttle, like 1500rpm, if i go above 1800 it shifts smooth.

I replaced the ATF and filters, with no improvement. No check engine light, unfortunately i dont have a code reader nor can i get a diagnosis done.

Any info welcome

OK, just a guess, but since it looks like you didn't get any other responses yet - I have a 2002 3.7 L with a 45RFE transmission, so definitely not the same, but I believe the transmissions can "learn" and respond to individual driving style, and can adjust shifts accordingly. This is from Google's AI:

• Adaptive shift quality: This is the primary function of the 545RFE's adaptive system. It monitors how the clutches are engaging and adjusts fluid pressures to ensure the shifts remain consistently smooth and crisp throughout the transmission's life. This process compensates for normal wear and tear and for the differing performance characteristics of various engines.
• Adaptive shift patterns: Some modern transmissions use adaptive learning to change the shift timing or pattern based on your driving style (e.g., more aggressive for sporty driving, earlier shifts for better fuel economy). The 545RFE's ability to do this is limited compared to newer designs, but it does adjust its shift schedules instantly based on real-time factors like throttle input and engine load.

So you can reset the "learned patterns" by disconnecting the battery for like a half hour (and you will likely lose radio programming too unfortunately so if you try this write down your stations first if you don't have them memorized). I just Googled this question: "can you reset a 545rfe transmission adaptive shift pattern by disconnecting the battery" and again the AI answered "yes" but also provided a couple of altrnative methods that might be better.

So, the point is, maybe it would be worth trying to delete the existing "learning" and start over and see if this makes things any better? Good luck!

 

[AmCRDOwner]

My 06 CRD's doing the exact same thing and after replacing filter, fluid, pressure solenoid, solenoid pack, and "resetting" the TCM, the hard shift still happens. There are no DTCs being thrown. I'm beginning to wonder what's going on with clutch plates. I am not set up to do a total teardown of the trans so I think it is something I'll have to just get used to.

 

[KJowner]

Have you replaced the valve block?

 

[Dr. Pluh]

Have you replaced the valve block?

I have not, its too expensive to just replace randomly, since i have no idea where the problem is. Also i got a code reader and shows no transmission codes, CVIs seem to be in spec

 

[Dr. Pluh]

My 06 CRD's doing the exact same thing and after replacing filter, fluid, pressure solenoid, solenoid pack, and "resetting" the TCM, the hard shift still happens. There are no DTCs being thrown. I'm beginning to wonder what's going on with clutch plates. I am not set up to do a total teardown of the trans so I think it is something I'll have to just get used to.

Have you read the CVI values?

 

[AmCRDOwner]

Not sure what you mean by CVI values... Being these transmissions are electronically controlled, and I have eliminated what I believe to be all components that have anything to do with the electronics, I began thinking this may be on the mechanical side of things, like clutch plate material...

 

[Dr. Pluh]

Not sure what you mean by CVI values... Being these transmissions are electronically controlled, and I have eliminated what I believe to be all components that have anything to do with the electronics, I began thinking this may be on the mechanical side of things, like clutch plate material...

CVI = clutch volume index, you can measure it through OBD, if its too high it can mean the clutches are worn

 

[AmCRDOwner]

I have not, its too expensive to just replace randomly, since i have no idea where the problem is. Also i got a code reader and shows no transmission codes, CVIs seem to be in spec

Service manual should have that spec, not? Or does your code reader have the functionality for that?

 

[Dr. Pluh]

Service manual should have that spec, not? Or does your code reader have the functionality for that?

I check it with the diagnostic tool and compare to the values in the service manual