Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 327

Fig. 9: Air Pressure Test Plates & 2/4 Clutch Retainer Hole 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

Inoperative clutches can be located by substituting air pressure for fluid pressure. The clutches may be tested by 
applying air pressure to their respective passages after the valve body has been removed. Use Plate Set 6599-1 
(1) and 6599-2 (1) to perform test. See Fig. 9. 

To make air pressure tests, proceed as follows: 

1. Remove oil pan and valve body. See REMOVAL.  

2. Apply air pressure to the holes in the special tool (1), one at a time. 

1 - AIR PRESSURE TEST PLATES
2 - 2/4 CLUTCH RETAINER HOLE

NOTE:

The compressed air supply must be free of all dirt and moisture. Use a pressure 
of 30 psi.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 42RLE - Service Information - Nitro

  

3. Listen for the clutch to apply. It will give a slight thud sound. If a large amount of air is heard escaping, 

the transmission must be removed from vehicle, disassembled and all seals inspected.  

2/4 CLUTCH 

Apply air pressure to the feed hole located on the 2/4 clutch retainer (2). Look in the area where the 2/4 piston 
contacts the first separator plate and watch carefully for the 2/4 piston to move rearward. The piston should 
return to its original position after the air pressure is removed. 

OVERDRIVE CLUTCH 

Apply air pressure to the overdrive clutch apply passage and watch for the push/pull piston to move forward. 
The piston should return to its starting position when the air pressure is removed. 

REVERSE CLUTCH 

Apply air pressure to the reverse clutch apply passage and watch for the push/pull piston to move rearward. The 
piston should return to its starting position when the air pressure is removed. 

LOW/REVERSE CLUTCH 

Apply air pressure to the low/reverse clutch feed hole passage. Look in the area where the low/reverse piston 
contacts the first separator plate. Watch carefully for the piston to move forward. The piston should return to its 
original position after the air pressure is removed. 

UNDERDRIVE CLUTCH 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 42RLE - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 10: Testing Underdrive Clutch 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

Because this clutch piston cannot be seen, its operation is checked by function. Use an air nozzle (2) to apply air 
pressure is to the low/reverse or the 2/4 clutch opening in Plate Set 6599-1 (2). This locks the output shaft. Use 
a piece of rubber hose wrapped around the input shaft and a pair of clamp-on pliers to turn the input shaft. Next 
apply air pressure to the underdrive clutch. The input shaft should not rotate with hand torque. Release the air 
pressure and confirm that the input shaft will rotate. See Fig. 10. 

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RLE 

42RLE automatic transmission malfunctions may be caused by these general conditions: 

Poor engine performance  

1 - AIR PRESSURE TEST PLATE 6599-1
2 - AIR NOZZLE

CAUTION: Before attempting any repair on the 42RLE Four Speed Automatic 

Transmission, always check for proper shift cable adjustment. Also check 
for diagnostic trouble codes with the scan tool and the 42RLE 
Transmission Diagnostic information.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 42RLE - Service Information - Nitro

  

Improper adjustments  

Hydraulic malfunctions  

Mechanical malfunctions  

Electronic malfunctions  

When diagnosing a problem always begin with recording the complaint. The complaint should be defined as 
specific as possible. Include the following checks: 

Temperature at occurrence (cold, hot, both)  

Dynamic conditions (acceleration, deceleration, upshift, cornering)  

Elements in use when condition occurs (what gear is transmission in during condition)  

Road and weather conditions  

Any other useful diagnostic information.  

After noting all conditions, check the easily accessible variables: 

Fluid level and condition  

Shift cable adjustment  

Diagnostic trouble code inspection  

Then perform a road test to determine if the problem has been corrected or that more diagnosis is necessary. If 
the problem exists after the preliminary tests and corrections are completed, hydraulic pressure checks should 
be performed. 

FLUID LEAKAGE 

FLUID LEAKAGE - TORQUE CONVERTER HOUSING AREA 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 42RLE - Service Information - Nitro