My transmission has been getting more and more iffy each day/week. Over the winter, even though I would warm it up before driving, it would hesitate to engage into Drive and would take some coaxing. Now, it acts very weak upon takeoff and even acts like it's trying to engage, can't, and then jumps/slams into Drive. When backing out of a parking spot and going from Reverse to Drive, I try to ensure that Drive has engaged, but when applying the throttle, nothing by revs and if I'm not careful it will slam into drive. I know it needs a rebuild and I'm working feverishly to get my little VW back on the road so I can have the Dodge repaired.

Any ideas what's happening? Suggestions?

 

Did you ever revisit that band adjustment? Seems like I remember you saying there was a differing opinion from some TSB's and the Haynes manual.

If you can, pull the pan and look for any pieces, and maybe even pull the VB apart and check for debris. More than likely your clutch packs are failing, but it could just be the solenoids need replaced.

 

sorry this is not a helpful post, but i sure miss montec.
you might try reviewing his posts. there's a lot of them.

 

It is a bummer that he's gone. But I would try adjusting the bands before it gets even worse. You might reduce the damage and get a few more miles out of it if you keep it from slipping like it is.

 

Sounds like your clutch packs are burnt. What color is the fluid? Does it smell burnt? Have you checked to make sure the infamous "check valve" is free and flowing?

I had the exact same symptoms with mine, and it turned out that I toasted the clutch packs and pick-up pump seal. This was caused by poor cooling. If I had a Trans temp gauge........

Good luck

 

Yeah, I adjusted the bands a while back and don't think I did it right. I'm betting it was because of the figures given in the FSM which are said to be wrong, versus the Haynes. AFIK, the fluid is not burnt. Then again, it's been a long time since I changed the fluid. Perhaps I'll do so in a couple of days and readjust the bands.

What happened to MonteC?

 

Don't know what happened to MonteC, but I have adjusted mine according to my 98 FSM and have no probs what so ever. And I have a Haynes also and the it says the same thing IIRC. I can look if you like.

 

he hasn't been around in a while,

IDK about Transguy37 either.

Wasn't there another guy, XXL_1500 or something like that, that worked on trannys for a dealership? He bought a Cummins and had a ridiculous sig pic that went with it. I wonder if he's still around. It can't hurt to email them all to see if you can get some advice.

edit: Looks as if none of them has been on in a while.

 

You might also try dodgetrucks.org. I hope DF has a good relationship with them and I don't get in trouble, but Wayne at APS frequents and sponsors that board. I search there for help with tranny issues.

 

try rabbler.