I towed my fifth wheel this weekend and about 1/2 mi from my destination my auto trans stuck in 3rd. Wouldnt downshift. I struggled and got there. after a bit I did some looking and checked fuses and the relay, switched them around, and now it shifts fine made the run home no problems. My question is is this a trans thats about to grenade? Also no burned fluid or smell. 1998 dodge 2500 v 10 3.55 gears.

 

It also had a chance to cool.... which might have been the problem. ATF +4 doesn't show overheating as well as some of the less advanced fluids, (discoloration, bad smell) so, that really isn't as good of an indicator as it used to be.

If you still have the check valve in the cooler line going to the bottom fitting at the radiator, get rid of it. If you tow heavy loads regularly, an additional cooler, and remote filter really wouldn't be a bad idea.

 

Ok where is this located? And is it going to give me trouble when it's -30 out? and should I change the fluid? This truck already has both a in tank and external cooler. I believe the external is thermostatically controled. I dont know for sure. The temp gauge never budged and the check engine or trans light never came on.

 

As the fluid ages, it loses its ability to lubricate and cooldown. It wouldnt hurt to drop the pan change the filter and fluid (altho that only changes about half of the fluid)

 

If you go from the bottom cooler fitting on the radiator, and follow that line back towards the trans, there will be a coupler, then some rubber hose, and then a couple of metal fittings. One of those is the check valve. They like to clog, and prevent ANY flow.....

Mine has been out for a while. (including a michigan winter) without any adverse affects.

You have a temp gauge for your trans? The lite for the trans fluid being too hot comes on after its already too late.....

 

No gauge. I dont tow that heavy for the truck. probably only 7000 lbs
I will check out the check valve.

 

7K is a lot for these transmissions though. They weren't the stoutest even when new......

 

unlike some of the half tons this truck has a towing cap. of 13,100. so I am barely over 1/2. I dont see how a 7000 lb load would be working this trans.

 

Because they are junk tranny's.

 

How so? From what I can gather, the highest tow rating for a half ton truck is just under 8K.....