Free API
transmission

Shift Solenoid - Single

for 1994–2007 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.7 h
Tools
11
Steps
14
Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.

Replace a single shift solenoid in the 47RE/48RE automatic transmission by removing the transmission pan, accessing the valve body, and replacing the faulty solenoid.

Warnings

Transmission fluid may be hot. Allow adequate cooling time before starting work.
ATF+4 is the only approved fluid for this transmission. Do not substitute other fluids.
ℹ️This procedure requires disposing of used ATF properly according to local regulations.
Work in a well-ventilated area when cleaning parts with solvents.

Tools required

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Parts

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Fluids

  • Mopar ATF+4 — 6 qt

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
  2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
  3. Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature, then shut off (warm fluid drains more completely)
  4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
  5. Verify vehicle is stable before working underneath
  6. Position drain pan under transmission pan

Procedure

  1. 1
    Drain transmission fluid
    Locate the transmission pan at the bottom of the transmission. If equipped with a drain plug, remove it using the appropriate socket and allow fluid to drain completely into the drain pan. If no drain plug is present, proceed to loosening pan bolts. Keep drain plug and washer if equipped.
    Torque spec
    Drain Plug34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
  2. 2
    Remove transmission pan bolts
    Starting from one corner, loosen (but do not remove) all transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern. Once all bolts are loose, carefully remove bolts while supporting the pan. Tilt one corner of the pan down to allow remaining fluid to drain. Lower the pan carefully as additional fluid will spill out. Remove pan completely and set aside.
    Several quarts of fluid will spill when breaking the pan seal. Position drain pan accordingly.
    Torque spec
    Transmission Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
  3. 3
    Remove transmission filter (if replacing)
    Locate the transmission filter attached to the valve body with bolts or clips. Remove the retaining bolts or release clips and pull the filter straight down. Allow any remaining fluid to drain from the filter cavity. Inspect the filter for excessive debris or metal particles which may indicate additional transmission problems.
  4. 4
    Locate and identify shift solenoid
    With the pan removed, identify the solenoid pack on the valve body. The 47RE/48RE transmission uses the governor pressure solenoid, the torque converter clutch (lock-up) solenoid, and the overdrive (4th gear) solenoid on the valve body. Identify which solenoid is being replaced based on your diagnostic trouble code or testing. Note the electrical connector orientation and wiring routing. Identify which solenoid is being replaced based on your diagnostic trouble code or testing. Note the electrical connector orientation and wiring routing.
  5. 5
    Disconnect solenoid electrical connector
    Trace the solenoid wiring harness to the internal connector. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the electrical connector from the faulty solenoid. Note the connector position and any wire routing clips for reassembly. Avoid pulling on wires; pull only on the connector body.
  6. 6
    Remove solenoid retaining bolts
    Locate the retaining bolts or retainer securing the target solenoid to the valve body (retention varies by solenoid type on the 47RE/48RE). Using the appropriate socket, remove the retaining hardware. Keep bolts organized as they may be different lengths. Support the solenoid as you remove the final bolt. Using the appropriate socket, remove the solenoid retaining bolts. Keep bolts organized as they may be different lengths. Support the solenoid as you remove the final bolt.
    Do not drop bolts into the transmission case. Use magnetic tools if available.
  7. 7
    Remove old solenoid
    Carefully pull the solenoid straight out from the valve body. There may be an O-ring seal on the solenoid body. Inspect the valve body bore for debris, damage, or metal particles. Clean the solenoid mounting surface with a clean rag. Do not allow debris to enter the valve body passages.
  8. 8
    Install new solenoid
    Verify the new solenoid matches the old unit exactly. Check that any O-rings are properly seated on the new solenoid. Lubricate O-rings lightly with ATF+4. Carefully insert the new solenoid into the valve body bore, aligning it properly with the mounting holes. Push firmly until fully seated.
  9. 9
    Secure solenoid and reconnect electrical
    Install the solenoid retaining bolts and torque to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector to the solenoid, ensuring it clicks into place and is fully seated. Verify the connector lock tab is engaged. Route wiring as originally positioned.
  10. 10
    Install new transmission filter
    If replacing the filter, position the new filter onto the valve body. Install filter retaining bolts or clips and torque bolts to specification if applicable. Ensure filter gasket or seal is properly seated.
  11. 11
    Clean pan and mating surfaces
    Remove all old gasket material from both the transmission pan and the transmission case mating surface using a gasket scraper. Be careful not to gouge the aluminum surfaces. Clean surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner and wipe dry. Inspect pan for damage, cracks, or warping. Clean the magnet in the pan and inspect for excessive metal debris.
  12. 12
    Install new pan gasket and reinstall pan
    Position the new transmission pan gasket on the pan or transmission case (depending on gasket type). Align the pan with the gasket and mating surface. Start all pan bolts by hand, ensuring proper alignment. If equipped with a drain plug, install it with a new crush washer if applicable.
  13. 13
    Torque transmission pan bolts
    Torque the transmission pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern starting from the center and working outward. This ensures even gasket compression and prevents leaks. Torque all bolts to specification. Double-check each bolt for proper torque.
    Torque spec
    Transmission Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
  14. 14
    Refill transmission with ATF+4
    Lower the vehicle to the ground. Locate the transmission dipstick tube. Using a long-neck funnel, add approximately 4-5 quarts of Mopar ATF+4 through the dipstick tube (pan-drop refill volume; verify against dipstick). Start the engine and allow to idle. Shift through all gear positions, pausing 2-3 seconds in each position, then return to Park. Check fluid level on dipstick with engine running and transmission at operating temperature. Add fluid as needed to bring level to the 'Hot' range.
    Check fluid level with engine running, transmission in Park, on level ground, at operating temperature.

Reassembly

  1. Verify all electrical connectors are properly seated and locked
  2. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the transmission pan area
  3. Verify drain plug is torqued with new washer if applicable
  4. Check for fluid leaks around pan gasket after initial test drive

Verification

  • Check transmission fluid level with engine running at operating temperature
  • Test drive vehicle through all gear ranges and verify proper shift operation
  • Use scan tool to verify diagnostic trouble codes have cleared
  • Monitor for any new shift-related trouble codes
  • Recheck fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
  • Inspect under vehicle for any transmission fluid leaks at pan gasket
  • Verify smooth shifts and proper engagement in all forward and reverse gears

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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More procedures for this vehicle

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