Jeep 545RFE fluid change

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I'm going to replace my transmission fluid in my 2006 Jeep.It has 109,300 miles on her.The transmission pan has a RTV made gasket but the new filter kit from Wix has a gasket that is included in the kit.My two questions are should you the gasket that came with the kit or use the RTV sealant? Also when cleaning the transmission pan should I use steel wool to clean the pan flange after getting all of the old gasket off?Thanks Joe
 
I had an 05 WK with the 545RFE that I kept for 130k. I had nothing but bad experience with the wix filter. (unusual for wix imo) I had both filters changed spin on\pan filter, and for some reason the jeep would shift funny and stall intermittently in reverse. Shop swapped out wix filters and the problem persisted. Finally, tried the OEM filters and all the problems disappeared. I have no clue if this is typical, could be there was just a bad batch.

To address your question, I had nothing but poor experience with the gasket because it kept leaking along with the other listed problems. The shop ended up using some sort of gooey looking sealant and I never had a leak problem again.
 
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I wouldn't use the gasket that came with the Wix kit...normally they're pretty cheap and the factory has the better idea on how to seal. I can't say I've ever had an issue with Wix filters, but it's certainly possible. I'd still give it a shot and see how it goes.

For the sealer, go get a can of the right stuff. If there is no gasket, I've had the best luck using it. Really sticky stuff and it seals up excellent.
 
I've had good luck with the Wix.

I changed once using RTV sealant, and had seepage. I changed again with the included gasket, and dry as a bone. Although the gasket was a bit of a pain to install.
 
Note from an experienced 545RFE ATF changer:

Use the gasket supplied in the filter kit.

These gaskets, although appearing cheaply made, work every time if you torque the pan bolts in stepped torque and sequence.

Do not use RTV, it's nearly impossible to get the case and pan rail oil free and the RTV will not stick to an oily surface. At the factory, this surface is totally clean when they use the RTV.
 
Originally Posted By: chevman4life
Nevermind, saw a vid on YouTube

As you have seen, the brilliant morons at Daimler decided to put it inside the pan.....
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Gaskets vs. sealant is always controversial. It is so difficult cleaning RTV off surfaces AND on some transmissions it is very difficult to get/keep the surfaces oil free (dripage). I like gaskets.

If you decide to go gasket, get a Felpro from Advance Auto or elsewhere. They are very stout and come packaged flat, not folded up. Torque them up carefully, criss cross pattern, and evenly. You can always give them another 1/4 turn or so if it seeps a bit.
 
I have Amsoil ATf in there now but It's not certified/approved Chrysler ATF+4.I'm sure that the approved ATF+4 has the right mixture for the 545RFE transmission.
 
Originally Posted By: Dually
I have Amsoil ATf in there now but It's not certified/approved Chrysler ATF+4.I'm sure that the approved ATF+4 has the right mixture for the 545RFE transmission.


If Amsoil specs it for you vehicle you can be assured it will function as well as or better than the Chrysler ATF. You can search this forum and I doubt you will find anyone who has had a problem with Amsoil ATF. Unless you have over 50K on the Amsoil ATF I would not change it. I might do a used oil analysis however.
 
[censored] hath no fury like putting unapproved fluid into many a Chrysler automatics...

Some are fine with non-approved fluid, some will completely destroy themselves without it. Amsoil ATF is definitely not ATF+4, its more like Dexron VI fudged a little so its sort of like every other ATF out there. Those synthetic "do all" fluids rely on the fact that most transmissions aren't really that picky. Jack of all trades, master of none.

These people saying Amsoil works fine are suggesting you put an unapproved ATF in your transmission. If you wanna do that, fine, but I will say any fluid approved as ATF+4 will be a very very good transmission fluid in itself, and meet every specification the transmission calls for.

But if you wanna play with Amsoil, feel free, but that 0.01% chance it causes problems, in my opinion, isn't worth getting it over an approved fluid.

Just search the internet and you'll find plenty of people shouting not to use anything but ATF+4. Some transmissions, like the 41TE in my car, got their bad rap because people regularly threw anything but ATF+4 in it.

You have been warned.
 
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Just search the internet and you'll find plenty of people shouting not to use anything but ATF+4. Some transmissions, like the 41TE in my car, got their bad rap because people regularly threw anything but ATF+4 in it.

Same thing is said of Hyundai transmissions and yet my dad's Elantra has worked great with Amsoil ATF for years as well.
 
After watching a few videos on Youtube about changing the fluid/filter on this transmission, i noticed that several of the guys did not change the spin on filter washer/gasket. I've read that it needs to be done but how do you remove it? Thanks.
 
It is just a spin on and should be changed.

I run the Amsoil in my 46 RE, and 545 RFE no issues. About everyone on Jeeps unlimited forum, WJ Jeeps etc who care about their 545RFE run the Amsoil

Another good fluid is Redline C+, I use that in my PT 40TE

I also recommend a B&M Drain plug should be added to the pan, makes it a lot easier to change or do drain and refills.
 
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