I have a 98 Ram 1500 2WD with a 5.2 L engine and 46RE trans. For the last few weeks every time I start my truck when it has had time to cool down and try to take off (even when I let it warm up for a few min first) it doesn't want to go. After it has been in gear for about 5-10 seconds it will go and for the rest of the drive it is fine. I have just crossed the 200k mark. I don't have any experience working with transmissions except replacing them all together. What could be causing this and how do I check for it? The issue is not with the breaks I have checked them several times and other than needing new pads soon they are working fine.

I did find this post that is similar to mine though I thought they are different enough to warrant a new thread.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.
George

 

Mine does the same thing. Do you still have the check valve in the trans cooler line running to the lower fitting on the radiator? my guess is "no". Just for giggles, in the morning, start your truck, put it in neutral, and let it idle for a minute. See if it doesn't take off like you think it should.

 

And if the check valve is still there remove it.

 

I removed the check valve a while back. This is a new problem. Ill try warming it up in neutral and see what happens.

George

 

It's because the check valve isn't there, that you are now seeing this problem. Fluid drains out of the torque converter, and on these trannys, it doesn't refill with the trans in park. (no clue why they thought that was a good idea.....) Putting it in neutral for a bit will refill the t/c, and your problem shouldn't occur.

There are various ways to alleviate the symptom. Installing an external filter, (which will most likely have a check valve built into it...) is one. Installing a shift kit, (sonnax sure cure, or similar) part of the process is drilling a port so that the t/c DOES get filled in park.