Hi everybody,
Need a little more help. I have a 1999 Dodge Ram Sport 4x4 5.2 L engine. The last time I went to get my oil changed I was told I had a transmission leak. Ok, I know that Dodge trucks have bad transmission problems so I was kind of expecting something to happen. They told me I needed my transmission fluid and filter changed. I had a friend try to change that for me last week. First, the pan was extremely loose, which probably caused the leak. Then, he couldn't get the filter off. It was held on by 3 tiny bolts. He has a 2001 Ram and his is not bolted on, the one I got from AutoZone didn't have bolts either so I'm wondering if the filter that is on there is the correct one? Anyway, he ended up just cleaning the pan and draining the fluid out. Since it was done my transmission has slipped twice. It only happened when the engine was cold and I was just starting to go. I just pushed the gas and the engine revved up but the truck didn't move then gave a big jerk and started going. Felt like it was in neutral for a few seconds. Any suggestions what I can do? I'm scared that this is just the beginning of my transmission problems but I'm hoping its not. I love my truck but I don't love its issues.
Thanks for any help!

 

Sounds like you are low on fluid . Check it in neutral with the engine running. And the tranny filters are "ALL" held on by those tiny bolts. They are called Torx. Your friend's is also held on with bolt's. So he simply does not know what he is talking about. I highly suggest you get a Haynes manual when you go back to the store to get more fluid. And don't let your "friend" touch it again. Unless of course you want to make sure your tranny is toast.

 

#25 torx for the filter.
use only ATF+4, if you used anything else, drain it out and refill.
as said, check fluid level with engine running and in neutral, not park.

 

And the fluid needs to be at operating temp.

Dave

 

And if you had your oil changed at one of those fast lube places, I would wonder if they loosedened the tranny pan bolt to cause a leak......bolts typcially don't just come loose.....

 

Oops posted on the wrong thread...sorry

 

Thanks everybody. Gonna check my fluid today and hope that's it.