1996 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport, 4X4, 5.9 (360) Gas engine, 46RE Trans. 164.000 miles

My transmission shifts (when cold) hard into 2nd and then doesn't want to shift (cold or hot) or sometimes is slow (higher RPM- longer time) into 3rd.
4th and OD seem to be fine. I can let of of the accelerator and it will go ahead and shift .
No unusual noises
No detectable slipping
Fluid level = full
fluid a little dark but not bad
No engine light

I have a new filter, pan gasket and 8 qts. of ATF+4 fluid and going to adjust the bands while I'm at it.
What else should I replace or look/test for before/while I change the fluid.
I have done a quite a bit of reading but after a while it gets kind of confusing.

A bit of my background
I worked in a farm equipment dealership for about 6 years as a mechanic
then worked as a hydraulic mechanic for over 10 years in a shop that specialized
in coal mining equipment. I worked on possibly every kind of hydraulic pump/ motor,
valve body that you can imagine.
I also did Differential repair in this same shop.
But I have never done an automotive transmission rebuild.

 

Lots of good online resources to rebuild it yourself, given your experience, it should be a breeze should you choose to do so.

That said, I don't think you need to yet. While you have the pan down, replace at least the governor pressure sensor (transducer), and solenoid. You can pick up the borg warner heavy duty solenoid set off ebay, from numerous sellers, for around a hundred bucks. If you have issues with TCC, or O/D, replace that solenoid set as well. I think you can get a full kit for under 150. (governor solenoid/sensor, O/D and TCC solenoid set, output speed sensor, gasket and filter) Only other thing you need would be fluid.

Torque the band adjusters to 72 INCH pounds, then back them off two turns. (both of 'em.) Ignore what the service manual says, that leaves the bands too sloppy.

 

HeyYou,Thanks for your advice .
It will be a couple of days before I get too the job but I will let you know the out come.

 

Ordered this Solenoid/Sensor kit off ebay but wont be here until about the 14th.
so I am at a stand still until it arrives.

 

Here is my pan and Filter straight off the transmission 164000 miles

 

Really doesn't look that bad.

 

HeyYou, Thank You for the advice.
Got it all back together, haven't driven it very far, but initial indications are, the Solenoid/Filter Kit and adjusting the bands
has cured the shift problem, actually shifts like a new truck at this point.

Again Thank You ! ! !

 

Excellent!

Should be good for a while now.

 

I've put about 250 miles on sense the trans filter/sensor change, fluid level is good, but the trans now doesn't want to shift into
3rd. when driving around town at lower RPM.
If I head out the highway when the engine hits 2300 to 2500 RPM it shifts into 3rd. as expected.
1st. to 2nd. shifts fine - 2nd. to 3rd. only wants to shift at around 2300 to 2500 unless I let off of the throttle.
Not slipping, no odd behavior other than the delayed shift into 3rd gear.
I checked the TV cable for adjustment and it is correct.
When it's cold it is better but still not quite right.

Should I :
Disconnect the battery to clear the PCM and let it re-learn how I drive ?
Drop the pan again and turn up the line pressure some ?

All suggestions are welcome.

 

Have you adjusted the bands? Replaced any of the electronics?