We have a 2004 1500 4WD and a 2005 2500 2WD Ram trucks both with automatic transmissions. The 1500 runs very well and is at 20K miles. The 2500 is at 29K miles and the transmission has been a load of problems. 3 weeks ago it was taking a long time to shift into gear when starting. Dealer changed a screen in the trans and said the pump was loosing its prime. Now the trans is slipping while towing our 5000lb camper. Dealer is going to remove and disassemble the trans this week to investigate the problem. Anybody else experience this problem? Can I expect this problem in the future on my 1500?

 

The most common problem I've heard of is the solenoids going bad This would give you you're delayed shifting you were mentioning. Not sure how a pump could lose its prime after it has been running a while.

 

Sounds like you most likely have burned clutched in the 2500 if has slipped while towing. Let us know what you find out!!!!!

 

Definitely some burned clutches if it went while towing. Which tranny/engine do you have in the 2500? If this is a 545-RFE tranny, I do believe we have our first, true 545-RFE failure that will need a rebuild/new tranny to be replaced. Keep us posted!!!

 

Both trucks have the Hemi 5.7L engine and Auto trans. Rear end ratio is different, but that shouldn't matter. I'll post an update when the dealer figures out what is going on. For now I just hope that I don't have this problem in the future on my 1500.

 

Well, I got my 2500 back from the dealer today. They said that the computer showed no problems and that they could not get it to do anything while driving it. Of course they did not tow anything with it. As far as I know they didn't do anything to it. It drove home OK, but then again I wasn't towing anything. I'll be taking the camper to Bristol next week so I guess that we'll find out what happens then. I'll let y'all know if there are any further updates.

 

Stay close to home and when it starts to slip, let it slip under throttle until it explodes! You already CYOA by bringing it in with the initial complaint. You can say "See, I told you there was a problem..." Of course this is just a suggestion and may cause an even bigger headache....I hate dealers that pull the "Everthing is within factory spec" BS.[:@]

As a side note, how does the ATF look? Is it burnt or still nice and pink?

 

So far my 03 2500 is flawless. I tow a 30' camper, 20' boat and a 20' utility trailer with lots of scrap steel to the scrap yard. My only complaint is I wish it was a diesel. Don't get me wrong it pulls everything quit well, but the diesel would deliver better fuel economy. Just about forgot, I have 32k on it.

 

I would hook up your camper and drive it by the dealer for a test drive with you driving the truck. Dealer service varries alot so you might want to find another service center if your home dealer wont wise up.

 

The ATF looks and smells OK, but it was just changed a few weeks ago when the dealer took care of the problem I was having with the tranny shifting into gear after the truck sat for a while.