Hello all, first post. Been lurking for a while but just signed up today.

Working on a 99 with a 5.9 and I believe a 46RE.
95k miles
Symptoms are;
While accelerating from a stop it wont shift into second gear unless you let off the gas, then the RPM's drop dramatically and it will grab the next gear. Once in that gear if you accel to much it will down shift and you have to go through it all over again.
If driving in town under normal to light accel it will shift just fine through the gears, if you get into it it will drop into the next lower gear and not shift out until you let off the gas/ rpm drop again and it grabs the next gear.
I don't notice any slipping at all.
Oil is still bright red and doesn't smell burnt.
Factory tow package

Done me some searching and thinking maybe the speed sensors along with a service and a band adjustment, don't think they have ever been adjusted (95k miles).
Speed sensor; one on the back of the trans and one in the pan also?

Suggestions, comments?
Thanks
Dan

 

You may what to adjust the throttle cable.

 

Tighten or loosen?


dan

 

It's too tight loosen the shifter cable and it should let you shift normally. There should be a little bit of play in it.

 

Cool, thanks Mean Green.
I loosened it last night (was tight) but no tags so it hasnt been driven yet.
Just for kicks I called Performance Automotive and Transmission center. Or known as Dodge City online. They build some bad a$$ transmissions. (not connected in any way with them)
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/highperflist.htm
Anyway Kerry was VERY helpfull and recomended the same with loosening the TV cable and also recomedned a shift kit, really said I should rebuild with 95k however right now I need to be able to use it so that's not gonna happen for a bit.
The main point was he said the input/output speed sensors only controlled the 3/4 shift so if that was not a problem he would advise against replacing the sensors.

Just a fYI, I know some have said replacing those sensors has help but now I wonder.
Looking forward to getting the shift kit installed and driving this thing.

dan

 

I adjusted the cable and went for a quick test run and yes it shift "ok" now,
Not in my opinion any where near the way it should still.
I' ordered a shift kit for it and I'll get that installed this week. At the same time I'll do a service and adjust the bands as I dont think they have ever been adjusted.

Anything else I should look at/do while under there?


dan

 

Any engine codes come up? I had shifting problems and it turned out to be the speed sensor on the tranny.

 

Nope no codes, every trans builder I have talked to tells me the speed sensors on the trans controll the 3/4 shift.
So I'll adjust the bands, install the shift kit and new filter and call it good I think.
I've already adjusted the front band and the TV cable and it shifts fine now so with the addition of the second band adjustment and the firmer shifts I suspect (hope) I'll be happy

dan

 

Well I started the process tonight, removed the t case, replaced the two seals and reinstalled the t case, drained (should have done that first) refilled with nice clean oil. Dropped the trans pan so it will be almost done dripping tomorrow after work.
Good thing was there was no fiber material in the pan, just a few metal fileings stuck to the magnet.
I'll remove the valve body tomorrow eve and get started on the shift kit install and get the rear band adjusted while there.

The only thing that bugs me is I dont have a inch lb torque wrench, the only thing saving me from what I can tell is 72 inch lbs works out to be roughly what 6 ft lbs? that's not to much for sure.

Anyone have any tips while I'm under there?

dan

 

Well I pulled the valve body to do the shift kit and the front band is shot...
Looks like it destroyed the front drum as well, groves from the rivets.

Started to pull the trans out and those Dodge engineers need to be SHOT!!
Had to remove the t case again and of course I dumped all that fresh oil all over the driveway.
Then I couldn't get the damn oil filter off to get the bolt behind it, next I discover the front end is mounted to the engine block... Hmmmmm.
Anyway, I'll be firein up the compressor in the am to get the starter and upper bell housing bolts out.

I think I'll have a better attitude in the morning, hope so anyway I'm sure not happy right now![/align]


dan