Have a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 sport, automatic transmission,5.2 engine. Truck had problems starting in park, starts in neutral. Driving home other day, truck wouldnt shift, RPM's revved high. Tried adjusting the gear shift linkage and replaced the neutral safety switch. It started in park once, even had back up lights. Now truck won't start again. The shift rod is bent, could that be the problem?

 

Depends on how bad it's bent. There are also a selection of plastic bushings in the linkage, that take up some of the slop. Those are notorious for getting old and brittle, and then falling out. I think they are still available from the dealer. (and not that expensive)

I would suspect you still have an adjustment problem...

I also think you may have more than one problem...... Deal with the linkage first, and see how much that fixes. If you still have shifting issues, then it's time to start looking at those.

 

Thank you for replying. thinking on just buying a new rod and replacing it

 

Certainly can't hurt, don't know if it comes with the little plastic bushings, or if you have to get them separate. Have a look at yours, if they are in bad shape, or just gone..... pick those up too.

Welcome to DF!

 

i know this might sound stupid. If I'm under truck looking at rod to adjust, how do i know which way is park? Do I adjust the swivel up or down?

 

Put the truck IN park, or, as far as you can get it.... block the tires. Don't wanna get run over by your own truck...... Having someone help, well.... helps....... Have other person sit in the truck, and watch what direction things are moving when they shift from park, to neutral. Make sure the trans IS in neutral, center the shifter in neutral, then adjust your linkage so it will just fall into place.

Hopefully, that will fix it.

 

Thank u for ur help, greatly appreciated it

 

Happy to be of service.

If you are close, I will even offer to help.

 

checked the bands for the transmission. Front bad is very loose. I see the band adjustment screw on outside transmission but the locking nut is gone. WTF do I do now?

 

I looked up the part number for my 46RE in the jeep (only reference I have) , same thing . Lists the part as follows

0271 506 NUT, Hex, .42-20

I'd source it from a wrecker myself , dealer probably wants $10+ if in stock . You could try a trans shop , they might have one kickin round .