Hey guys,

I have a 96 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9 V8 (Gas) with automatic transmission. When I engage the transmission (D or R) the truck seems to have a hard engage, it is almost like a lurch. The truck seems to run fine, maybe a little high pull on the transmission like it really wants to go, but that is it. I checked the fluid and it appears to have plenty and it is definitely not black/brown, but it does look a little cloudy to me. I am thinking of doing a fluid and filter change since this has not been done since I bought the truck in 2011, but I am wondering if there is something else you might suggest checking out or doing instead.
TIA

 

Check the adjustment of the TV cable. Procedure is in the service manual. (available here if you don't already have it.)

 

Okay I changed the transmission fluid and of course that required draining the fluid. following the instruction of the service manual I put in 1.5 quarts of ATF +. I started the truck, let it idle and suddenly no drive or reverse. Referring to the trouble shooting guide fluid may be to low. I kill the engine and go to add more fluid and the overflow on the rad is bubbling away. not good. I go ahead and add some fluid and go back to start the truck and it will not start. it clicks like the battery is good, then nothing. no power anything.

could being low on transmission fluid cause it to overheat and shut down this way or have I just messed everything up?

 

It shouldn't...... sounds like you are just finding some weak points in your truck.

First, try swapping the starter relay, and the horn relay. See if that improves its attitude.

Also, when you do a fluid/filter change, dump in FOUR quarts before starting the engine. Some folks put in as many as six before it is actually full.

 

Weak points indeed! The power issue is simply a battery connection problem. If I push down on the positive battery connector it rights itself...for a while. I have purchase some of the screw down replacement connectors and I am coing to replace them and see if that solves the problem permenantly (they need to be replaced anyway because the negative connecotr bolt is rusted corroded and worn and the positive has had so many wires added that it is a pain to deal with.)

I have since added more fluid to bring the total to 5 quarts. the latest issue is when I went to move the truck I noticed smoke coming from the bed and that sweet sweet smell of burning trans fluid. I fifugred it was just burning off fluid that got on the muffler during the change, but wwhen I looked it appears as though there is fluid splattered up the back of the cab and in the front of the bed. It is as if it has spit fluid up between the two. I have no clue what that is about. I have tyhe truck moved to a new location now so I am hoping to see if there is a leak. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Any places where the fluid can escape in that area? May just be weak seal.

 

Good thought. I will keep looking.