After owning 2 second gen trucks im glad to be moving up to the newer models. Last week I got a super deal on an 04 short bed reg. cab 4x4..It has a few issues though. It had a leaky power steering system, which I think I have gotten fixed with just a hose clamp. The next problem is with the oil pressure gauge(4.7liter), it will not work at start up sometimes unless I turn the motor off , then restart it..any ideas there?..The last issue Ive noticed is that the trans(auto) will not shift into overdrive when the temps are very cold outside, that is until the truck engine warms up, then it shifts fine..Anybody else have these issues with their 4.7 Ram 1500?

 

Yeah, PS leaks are usually from the hose. Good job on locating and resolving that. The oil pressure unit usually will be your issue on that other problem you are having.

As for the trans, I would keep an eye on the outside air, coolant temps and tranny temps and see if ou can get more precise on what combination may be causing it.

In the end, you have a nice truck but may not know what all maintenance has been done to it so I would start with dropping the trans pan, inspecting everything and changing the filters and oil.

 

thanks Weedahoe for that quick reply,..Where might I track down this oil unit to have checked or replaced?

 

That sensor is right above the oil filter and you can buy a replacement at Autozone or some place of the like

 

I have the same issue with the cold shifting, when the trucks dead cold it will not shift into overdrive either but as soon as the temp guage gets a little past the black line the rpm's drop right down and shifts perfectly otherwise, only when dead cold. my 03 f150 did the same thing??

 

Yeah,Since It's been getting cold out here in the mornings(between 30-40 degrees).Mine won't go into overdrive either.I usually let the truck warm up 10-15 mins before i leave for work everyday.It still needs time for the tranny to actually warm up,But it takes less time to do that this way

 

When its cold outside oil is thicker. Especially ATF/Gear Oil.... I notice my transmission is notchy every morning when its below 40 degrees or so.... There isnt a real fix to it.

 

Normal for the tranny not to go into overdrive till its warm

 

yea i have an 04 and it says in the owner manual that overdrive wont kick in till the truck is warm bro

 

Good to hear that, then looks like my Ram is "issue free"..Today I swapped out the oil pressure sensor for new and looks like I will not have to restart the truck from now on..Did have some trouble finding the sensor. Both autozone and oreillys did not carry it. A few others could order it, but I found one at the locally owned parts store. They tried at first to push a two wire sensor on me from a diff year truck because I had a oil pressure gauge, not a idiot light. Their computer showed a one wire for the 2004 4.7, which they had. So I headed home with the 2 wire($36). And of course they were WRONG. Went to change it out and had just one wire. So back to the parts store for a 1 wire 15 dollar sensor. Why Dodge changed who knows. But a big thanks for everyones input..later