2001 Ram 1500. So I bought this truck a couple months ago and just recently I was driving on the highway and went to accelerate to pass someone and the transmission was slipping, the engine revved up but the truck did not accelerate at all so I immediately pulled over as soon as I started slowing down I smelt burning transmission fluid and once I stopped I looked underneath and noticed the fluid dripping out of the pan all over the exhaust and check the dipstick and it was almost empty. I guess the previous owner must’ve had the pan off and didn’t use locktite or torque the bolts cause the bolts were super loose. I changed the filter and gasket used locktite and torqued the bolts filled the fluid back up and it drives fine and doesn’t slip and when I start driving and the trannys cold it shifts fine but after driving on the highway for a while if I slow down then try and get back up to speed it doesn’t want to shift into 4th Ill get up to highway speed and the rpm’s will be right up at about 3000-3500rpm and if I hold it there it will usually shift after a while or i have to rev it up and left off the gas a few times to get it to shift to 4th then it will go into overdrive like it always did. Don’t know much about transmissions and just wondering if anyone has any idea on what may have been damaged and needs to be repaired to fix this and if it’s a simple easy fix or if I’d be better off to just swap in a different transmission. It’s a 46re if I’m not mistaken and other then the issue getting it to shift into 4th it’s still smooth.

 

What did the remaining fluid in the pan look like? Has your trans temp light come on?

 

fluid was a little dark not too bad though and no the temp light hasn’t came on

 

Recheck fluid level. Keep in mind, you have to check in Neutral, checking in park will give you an artificially high reading.

 

I am wondering if maybe the spring broke in the process? Mine was broke in half. ( They are known for this) Symptoms for mine was going in and out of overdrive. My fluid was good so I can't judge burnt fluid issues.

 

yes I know sense the incident I’ve been checking it periodically and fluid level is good

 

What’s this spring called? I’m not having any issue coming in and out of gear though, just delayed shifts I really gotta rev it up and let off the gas to get her to shift and it’s only when it’s warmed up. I drive like a grandpa and don’t usually go over 2k rpm but when it’s warm I have to go to 3k rpm’s and let off the gas to get it to shift.

 

The spring I am speaking is located in the valve body that you have to drop the pan to get to. This was years ago where I was having a issue that it would go in and out with overdrive. I'm not sure if it relates to your issue? I'm currently dealing with some issues myself after doing a rebuild. I wish you luck.

 

Make sure you use Dodge OEM filter, not aftermarket....Mine does that as well 46RE/ 1996, but I have been fighting this issue for over a year....I replaced ever soleniod,, spring, readjusted bands. Still problem exists. I just recently parked it as it is going into resto phase and not going to be driven for quite some time.