Automatic Transmission Service (46re)

By The Boss

This service note applies to the 46RE in my 1997 Dodge Ram. This note may not cover all aspects of your vehicle needs.

Since there are no drain plugs on these transmission pans, the entire pan must be loosened and the fluid allowed to drain over the pan edge.  Loosen all of the pan bolts on the rear end of the pan about 1/2 way and then slowly loosen the bolts up the sides and on the front.  This will allow the fluid to drain out the back of the pan as seen in the photo.  You might need a screwdriver to pop the gasket seal. Be careful not to scratch or gouge the aluminum housing.

Once the fluid is drained as much as possible, carefully remove the pan and dump the remaining fluid.  Thoroughly remove the old gasket material from the pan and transmission flanges. Use brake cleaner or other agent to remove any residual gasket, fluid and sludge from the pan. Don't forget to clean the magnet (if equipped).

Since I have performed this service several times, none of which has not made a mess, I decided to install a drain plug during this service.  I purchased a drain plug kit from my local auto parts store for $3.  It includes a hollowed and tapped bolt, the plug, retaining nut and a plastic gasket.  I found the bottom rear of the pan to be the best place to install the plug.  In this location, the plug is still higher than the frame rails, catalytic converter, crossmember and lower control arm mounts, so if I am going to hit it on a rock, I have bigger problems. Drilling a 1/2" hole is the only additional work needed.  Don't forget to file any burrs off.  Install the plug kit with the gasket on the outside of the pan and tighten as much as possible.

There are three torx bolts holding the filter in place.  There screws are quite long so be patient removing them.  If you wish, you can also adjust the bands.  See you service manual, or http://www.dodgeram.com for this procedure.  After the filter is off, wipe the valve body clean to remove any dirt or sludge.

I have found the simplest way to reinstall the pan is to place the new gasket on the pan flange and install the bolts through the gasket holes. Bolt the pan into place to 13 ft-lbs in a crisscross pattern to minimize warping the metal.  Fill the transmission via the dipstick tube with approximately 4 qt. of fluid.  Move the truck to level ground and run the engine. Set the parking brake and place the the transmission in neutral and check the fluid level once the truck has been running for a few minutes.  Add additional fluid as needed.  This method is more time consuming, but you won't under or over fill it.