I have a 99 ram 1500 quad cab 4x4. I just bought this truck in January and am not that familier with Dodges. I have notice that the tranny makes a whinig noise on occasion when it is in reverse. It doesn't make any noise any other time and it doesn't do it all of the time. Could this just be that the bands need adjusted or maybe would a fluid and filter change help. Trying to get an idea before I take it into the shop to have a pro look at it for $75. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Check out this thread: https://dodgeforum.com/m_123639/mpag.../tm.htm#123639

Apparently it's quite common.

Doesn't mean you shouldn't check your transmission fluid though, and possibly change it depending on the condition of the fluid.

 

I have a 1998 Ram 1500 and it did the same thing. Mine only wined in 1st and 2nd though. After a while I got tired of it and checked it out. I noticed that my transmission fluid was always low every time I checked it. So I stuck a piece of plywood under the transmission overnight and sure enough it was leaking. The next day I took it to a mechanic and he said that it had a bad seal and the torque converter was going bad. To get it fixed would have cost me $800! So I just picked up some stopleak to cover me until I get the cash.

 

Have a 2001 Ram, had the transmission rebuilt last year (at $2500.00 +) It whines when backing up & the outside temp is cold. I notice it's worse when it's close to zero, but I also notice it when it's near freezing.

Now that the weather is much warmer, it's not nearly as noticable. I thought it was the front pump & this was confirmed by the shop that did the rebuild. It won't hurt anything, they told me it's like a Ford power steering pump. It'll whine but keep on working for a lot of years. They've pulled them & replaced them, but only if there was another problem that could be tested while driving it. They did test the pressure & it was within specs, so they didn't think it was any big deal & I can live with a little whine in reverse. Doesn't do it when going forward.

They told me to not worry about it, unless the shifting starts acting funny.

 

Thanks everyone. I'll check the fluid and make sure that its not leaking and that its the right color. If all checks out ok I guess I'll let it go until it starts causing problems.