MonteC's Transmission Corner (For Info Only)
Record Breaker
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 0
From: Leesburg, IN
Hey Montec,
I'm new to the forum and have been browsing heavily. I'm a long time dodge enthusiast, but admittedly I have little knowledge on them. I'm looking at getting an 01 1500 , and I posted a seperate thread asking for advice on what to look out for if I happen to go look at it/test drive it.
What I would like to ask is, I know it's probably a lot to ask, but can someone explain the tranny issues that people keep mentioning. I don't mean in depth, I don't want to keep you here all night, but in general. Like I said I'm thinking about going to take this one for a spin, and I know the basics, but with the tranny problem in particular, what questions do I ask the owner, what do I look for on the service records if I can get ahold of any, what do I look out for when test driving? Also, I know it probably sounds like a stupid question, but will I usually notice if the tranny's going to give up on me? Say I test drive it and notice no shifting difficulties, good fluid, whatever else, can I say it's safe until I see certain signs or is it one of those things that might or might not go out one day at random?
Everything I've read and everyone that's talked to me on my other post has said to just expect I'll need a rebuild sooner or later, so I understand that much.. but I don't want to go from a decent car that I have little worry with from day to day, to something I'll have to constantly keep my eye on. I want to baby it, but I'm not looking at big hospital bills if you know what I mean! haha. Just some tranny wisdom would be helpful. I've been trying to do some reading on my own, but I can't find the information I need in one place.
I'm new to the forum and have been browsing heavily. I'm a long time dodge enthusiast, but admittedly I have little knowledge on them. I'm looking at getting an 01 1500 , and I posted a seperate thread asking for advice on what to look out for if I happen to go look at it/test drive it.
What I would like to ask is, I know it's probably a lot to ask, but can someone explain the tranny issues that people keep mentioning. I don't mean in depth, I don't want to keep you here all night, but in general. Like I said I'm thinking about going to take this one for a spin, and I know the basics, but with the tranny problem in particular, what questions do I ask the owner, what do I look for on the service records if I can get ahold of any, what do I look out for when test driving? Also, I know it probably sounds like a stupid question, but will I usually notice if the tranny's going to give up on me? Say I test drive it and notice no shifting difficulties, good fluid, whatever else, can I say it's safe until I see certain signs or is it one of those things that might or might not go out one day at random?
Everything I've read and everyone that's talked to me on my other post has said to just expect I'll need a rebuild sooner or later, so I understand that much.. but I don't want to go from a decent car that I have little worry with from day to day, to something I'll have to constantly keep my eye on. I want to baby it, but I'm not looking at big hospital bills if you know what I mean! haha. Just some tranny wisdom would be helpful. I've been trying to do some reading on my own, but I can't find the information I need in one place.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen-ram-faqs/236110-factory-service-manual-for-2nd-gen-rams.html
And in the transmission section it explains what to look for and to note on a test drive.
Then there is a section that lists possible causes and solutions to the problems.
Dave
Amateur
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Do I need a band adjustment?
1995 Ram 2500 with 5.9 automatic 4x4 with 3.55 gears I think. This was an old work truck I bought and tried pulling my boat today which weighs around 7,000 pounds. While accelerating with o/d off the RPMS seem to jump about a couple hundred RPMS just before it shifts. The transmission was rebuilt a year ago. But that was before I bought it.
I only went 2 miles with the boat. I used low range pulling up the steep boat ramp so I wouldnt strain it too bad. This is the first automatic I have owned in 10 years.
Could it need a band adjustment? I read somewhere max trailer weight is 8,800
I only went 2 miles with the boat. I used low range pulling up the steep boat ramp so I wouldnt strain it too bad. This is the first automatic I have owned in 10 years.
Could it need a band adjustment? I read somewhere max trailer weight is 8,800
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 87,399
Likes: 4,214
From: Clayton MI
1995 Ram 2500 with 5.9 automatic 4x4 with 3.55 gears I think. This was an old work truck I bought and tried pulling my boat today which weighs around 7,000 pounds. While accelerating with o/d off the RPMS seem to jump about a couple hundred RPMS just before it shifts. The transmission was rebuilt a year ago. But that was before I bought it.
I only went 2 miles with the boat. I used low range pulling up the steep boat ramp so I wouldnt strain it too bad. This is the first automatic I have owned in 10 years.
Could it need a band adjustment? I read somewhere max trailer weight is 8,800
I only went 2 miles with the boat. I used low range pulling up the steep boat ramp so I wouldnt strain it too bad. This is the first automatic I have owned in 10 years.
Could it need a band adjustment? I read somewhere max trailer weight is 8,800
Amateur
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
That is straight out of the origional owners manual that came with it when new
Record Breaker
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 2
From: North Charleston, SC
Hey, I'm new to the forum and I've been searching through it trying to find a solution to my problem but so far i'm still out of luck. I recently bought a 98 ram knowing it had transmission problems. The guy bought a brand new transmission and put it in himself so I'm sure that has something to do with it. But it rarely shifts into 2nd, when it does I have to manually do it myself. Its shifts into 2nd when its cold but as it warms up it doesn't wanna shift at all and slips out of gear. I've adjusted the tv cable multiple times and it helped it get into 2nd but it still won't do anything else. Any suggestions?
Record Breaker
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 2
From: North Charleston, SC
Record Breaker
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 2
From: North Charleston, SC
Hmm. Gotta be something simple. If you can get ahold of a scan tool see what the computer is commanding and what the transmission is actually doing.
Record Breaker
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 2
From: North Charleston, SC
Hey Montec,
I'm new to the forum and have been browsing heavily. I'm a long time dodge enthusiast, but admittedly I have little knowledge on them. I'm looking at getting an 01 1500 , and I posted a seperate thread asking for advice on what to look out for if I happen to go look at it/test drive it.
What I would like to ask is, I know it's probably a lot to ask, but can someone explain the tranny issues that people keep mentioning. I don't mean in depth, I don't want to keep you here all night, but in general. Like I said I'm thinking about going to take this one for a spin, and I know the basics, but with the tranny problem in particular, what questions do I ask the owner, what do I look for on the service records if I can get ahold of any, what do I look out for when test driving? Also, I know it probably sounds like a stupid question, but will I usually notice if the tranny's going to give up on me? Say I test drive it and notice no shifting difficulties, good fluid, whatever else, can I say it's safe until I see certain signs or is it one of those things that might or might not go out one day at random?
Everything I've read and everyone that's talked to me on my other post has said to just expect I'll need a rebuild sooner or later, so I understand that much.. but I don't want to go from a decent car that I have little worry with from day to day, to something I'll have to constantly keep my eye on. I want to baby it, but I'm not looking at big hospital bills if you know what I mean! haha. Just some tranny wisdom would be helpful. I've been trying to do some reading on my own, but I can't find the information I need in one place.
I'm new to the forum and have been browsing heavily. I'm a long time dodge enthusiast, but admittedly I have little knowledge on them. I'm looking at getting an 01 1500 , and I posted a seperate thread asking for advice on what to look out for if I happen to go look at it/test drive it.
What I would like to ask is, I know it's probably a lot to ask, but can someone explain the tranny issues that people keep mentioning. I don't mean in depth, I don't want to keep you here all night, but in general. Like I said I'm thinking about going to take this one for a spin, and I know the basics, but with the tranny problem in particular, what questions do I ask the owner, what do I look for on the service records if I can get ahold of any, what do I look out for when test driving? Also, I know it probably sounds like a stupid question, but will I usually notice if the tranny's going to give up on me? Say I test drive it and notice no shifting difficulties, good fluid, whatever else, can I say it's safe until I see certain signs or is it one of those things that might or might not go out one day at random?
Everything I've read and everyone that's talked to me on my other post has said to just expect I'll need a rebuild sooner or later, so I understand that much.. but I don't want to go from a decent car that I have little worry with from day to day, to something I'll have to constantly keep my eye on. I want to baby it, but I'm not looking at big hospital bills if you know what I mean! haha. Just some tranny wisdom would be helpful. I've been trying to do some reading on my own, but I can't find the information I need in one place.
Well its a used vehicle. Ive fought my battles with buying used cars and i still do today. It truly is hit or miss.
My advice for the transmission side is: Check the fluid, smell it. For reference smell a brand new bottle of atf+4, smell a bottle of Dex/merc 3. Compare it to the fluid in the truck you plan on buying. Odds are good that they have never changed the fluid. If the fluid smells burnt or off, or looks murky or off color, there is a good chance transmission problems are ahead.
If you can get service records that would be great, but understand that even the most meticulously maintained transmission can still have problems. DRIVE the truck, run it hard full throttle for a good while, get the truck nice and hot and beat on it. Any shifting issues should pop up if present.
And if the transmission was rebuild or replaced i would still be wary, lot of under qualified "transmission rebuilders" out there.
Good luck with your purchase.
Record Breaker
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 2
From: North Charleston, SC
To me it sounds like the transmission is flaring between shifts. If only the 1/2 shift is flaring i would say adjust the bands and see if it helps, but if its flaring between the 1/2 and the 2/3 then id say its a bigger trans problem. Or a bad rebuild.
Champion
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,416
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area, CA
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...y-rebuild.html