OK, so first let me pre-apologize if this is mentioned somewhere else and I missed it. I have a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport 4x4 with the 5.9 engine and 46re transmission. My problem is in between 3rd and 4th gear when accelerating it seems like it almost goes in neutral for a moment the rpm's go up but I'm not accelerating. When this happens I let off the accelerator and then try to use it again and eventually it seems to catch and go on like normal. Anyone have any idea whats going on? From what I've read sounds like governor pressure solenoid problem but Im not sure. Thing is I'm getting ready to replace the filter and would like to know so if its that I can replace them while the pan is off so as not to have to lose fluid again taking the pan off again. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

UPDATE Question:

Ive just now found a person to give me a hand with this, he was thinking of hooking up one of those diagnostic computers to it to see what is going on with the transmission. Would any of these problems throw a code to a computer like that?

 

Is this truck new to you? How many miles on it?

Before you drop the pan, check the fluid level. In Neutral, not park. Make sure it is full. Smell the fluid on dipstick. Does it smell burned?

Governor solenoid is a likely suspect. What you are describing is failure to go into overdrive. Are you towing or going up and down hills? Car you getting CEL? It should be displaying code for 3-4 shift. Can't remember the P number thjough.

 

Hey thanks for getting back to me on this. Ive had this truck quite a while without any transmission problems but it sat for a while and when I started driving it again thats when it started. It's got 194,000 miles on it just hoping I dont have to buy a new tranny. I checked the fluid before I started driving it again and it looked/smelled fine and checked it when it started acting up and it looked okay to me, and no CEL thats what had me baffled.

 

Dude, I have a 2001 that I bought off a family member that has 124+ thousand miles. I was having shifting/slipping issues also. Local mechanic told me when these trucks come in with issues they just tell customer they need a new trans. I, however, new that this is not always the case and since fluid was recently changed and there were no metal shavings in pan I decided to get the solenoid rebuid kit from cascade transmissions for 200 bucks. It replaces the governor solenoid as well as some other parts. I was also reluctant to get bands adjusted as some have had issues afterwards but when mechanic was in there he called me and told me bands were very loose so I told him to adjust per the manual. I have to say the truck drives so much better. I was debating getting a tuner but it drives nice right now and might just leave it be. Look into it before you go the new trans route. Good luck.

 

could be something simple like the 3-4 accumulator piston seal or spring. Will require dropping the pan to inspect though. You can download the FSM and if you're willing and able you can rebuild the whole trans if you want.

 

Pull out the solenoid and clean the screens. When you pull it you will see. You can also pull the solenoid apart and clean the metal shavings off of it. If the coil inside the solonoid is broke then replace it. If its fine snap it back together and rock on. The metal shaving are a bad sign and the truck will start doing it again after about 4k miles. You can also just rebuild the back tail shaft and that could solve your problems. My truck has 185k and its on its second. Old man has the exact same truck, original owner 2001 and he has pulled small equipment with it and babyed the crap out of it with regular fluid changes and everything, completely stock and has 265k gone through 3 heavy duty 46re transmissions. The 46re sucks and is a common problem with people who actually use there truck. Plop a couple grand on a nice rebuilt tranny and expect 80k miles period.

 

At least I know I'm not the only one with this sort of issue. Thanks for all the input so far everyone I will look into these suggestions. Of coarse if anyone else has any more input go right ahead and I will update as to what it is when I figure it out. Thanks again!

 

I know i'm stating the obvious here, but any time you're swapping sensors or solenoids or doing tranny service, you need to make sure the check valve is out of the trans line going to the radiator. If your tranny goes out, this is one of the primary culprits as it clogs with shavings. I know that the 46re transmissions are princesses, but they can be made to last with the right mods and upgrades. Get the borgs warner solenoids, sonnax valves, deep tranny pan, auxiliary cooler, etc. and don't tow with overdrive on. However, if you find solid pieces of metal on the magnet in that pan, dont waste your money on upgrades, buy a viper tranny!

 

thedude.... If you drop the pan to swap solenoids, find ElectricalAdvantage on ebay. Best price I have found. Get pressure sensor and BW solenoid from them. When you drop pan, also check accumulator as mentioned by Newman.

Let us know what the magnet has around it. Look for pieces of broken snap ring if it is in there (then it is a different problem...) Post photos if you can. That may help.

Go to FAQ/DIY section and download service manual. Read up on adjusting bands. Do not attempt if you do not have torque wrench and don't let anyone scare you off stating NOT to adjust bands. Just do it correctly. Use an inch pound torque wrench as directed.

 

while we're on the subject....
My 99 ram 4X4 is making a whine sound when shifting. It also drops out of OD when I try to accelerate. Let up on the throttle and it shifts back into OD.
I tried driving with the OD turned off and it seems to shift pretty good 1-2-3, and I did not notice the whine.
saw this video on youtube. the guy says the 3-4 spring is a common problem. Symptoms similiar to the ones I am having, until finally it just burns up the OD.



I am thinking of just dropping the pan and changing out the sping. $10 part at cascade Transmission parts. any thoughts?