Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 326

Fig. 8: Pressure Taps 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

Pressure testing is a very important step in the diagnostic procedure. These tests usually reveal the cause of 
most transmission problems. 

Before performing pressure tests, be certain that fluid level and condition, and shift cable adjustments have been 
checked and approved. Fluid must be at operating temperature (150 to 200 degrees F.). 

Install an engine tachometer, raise vehicle on hoist which allows the wheels to turn, and position tachometer so 
it can be read. 

Using special adapters L-4559, attach 300 psi gauge(s) C-3293SP to the port(s) required for test being 
conducted. 

Test port locations are shown in the Pressure Taps graphic. See Fig. 8 

TEST ONE - SELECTOR IN MANUAL 1 (1st Gear) 

connector.

1 - TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH OFF
2 - REVERSE
3 - LOW/REVERSE
4 - 2/4
5 - UNDERDRIVE
6 - TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH ON
7 - OVERDRIVE

NOTE:

This test checks pump output, pressure regulation and condition of the 
low/reverse clutch hydraulic circuit and shift schedule.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 42RLE - Service Information - Nitro

  

1. Attach pressure gauge to the low/reverse clutch tap.  

2. Move selector lever to the MANUAL 1 position.  

3. Allow vehicle wheels to turn and increase throttle opening to achieve an indicated vehicle speed to 20 

mph.  

4. Low/reverse clutch pressure should read 115 to 145 psi.  

TEST TWO - SELECTOR IN MANUAL 2 (Second Gear) 

1. Attach gauge to the underdrive clutch tap.  

2. Move selector lever to the MANUAL 2 position.  

3. Allow vehicle wheels to turn and increase throttle opening to achieve an indicated vehicle speed of 30 

mph.  

4. In second gear the underdrive clutch pressure should read 110 to 145 psi.  

TEST TWO A - SELECTOR IN DRIVE (OD ON - Fourth Gear) 

1. Attach gauge to the underdrive clutch tap.  

2. Move selector lever to the DRIVE position. Verify that the OD switch is ON.  

3. Allow wheels to rotate freely and increase throttle opening to achieve an indicated speed of 40 mph.  

4. Underdrive clutch pressure should read below 5 psi. If not, than either the solenoid assembly or controller 

is at fault.  

TEST THREE - SELECTOR IN DRIVE (OD OFF - Third and Second Gear) 

1. Attach gauge to the overdrive clutch tap.  

2. Move selector lever to the DRIVE position.  

3. Allow vehicle wheels to turn and increase throttle opening to achieve an indicated vehicle speed of 20 

mph.  

4. Overdrive clutch pressure should read 74 to 95 psi.  

5. Move selector lever to the DRIVE position and increase indicated vehicle speed to 30 mph.  

6. The vehicle should be in second gear and overdrive clutch pressure should be less than 5 psi.  

TEST FOUR - SELECTOR IN DRIVE (OD ON - Fourth Gear) 

NOTE:

This test checks the underdrive clutch hydraulic circuit as well as the shift 
schedule.

NOTE:

This test checks the underdrive clutch hydraulic circuit as well as the shift 
schedule.

NOTE:

This test checks the overdrive clutch hydraulic circuit as well as the shift 
schedule.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 42RLE - Service Information - Nitro

  

1. Attach gauge to the 2/4 clutch tap.  

2. Move selector lever to the DRIVE position.  

3. Allow vehicle front wheels to turn and increase throttle opening to achieve an indicated vehicle speed of 

30 mph. Vehicle should be in fourth gear.  

4. The 2/4 clutch pressure should read 75 to 95 psi.  

TEST FIVE-SELECTOR IN DRIVE (OD ON - Fourth Gear, CC on) 

1. Attach gauge to the torque converter clutch off pressure tap.  

2. Move selector lever to the DRIVE position.  

3. Allow vehicle wheels to turn and increase throttle opening to achieve an indicated vehicle speed of 50 

mph. Vehicle should be in 4th gear, CC on. 

4. Torque converter clutch off pressure should be less than 5 psi.  

5. Now attach the gauge to the torque converter clutch on pressure tap.  

6. Move selector to the OD position.  

7. Allow vehicle wheels to turn and increase throttle opening to achieve an indicated vehicle speed of 50 

mph.  

8. Verify the torque converter clutch is applied mode using the RPM display of the scan tool.  

9. Torque converter clutch on pressure should be 60-90 psi.  

TEST SIX-SELECTOR IN REVERSE 

1. Attach gauge to the reverse and low/reverse clutch tap.  

2. Move selector lever to the REVERSE position.  

3. Read reverse clutch pressure with output stationary (foot on brake) and throttle opened to achieve 1500 

RPM.  

4. Reverse and low/reverse clutch pressure should read 165 to 235 psi.  

TEST RESULT INDICATIONS 

1. If proper line pressure is found in any one test, the pump and pressure regulator are working properly.  

2. Low pressure in all positions indicates a defective pump, a clogged filter, or a stuck pressure regulator 

NOTE:

This test checks the 2/4 clutch hydraulic circuit.

NOTE:

These tests check the torque converter clutch hydraulic circuit.

CAUTION: Both wheels must turn at the same speed.

NOTE:

This test checks the reverse clutch hydraulic circuit.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 42RLE - Service Information - Nitro

  

valve.  

3. Clutch circuit leaks are indicated if pressures do not fall within the specified pressure range.  

4. If the overdrive clutch pressure is greater than 5 psi in step 6 of Test Three, a worn reaction shaft seal ring 

or a defective solenoid assembly is indicated.  

5. If the underdrive clutch pressure is greater than 5 psi in step 4 of Test Two-A, a defective 

solenoid/pressure switch assembly or controller is the cause.  

ALL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS ARE PSI (on hoist, with wheels free to turn) 

CLUTCH AIR PRESSURE TESTS - 42RLE 

Gear 

Selector 
Position 

Actual Gear 

PRESSURE TAPS 

Underdrive 

Clutch 

Overdrive 

Clutch 

Reverse 

Clutch 

Torque 

Converter 

Clutch 

Off 

Torque 

Converter 

Clutch 

On 

2/4 

Clutch 

Low/Reverse 

Clutch 

PARK - 0 
mph *

PARK

0-2

0-5

0-2

60-110

45-100

0-2

115-145

REVERSE - 
0 mph *

REVERSE

0-2

0-7

165-235 50-100

35-85

0-2

165-235

NEUTRAL 
- 0 mph *

NEUTRAL

0-2

0-5

0-2

60-110

45-100

0-2

115-145

Low - 20 
mph #

FIRST

110-145

0-5

0-2

60-110

45-100

0-2

115-145

Third - 30 
mph #

SECOND

110-145

0-5

0-2

60-110

45-100

115-
145

0-2

Third - 45 
mph #

DIRECT

75-95

75-95

0-2

60-90

45-80

0-2

0-2

OD - 30 
mph #

OVERDRIVE 0-2

75-95

0-2

60-90

45-80

75-95 0-2

OD - 50 
mph #

OVERDRIVE 
WITH TCC

0-2

75-95

0-2

0-5

60-95

75-95 0-2

* Engine Speed at 1500 RPM 
# CAUTION: Both wheels must be turning at same speed. 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 42RLE - Service Information - Nitro