I have a '99 ram 1500 5.2 quad cab. Just the other day, when it was bitter cold she started acting up. If I am at a dead stop (a hill is the worst) the tranny does not want to go into first or second after giving it gas. The engine revs to almost 3500 before it will engage and you still have to back off the gas to get her to do it. It's a little better when she warms up. My husband is changing the filter and putting in new fluid (she hasn't lost a drop in the over 2 years we've had her.) Reverse will whine a little if the temps are cold, which it is on the east coast now.
My big questions are...if things are the same after the filter/fluid change... Does he attempt a band adjustment (which he has never done) and does the type of tranny we have matter (not sure if its a re46 or re47, how can you tell??)
The only book he has is a Haines and info is so-so. Any help is much appreciated.

 

you got the 46re trans..Just make sure you use the correct fluid ATF+4 , cold weather could be an issue , mite be other problems starting to show..

 

In my experience with vehicles, weather changes don't usually cause problems, they just make them more apparent.

If it just started doing this all of a sudden, then your rear band is probably worn. You may be able to adjust it and continue on your way, or you may be on your way to a rebuild/replacement.

I'm sure more people will chime in and either back me up or correct me if I am wrong.

If the fluid flush doesn't help, then def. adjust the bands. Its the easiest and cheapest thing to do. In fact, he might want to adjust the rear band while doing the flush (you have to remove the trans pan to do it.)

 

What is the best way to adjust the rear bands? The fluid and filter change with some trans x made it a little better, still have to back off the gas at 2500 to get her into second.

 

Actually let me better state what she is doing, she goes into drive with no problem it's when you try to go out of first into second. Going through 3rd and 4th, no problems. I am not sure I put it correctly the first post.

 

Adjust the bands. Clean or replace the governor pressure sensor, solenoid.

 

You used Trans-X?

In general trans additives are a bad idea. Most end up expanding seals and softening them to where they break up and gunk up the internals.

MonteC has one he recommends, I think it was Smartblend????

Wayne at APS sells lubegard platinum. As he specializes in Mopar transmissions, I'd assume it's safe to use.

I haven't used either to comment intelligently about either.

 

One big question is, about how long will this tranny last with this issue. I am in a bit of a $$ bind and cannot afford a rebuild. I am looking now for another tranny from a parts recycler ( the place I prefer to deal with just had one go for $800 w/90 garauntee ) My husband has never messed with adjusting the bands on this type of tranny and is a bit nervous about trying it, he doesen't know if he should attempt it and take the chance in screwing it up worse or let the fluid change and the additive keep her going till we get another tranny..I live in the country and my only other car is out of commision, so I REALLY need to get to work.
Any idea how long she may last? I'll have income tax soon which will help. Thanks for being so patient.

 

Try using this:

http://www.rm-indy.com/wavefiles/2001ramsrvcmanual.zip

 

The transmission bands are very easy to adjust. All you have to do is:
1. Back off the locknut
2. Make sure that the adjuster screw turns freely
3. Tighten down the adjuster screw to the proper torque (should be 72 in/lbs)
4. Back the adjuster off the proper number of turns (typically 2-3 depending on the trans)
5. Tighten down the locknut to the proper torque while ensuring that the adjuster doesn't turn.

For a more complete way to do this, you can search the forum for this or check out the DIY section.

It is fairly easy to do, as long as your husband has some wrenching background, I would say go for it. Its not a guarantee, but then again, it doesn't cost anything to do.