Maybe someone can help with my 2001 Ram 5.2. When I'm driving, sometimes when I move the gas pedal down or up just a hair the rpm's go up for a secondlike it's shifting out of overdrive but it doesn't shift. It does it more when towing.

 

It's probablyyour torque converter going in and out of lockup. A bad throttle position sensor can cause frequent lock and unlock. A broken or misadjusted brake light switch can cause the same action.

Depending on how much weight you pull when towing, you might want to consider leaving OD off.


Good luck with your ride.

 

While towing I keep it in OD and thats when it does most.

 

I currently get about 13 mpg is that normal for a ram 2001 5.2l. How can I get it better?

 

when i tow anything with my 98 2500 360 I turn off the O/D

 

That's towards the lower end of 318 mpg reports but not unusual. Improvements can be made ... search the forum for "mpg" or "better mpg". You'll get the idea of what to search for with more use of the (very useful) search engine.

Don't tow with OD on ... the transmission you save may be your own.

 

My trannythumpsinto first when downshifting, but only when it's cold outside and the motor is cold also. It doesn't do it all the time either. If you start slowing down gradually it won't do it. However, if you have to slow down quickly to a stop (like a red light) it will thump into first. Only when the motor is cold though. Any thoughts on this?

 

I'd be happy to be getting firm shifts. What tranny do you have in your 3rd Gen?

 

I believe i have the 545rfe. Does that sound correct?I'm almost positive that's what is in it.I called the dealer and they said it was probably nothing but they wanted to "check" it out. I don't feel like spending$100 bucks just to have them look at it. I have the 7 year 70000 warranty so I think I'll wait a little and see if it gets worse.I did have to put a new rear endin it 2 weeks after i bought it though.
I had a 97 Ram 1500 that would not shift into 3rd under heavy acceleration when it was really cold out side. Once again only when it was really cold and the truck had not warmed up very much. It never caused any problems you just had to watch how hard you got on it until it warmed up.

 

2002 4.7L got the 45RFE ... 2003 and up (4.7 & 5.7) got the 545RFE.

Good info: http://www.importperformancetrans.co...on_guide.shtml