Hello,
I have a 1998 Dodge Ram Quad 4x4 5.9 46re... tranny started slipping when getting off of freeway. A couple of blocks later, no forward or reverse.

I pulled the tranny this morning and will start tear down tomorrow. I have not opened a tranny for 15-20 years (yeah!). What is the probable cause? 132k miles. No other issues prior to recent event.

Thanks, Dave

 

NO DRIVE OR REVERSE
(VEHICLE WILL NOT
MOVE)
1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks if drive is
restored.
2. Gearshift Linkage/Cable
Loose/Misadjusted.
2. Inspect, adjust and reassemble linkage
as needed. Replace worn/damaged parts.
3. U-Joint/Axle/Transfer Case
Broken.
3. Perform preliminary inspection procedure
for vehicle that will not move. Refer to
procedure in diagnosis section.
4. Filter Plugged. 4. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Repair or replace failed components as
needed. Replace filter. If filter and fluid
contained clutch material or metal particles,
an overhaul may be necessary. Perform
lube flow test. Flush oil. Replace cooler as
necessary.
5. Oil Pump Damaged. 5. Perform pressure test to confirm low
pressure. Replace pump body assembly if
necessary.
--------------------------------------------
BR/BE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE 21 - 493
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 46RE (Continued)
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
6. Valve Body Malfunctioned. 6. Check and inspect valve body. Replace
valve body (as assembly) if any valve or
bore is damaged. Clean and reassemble
correctly if all parts are in good condition.
7. Transmission Internal Component
Damaged.
7. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Repair or replace failed components as
needed.
8. Park Sprag not Releasing - Check
Stall Speed, Worn/Damaged/Stuck.
8. Remove, disassemble, repair.
9. Torque Converter Damage. 9. Inspect and replace as required.

 

Cool... I found same info on google. I was hoping a tranny guy could offer a little more.

 

Too bad the tranny guy we had here does not come on very often. It's a bummer.

 

If suddeenly no forward or reverse, I would chaeck transfer case to begin. Reverse is not usually the first thing to go out on these trannys. They usually display loss of OD and/or 1st/3rd. When this occurs, they normally start off in second.

But a xfer case has to be be functional.....just guessing.

Go to (cannot believe zman forgot this!) the FAQ/DIY section and download service manual. Get parts manual while you are there. I printed the section on transmission overhaul and put in sheet protectors to have it on the bench. It is well written and very helpful.

If it is tranny, the problem should be readily apparent when you crack it open. May even be servos busted, lever dropped off band, etc.

Post photos of what you found.

 

I have seen torque converter failure many times resulting in no movement...Usually you can see evidence in the filter or the governor solenoid is a common place to see converter debri.....

 

Dave, Hopefully you checked the fluid level/condition-droped the pan and inspected for debri before you droped you trans, you will normally see any major failure by excessive debri and a pluged filter. If this is the case you most likely had a convertor failure, (fairly common) if internal failure is determined get the tools out and tear that baby down/clean it up and inspect. If you've rebuilt a trans before you should be fine, this is a fairly simple design.
I've been building the RH/RE trans since they were born so if you need any help just hollar.
Good Luck, JC