This morning I couldn't start my 99 dodge ram (automatic T). I messed with the transmission handle and it started.... Was shaky all day...and finally it wouldn't start while in park...although it started fine in neutral. Parked on a bit of a hill tonight, and when I put it in park it rolled forward and made a loud clacking noise. Put on the P brake and it didn't roll....does fine while stopped on level ground (although I am using the P brake now.)

I realize I need to get this to the transmission shop...but I need to use the truck tomorrow...and don't want to screw it up worse than it is....

Anyone have any ideas what is wrong....and if i will damage it more by using it? It runs fine in drive...no extra noise or lurching....

Thanks so much.

 

Download the Factory service manual available in the FAQ'S section on this forum
and adjust the shift linkage.


Dave

 

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-gen-rams.html

 

Done thanks.

Maybe I'll feel brave and try it in the morning.

 

Might have bent/broken the parking sprag as well, hence the noise you heard. Wouldnt recommend you doing this (the sprag) yourself if you dont know what you are doing; take it to a tranny shop and describe your problem, with emphasis on the noise you heard (make sure they have a good rep).

EDIT: forgot to mention that damage to the parking sprag wont necessarily damage you tranny further, so it would be alright for you to use it for a little while longer. Keep in mind though that the sprag is a big chunk of metal, and if little bits are floating around in there it may become a problem with prolonged use (there is a magnet in the pan to catch things like this, but if its thoroughly coated it might not).

 

+1^^^ You won't hurt it but make damn sure you use the e brake or better still a couple of wheel chalk's

 

On a flat surface with the e-brake on crawl under the truck and
remove the shift linkage from where it connects to the lever coming of the transmission.
Make sure the lever on the tranny is in the park position.
First try starting it see if its like it should.
If it does then linkage needs adjusting.
Then let the brakes off and see if you can push the truck by hand and weather it makes that noise or not.
If you cant push it then chance's are the shift linkage needs adjusting.
If you can push and it makes noise, then you most likely have internal problem.

Dave