I have a 2001 2500 with the 8.0L V10 MPI motor and 47RE transmission. A few years ago (less than 5,000 miles as it sits at the farm and rarely moves) I had the transmission replaced with a rebuild. I have had issues ever since, mostly around blowing off the hose to the transmission cooler, but I think that is now fixed. The issue I now want to fix is that when I put the truck in gear, it acts like it has no power and takes a good bit of revving to get moving. Once I am moving everything works well as far as shifting but until I get moving it is a dog. The computer is throwing zero codes, and the fluid looks and smells new.

I am going to go visit the truck in a few months and was hoping someone could give me some suggestions as to what might be the issue so I can make the most of the short time I will have.

 

Is it starting off in second or third gear? Mine will roast the tires with very little effort off the line......

 

It is an automatic, so I have no idea. Do you know how I can check?

 

Drive it.... Somewhere you can get it over 42 mph, and count how many times it shifts. Or if it even shifts at all. That's known as 'limp mode', but, generally, if the PCM does the limp thing, there are usually codes to go along with it. Also pay attention to the idiot lights in the dash. See if the trans temp light comes on shortly after startup.

 

Based on having gone at least 65 and not being over 2,000 RPM it is reasonable that the transmission is shifting. I have no lights on the dash except the seat belt indicator (been broken for a while).

 

So you are at least getting 3rd, and O/D...... Need to see if you are getting the first two. The V-10 has GOBS of torque, seems to me, even starting in second, it should still pull off the line pretty smartly.

 

Appreciate the info and responses! Yours is so good; I am jealous!!!

If anyone else has had my issue and sees this thread, I would appreciate a pointer. If not, I may have to take the truck to the dealership and see if they can troubleshoot. The guy that installed the rebuilt tranny has no fresh ideas.

 

Sounds like someone put a high stall torque converter instead of a stock stall, that sound like that is your problem

 

Interesting idea! Thank you. After doing some reading about torque converters, my issues do sound similar to the symptoms of a failing torque converter. I will give a local transmission shop a call and see what they think. It is an hour drive to the closest shop so I don't want to take it there and have them say "nope take it to the dealer"...

 

Is this only on start up? Does it do this after it has been driven? Mine does this after sitting for a week or more. The converter drains back, even with when it had the check valve. Put it in neutral for a couple minutes first then go to gear. These transmissions don't flow fluid in park stock. Also how is the fluid level when hot?