My 98 ram 1500 with a v6 is having transmission shifting problems. It will only shift from 1st to second after running way up in RPMs and then letting off the gas. Shifting from 3rd to 4th can only happen if I put in netral and let engine speed die down and then putting back in drive. Most of the time the trans downshifts ok but occasionally will only downshift to 3rd. When in a gear, there is no slippage at all. There is also a slight whining noise when in first and second. This all started happening at once.

I changed fluid and filter yesterday but no change. Does this sound typical of Governor pressure sensor and solenoid?

 

Probably should have pulled them and checked 'em out while you were in there. Good chance they are just clogged up and dirty.

 

Didn't know you could clean them? Is there a particular method to doing this?

 

There is a DIY in the faq section for just such an occasion. Probably don't have to get quite that berserk though.

 

Is that the post that shows a total disassemble of the solenoid?? What are the odds that the solenoid only needs cleaning? The filter kit I installed the other day had a rubber gasket so I assume that it should be reusable. The reason I am asking is that the 6 quarts is tranny fluid is $35. I don't want to waste another 35 for a low odds shot in the dark.

 

Update on tranny problem. It turned out to be the sensor was gummed up. A tooth brush and sum parts cleaner served very well. Shifts puurrfectly!