I have a 99 Durango and this thing is running through TCL transducers I'm told. It will not upshift out of first to second gear unless you accelerate to 25mph, let off the throttle, allow it to shift then slowly accelerate and all is fine. It is extremely sensitive to downshift from second to first also if much throttle is applied. This problem came on suddently and three different solenoid kits and wiring harnesses have been installed. Each time the trans acts normal for about a week, the the same problem returns. The vehicle has 116K on the odometer and I change trans fluid every other October which is about 22K. Never a problem till about 112K and we can't seem to gain on it.

Thanks for any help.

Rob

 

I know this is a Ram forum which I have a 1996 V-10 3500 with the same driveline and it's been trouble free for over 220K. I'm driving it 430 miles tomorrow instead of the Durango citing the trans problem.

Thanks,

Rob

 

Getting any codes? I would suspect the problem is not trans parts...... I would be lookin' at TPS, and TV cable adjustment.

 

Hi there and thanks for your response. No codes at all. Pan stays clean with no metal on magnet, or speed sensor. Funny thing is that if the transducer is replaced it works for up to two weeks before the problem returns.
Once the vehicle is in second gear and accelerated past 25mph, everything is fine. Upshifting, downshifting are all good. Just that first to second shift is impacted from a start or slow roll where the trans has downshifted itself.

Thanks,
Rob

 

Next time it fails, try simply resetting the PCM, instead of changing parts. Just disconnect the battery for half an hour or so.

 

Yes sir, I have done that twice. The last time I left the battery cables off overnight. Thank you again, Rob

 

Did the trans straighten up, and fly right, after resetting the PCM?

 

There was no change at all. I did change the valve body also with a reman unit which contained new electrics and it worked correct for almost two weeks then the problem returned. I then replaced the solenoid package and harness and it ran almost a week before the problem returned.

 

That's just strange. Those replacements are generally a one-and-done.... Don't think I've hear of anyone having to do that job twice...... (unless they got the wrong parts......)

Would be nice to be able to do some data-logging while its acting right, and then compare that to a run, when it is acting wrong.....

 

It's been a problem child for sure. Going back almost a year this trans was not wanting to shift from second to third when it warmed up. Didn't matter much the outside temperature and was fine cold till about 20 minutes into operation. It would upshift from 2nd to 3rd if you manually selected 2nd from D on the column shifter and immediately went back to D. A local trans shop in Peoria, IL said the valve body was defective so replaced the same through the local Carquest store. All was good for a couple of weeks till the 1st to second problem reared it's ugly head. I then replaced the valve body again, (Carquest) under warranty and all was good for about a week. At no time has the 2nd to 3rd upshift problem returned. Only the 2st to 2nd upshift problem. Right now the original valve body is installed the Durango was built with and originally failed in the 2nd to 3rd upshift when hot. It does have new solenoids and electric harness installed although I still have the originals. I'm thinking of reinstalling the original solenoids and wiring harness to get back to a common baseline and ascertain if the 2nd to 3rd upshift problem returns and the 1st to 2nd upshift problem goes away? With this latest install of the new solenoids and electric harness there has been twice the transmission has not downshifted to first gear at a stop. Stepping on the accelerator pedal is is very sluggish and a rapid pulldown of the shifter handle makes the trans to downshift to 1st gear and acceleration is brisk again. This Durango has the 360 engine and is very light on the throttle.