Okay, now that the truck is drivable…..I have discovered yet another problem. The truck takes a long time to shift. When I am driving, if I shift it manually into 2nd or 1st (it’s a automatic) it takes a few seconds for it to make the shift. Also, when I punch it….it will accelerate to the top of what ever gear it is in….and stay there…tacked out….not shifting up or down on its own (this is when its in drive) I have tried driving with the overdrive button both on and off…..still same problem…..wont shift with my foot on the gas….if I let off the gas it will shift……but that is a problem where I live because of the hills….they are steep…..

I am thinking transmission…..but its not really slipping….just not shifting. And I cant really afford to put more money into this truck…

Do you all think if I change the tranny filter and fluid things might improve? And is that a job I can do myself…..?

 

Total fluid flush and filter change would be the way to go. Just changing the couple of quarts in the pan will not have much effect it just mixes in with the other 8 to 10 quarts in the converter. Need to replace all. How does it look brown and smell burnt then bad. Might be some kind of linkage adjustment issue?????

 

how do I do a total fluid flush?

 

I dont know that Id go so far as to say the converter hold 8-10 quarts. That a lot of fluid, but hes right it does hold quite a bit.

I notice a marked improvement from dropping the pan and doing a filter and gasket though. I do it to each new vehicle I buy. If the fluid is REALLY brown or burnt I would think about getting it flushed. Usually the quickie service places have a tranny flush machine. Forces fresh fluid through a cooler line and out the other.


Check the faq for the adjustment of the shifter linkage.

 

It may be the TV cable. That is extremely easy to adjust. Check the FAQ for how to adjust it.

 

I checked the TV cable in the FAQ.....there is no match when i run a search.......

so, for a complete flush on the tranny fluid I need to go some place? If I just drop the pan it wont be as affective?

 

If you download the factory service manual from the faq you will find the section on adjusting the transmission, and the section on the TV cable.

No dropping the pan is not as effective as a flush. However, if your fluid is not very dark or burnt, it can be a great help.

 

The FAQ is in this section. It is 2 posts above this one. It has a green arrow pointing to it on the left hand side. Here is the direct link to the post. Which is just a few posts below this one. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...djustment.html

 

thanks for the help. The fluid is brown and smells burnt......

What I am hearing is I need to take it some where that has the pump to flush it. This would be best.

or if I drop the pan and change the fluid and filters in the pan....it will help but not as much.

could also be the tv cable.

with the key off....I adjust every thing......then to see the movement of the cable...do I push on the gas peddle? key off still? or do I just pull the arm that runs the throttle?

 

If it is burnt, then something is wrong internally. A flush may help, but you still have a problem within the transmission that caused the fluid to overheat. The best thing to do is get it rebuilt. Ya it cost money, but at least you wont be stranded somewhere when it dies.