1998 Dodge 1500 4x4 360

When the truck is in 'drive' it seems that's it's always in 2ndf gear. Super slow and sluggish from a stop until about 15 mph and the power comes in. Plenty of power all the way up after that, even for passing at highway speeds.

However, come to a stop and take off again it's slow and sluggish up to 15 mph when the revs build up.

I'm guessing this means it's starting in 2nd gear. There is also a check engine light on, and the previous owner tells me he pulled the code and it's related to the transmission issue.

Is this anything that sounds familiar to anyone? Reparable without a rebuild?

BTW, what is the 'name' of the transmission in this truck? 1998 1500 4x4 360.

Thanks.

 

Check for 46RE transmission ionformation in the DIY section. There are several very informative threads in there. Your tranny is in Limp mode.

Also, the service manual can be downloaded in the FAQ/DIY section. Very good transmission troubleshootin section in there. It may be as simple as governor pressure sensor and solenoid issue.

How long since fluid and filter has been changed? How doers fluid look/smell?

 

The truck was given to me by my Grandfather in Law and my Wife and I drove it home Saturday, 6 hours. He serviced the truck before giving it to me and one of the things he had done was a fluid and filter service on the transmission. So for me, the fluid is clear and red and fresh smelling.

I've heard of limp mode on Chrysler products but have never encountered it. I can get myself a used working transmission for $400 to $600 and don't want to spend near that much trouble shooting this one if I can replace it for the same cost.

I'll check out the DIY section but any more advice or suggestions would come in very handy, maybe from someone that had to go through this. Like I said, once my speeds are at or above 15 MPH it runs and shifts and drives just fine.

Thanks.

 

On the drivers side of the trans, about halfway back, is an 8 pin connector. Unplug that feller, and take the truck for a drive. You will HAVE to MANUALLY shift gears, there will be ZERO automatic functions. Start out in first, shift to second, then third, (at appropriate speeds....) if that works, replace governor pressure sensor and solenoid with the borg warner HD units.

 

If it is governor pressure sensor and solenoid, a good replacement (better than OEM) is around $100. let us know the result of the suggestion by HeyYou before you chunk coin down on a used one that may be worse than what you have.

And welcome to DF. Don't forget the service manual and parts manual downloads. it will be very useful. And the search function on this forum, like most if not all forums, can be challenging. But there is a ton of info here. And keep in mind that there are some members with really dry sense of humor...and plenty of humor here also!

 

Thanks guys I'll check that out this weekend. I have a short list of things to do to the truck:

Wipers
Idler Pulley
Tensioner Pulley
Power Steering Pump
Cig Lighter Fuse
Radio Antenna Plug
Taillight Lenses
3rd Brake Light Lens
Remove Hood Spoilers (Ick)
Alignment

Obviously I won't get all that done this weekend but it's a weekend truck for things that my Durango can't do. Thanks for the welcome.

 

Thanks for that suggestion by the way, that's an easy test and hopefully my results will follow your description.

Do you happen to know the part numbers for the Borg Warner Pressure Sender and Solenoid?

I'm fairly confident since the only gear missing is 1st. Starts in 2nd but still shifts up and the OD works as well as reverse.

 

I don't have a direct link...... google search turns up lots of threads about it though. Not a lot of sources.... hopefully one of the guys that has bought one will come along, and let ya know.

 

I don't think it's the problem, but you never know. Here's what you want for the Gov solenoid.

 

If you don't mind me asking, what are your thoughts on why the pressure sender and solenoid wouldn't be the issue. I'll know more when I perform the test.

By the way, where is the pressure sender located? I assume the governor is accessed by removing the pan...is that where the sender is as well?

Thanks.