Overdrive Solenoid

This procedure guides replacement of the overdrive solenoid in the 48RE automatic transmission, requiring transmission pan removal and valve body access to replace the failed solenoid assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Overdrive solenoid assembly × 1 — Mopar 4617210AA or equivalent
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission filter (recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• ATF+4 transmission fluid × 1 — Mopar ATF+4

Fluids

• ATF+4 transmission fluid — 5.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow transmission to cool if vehicle was recently operated
3. Raise vehicle securely on jack stands at front and rear, ensuring adequate clearance to work under transmission
4. Verify transmission is in Park position

Procedure

1. 1

   Access transmission pan
   Position drain pan under transmission oil pan. Identify the transmission pan at the bottom of the transmission case, secured by perimeter bolts. Note the location of the overdrive solenoid, which is accessible from inside the pan after removal.
2. 2

   Loosen and remove pan bolts
   Beginning at one rear corner, loosen all pan bolts approximately 2-3 turns in a criss-cross pattern. Once all bolts are loose, carefully remove all but two bolts at opposite corners. Gradually loosen the remaining bolts while supporting the pan to control fluid drainage. Tilt pan to drain fluid into drain pan, then remove completely. Expect approximately 5-6 quarts to drain.
   ⚠Fluid will drain quickly once pan begins to separate. Keep drain pan positioned to catch all fluid.
3. 3

   Remove transmission filter
   Locate the transmission filter attached to the valve body. Remove the 3 bolts securing the filter and carefully pull filter straight down. Inspect filter for debris or metal particles that may indicate additional transmission issues. Discard old filter.
4. 4

   Clean pan and inspect
   Thoroughly clean the transmission pan using brake cleaner and lint-free rags. Remove all old gasket material from both the pan and transmission case mating surfaces using a plastic scraper. Inspect the pan for metal debris or shavings. A small amount of clutch material is normal, but excessive metal indicates internal wear. Clean the magnet in the pan thoroughly.
5. 5

   Locate overdrive solenoid
   With the pan removed, locate the overdrive solenoid on the valve body. The solenoid is mounted to the valve body with a single bolt and is identifiable by its electrical connector and position. Disconnect the solenoid electrical connector by pressing the release tab and pulling straight out.
   ℹ️The 48RE uses multiple solenoids. The overdrive solenoid is typically labeled or identified by connector position. Verify correct solenoid identification before removal.
6. 6

   Remove overdrive solenoid
   Remove the single mounting bolt securing the overdrive solenoid to the valve body. Carefully pull the solenoid straight out from the valve body bore. Note the orientation and position of any O-rings or seals on the solenoid body. Inspect the valve body bore for debris or damage.
7. 7

   Install new overdrive solenoid
   Lubricate new solenoid O-rings with clean ATF+4 fluid. Insert the new overdrive solenoid into the valve body bore, ensuring correct orientation and that it seats fully. Install the mounting bolt and torque to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place securely.
8. 8

   Install new transmission filter
   Position the new transmission filter onto the valve body, aligning all bolt holes. Install the 3 filter mounting bolts and torque to specification in a criss-cross pattern.
9. 9

   Install new pan gasket and pan
   Position the new transmission pan gasket onto the transmission case, ensuring proper alignment. Some gaskets are adhesive-backed; others require careful positioning. Lift the clean transmission pan into position and start all pan bolts by hand. Tighten pan bolts in a criss-cross pattern to specification to ensure even gasket compression and prevent leaks.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Refill transmission fluid
    Lower vehicle to ground. Locate transmission dipstick on driver side of transmission. Using a transmission fluid pump or funnel, add approximately 5 quarts of ATF+4 fluid through the dipstick tube. Start engine and allow to idle in Park. Check fluid level with engine running and add fluid to bring level to the cold or add mark on dipstick. Do not overfill.
11. 11

    Initial system verification
    With engine at operating temperature and running, shift through all gear ranges (P-R-N-D-3-2-1) pausing 2-3 seconds in each position. Return to Park and recheck fluid level with engine running. Add fluid as needed to bring level to the hot full mark. Check under vehicle for any leaks at the transmission pan.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the installation steps above
2. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and secured
3. Verify transmission pan bolts are torqued in criss-cross pattern to prevent gasket leaks
4. Double-check fluid level after test drive when transmission reaches full operating temperature

Verification

• Start engine and verify no fluid leaks from transmission pan
• With engine at operating temperature, verify smooth shifting through all gear ranges including overdrive engagement
• Test drive vehicle and verify overdrive locks up properly, typically at 40-50 mph under light throttle
• Check for diagnostic trouble codes using a scan tool to confirm solenoid replacement resolved any stored codes
• Recheck transmission fluid level after test drive with engine running and transmission hot
• Inspect under vehicle after test drive to confirm no leaks at pan gasket

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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