Subject:
42RE automatic transmission
Model variant:
A500-family four-speed automatic (42RE)
Production years covered:
1989-2004 (application-dependent)
Manual type:
Transmission rebuild / workshop manual (PDF)
Intended users:
Professional transmission technicians and DIY owners rebuilding the 42RE
Skill level:
Intermediate to advanced mechanical experience
Scope:
Complete teardown, inspection, and reassembly of the 42RE
Vehicle fitment:
Covers Jeep, Dodge Ram pickup, Ram Van, and Dakota applications
Format:
Searchable PDF, instantly downloadable
Transmission overview:
42RE construction, operation, and component identification
Teardown procedures:
Step-by-step complete disassembly
Valve body:
Removal, disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly
Pump:
Front pump disassembly, inspection, and assembly
Clutch packs:
Forward, direct, reverse, and low/reverse clutch service
Planetary gearsets:
Inspection, measurement, and assembly
Governor and accumulator:
Governor body and accumulator service
Band adjustment:
Kickdown and front band adjustment specifications
Torque converter:
Inspection and installation guidance
Hydraulic circuits:
Fluid flow diagrams and circuit descriptions
Electrical controls:
Solenoid and sensor testing (throttle valve / lockup solenoid)
Specifications:
Clearance, torque, and pressure specifications throughout
Torque values:
Bolt-by-bolt tightening specifications
Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based diagnostic charts
Fluid service:
Fill procedure, capacities, and filter replacement
Parts information:
Exploded views and component identification
Technical depth:
Complete overhaul-level detail for a professional rebuild
Engine-specific content:
Covers the transmission; vehicle engine systems are not included
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Applications range:
V6 and V8 gasoline engines, plus 3.1 TD diesel in export Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee:
4.0L I6; 5.2L V8 (1996-1998); 3.1 TD (1999-2003)
Dodge applications:
Ram 150/1500 V6/V8 (2WD), Ram Van B150/B250 V6/V8, Dakota V6/V8
Fuel system:
Multi-point fuel injection (gasoline engines)
Engine coverage in manual:
N/A - manual covers the 42RE transmission only
42RE automatic transmission
Type:
42RE four-speed automatic (A500 family)
Gears:
4 forward speeds plus reverse
Design features:
Hydraulic control with electronic governor pressure solenoid and lockup torque converter
Case material:
Aluminum, combined with transmission oil pan and extension housing
Overdrive:
Fourth gear overdrive unit
Applications:
1989-2004 Dodge Ram, Dakota, Ram Van, Jeep Grand Cherokee (see applications list)
Applicable vehicles:
Dodge Ram pickup, Ram Van, Dakota, Jeep Grand Cherokee
Wheelbase:
N/A - varies by vehicle model and year
Length:
N/A - varies by vehicle model and year
Curb weight:
N/A - varies by vehicle model and year
Crash test ratings:
N/A - transmission manual does not cover vehicle safety ratings
Active features:
N/A - not covered in this transmission manual
Passive features:
N/A - not covered in this transmission manual
Shift interlock:
Park/neutral start and shift interlock function referenced where related to transmission service
Audio system:
N/A - transmission manual does not cover infotainment
Driver assistance:
N/A - not applicable to this era of vehicles
Transmission electronics:
Governor pressure solenoid and torque converter clutch solenoid operation and testing
Fluid type:
Mopar ATF+3 / ATF+4 type automatic transmission fluid (per application year)
Filter service:
Transmission filter replacement procedure included
Fluid capacities:
Pan and total refill capacities listed in specifications
Band adjustment:
Periodic kickdown and front band adjustment procedures included
Common wear items:
Clutch packs, bands, seals, governor solenoid, and valve body wear
Known issues:
Governor pressure solenoid/ transducer failures and harsh shifting are common 42RE concerns
Service intervals:
Follow vehicle owner's manual; typical fluid/filter service every 30,000 miles under severe use
Manufacturer:
Chrysler Corporation (TorqueFlite A500 derivative)
Model evolution:
Evolved from the A500/42RH to the electronically enhanced 42RE with governor pressure solenoid control
Production location:
United States (Chrysler transmission plants)
Production span:
Approximately 1989 through 2004 in various applications
