Hi Im new to this forum, I just found it actually and it looks like there is a lot of good information on here. I read through alot and didn't find exactly what I was looking for. I have a 95 Ram 1500 with the 5.9L and 4x4. The truck recently started not wanting to shift out of first gear. It does not do this all the time. It acts like first is all it has and it will just let the engine rev up. It eventually shifts into second and it does it kind of hard. Im thinking this my be a speed sensor problem but I am not sure. Once it does that routine once it will shift perfectly for the rest of the drive. Any imput would be well appreciated. Thanks

 

I'm having similiar issues but not exactly. Mine will shift 1-2 and 2-3 (at higher rpms) but 3-4 it will slip and I don't think the TC is locking up.

See my post under "tranny will not upshift"

Also, from what I've gathered here, there are a couple of things you need to check first.

1) The Throttle Position Sensor
2) The TV Cable

Here is the procedure for the TV Cable, do a search on the TPS for the procedure for it.


DODGE RAM TV CABLE ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE (VIA HAYNES MANUAL)

THROTTLE VALVE CABLE ADJUSTMENT CHECK
I) Turn ignition key to OFF position.
II) Remove air cleaner.
III) Slide cable off attachment stud on throttle body lever Throttle Valve
Cable Attachment - At Engine
IV) Verify that throttle body lever is at curb idle position. Then verify
that transmission throttle lever is also at idle (full forward) position.
V) Compare position of cable end to attachment stud on throttle body lever:
VI) Cable end and attachment stud should be aligned (or centered o
n one another) to within 1 mm (0.039 in.) in either direction.
VII) If cable end and attachment stud are misaligned (off center), cable
will have to be adjusted as described in following procedure.
VIII) Reconnect cable end to attachment stud. Then with aid of a helper,
observe movement of transmission throttle lever and lever on throttle body.
IX) If both levers move simultaneously from idle to half-throttle and back to
idle position, adjustment is correct.
X) If transmission throttle lever moves ahead of, or lags behind throttle body lever,
cable adjustment will be necessary. Or, if throttle body lever prevents
transmission lever from returning to closed position, cable adjustment
will be necessary

THROTTLE VALVE CABLE ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE
I) Turn ignition switch to OFF position and shift into Park.
II) Remove air cleaner.
III) Disconnect cable end from attachment stud on throttle body. Carefully
slide cable off stud. Do not pull or pry cable off.
IV) Verify that transmission throttle lever is in idle (full forward) position.
Then be sure lever on throttle body is at curb idle position.
V) Insert a small screwdriver under edge of retaining clip and remove retaining clip.
VI) Center cable end on attachment stud to within 1 mm (0.039 in.)
VII) NOTE: Be sure that as the cable is pulled forward and centered on the
throttle lever stud, the cable housing moves smoothly with the cable.
Due to the angle at which the cable housing enters the spring housing,
the cable housing may bind slightly and create an incorrect adjustment.
VIII) Install retaining clip onto cable housing.
IX) Check cable adjustment. Be sure transmission throttle lever and lever
on throttle body move simultaneously and as described in cable
adjustment checking procedure.
X) this usually takes some trial and error to hit the "sweet spot",
so you have to adjust it, drive it a while checking shifts, and
readjust if necessary.

 

Adjust the 1-2 band.

 

I would start with the throttle cable. If that doesn't work, you possibly have a stick throttle valve. I don't thin it would be the governor because you are taking off in 1st. The rule is, governor pressure has to over come throttle pressure for an upshift.

 

I am pretty sure that the TC will not lock up until the trans is actually in 4th gear. Without 4th gear engaged, the TC will stay unlocked.

 

i have a 1996 ram 1500 slt. i just recently bought the truck and was under the impression of a brand new tranny. the truck wouldnt want to pull out at a red light (automatic) i would have to actually downshift on the column to 2nd to pull out then back to Drive. it also seemed to shift hard upon bringing it home. It would also sometimes slam hard. ABS and Park Brake lights stay on as well. (didnt do any of this upon test drive). I called the place back they are now currently fixing my truck for free.. since i have a similiar problem as you do in your truck.. once i get my truck back and im aware of what went wrong i will be sure to pass the info on to you.. hopefully it helps.
Tyler

 

thanks for the info guys....after a "transmission" guy tore into it twice he told me is was the tps...it wasn't. i adjusted the tv cable and it shifts perfectly. $300 later and i fixed it myself for free. but i am glad it is fixed! againg thanks for the help.

 

What is "curb idle?"