2002 Ram 1500 5.9 with 46 re. Its been driving fine untill the other day when it would not shift out of first gear. Things I have tried: replaced the output speed sensor (no change) tried shifting manually (no change) checked all electrical conections and tv linkage, I am stumped here, my only other thought is maybe the gov noid, but I dont know if it could be a band. Any input would be great, Thanks.

 

Pull the trans pan. Look to see if there is a spool valve loose or if it's laying in the bottom of the pan. I Think that one is the T.V. piston....
I just had one gone threw. The problem with this one was it had revers and 1st gear only.
With that spool valve out it took no time to burn all the clutch packs up. Could be just Solenoid packs also...

 

Update: pulled pan and found a piece of metal about a 1/4" wide x 1-1/4" long and about 2mm thick. Looks like a piece to a snap ring maybe. I have no idea where it came from or if this is the problem, everything else looks good. Small amount of shavings in the pan (pretty clean from other trannys ive seen) and no clutch particles in the pan. Anybody know what this could be? Thanks.

 

Breaking the Direct drum snap ring is also common. Bad news is.... Now the trans has to come apart... Good news is...Your going to get all the new up-dates that are needed.

 

Thank you for your help Racerhog, Would the drum snap ring cause the stuck in first gear problem? And you said it needs to come apart, is that the whole thing out of the truck or can it be replaced by removing the valve body or other parts while still in the truck?

 

Yes it will cause it to hang up in low gear.....
Yes you have to take out the trans to repair the problem.....