My transmission won't shift into third gear. it's like it just goes neutral when it should shift. The codes read with an OBDII scanner are P0700 (general transmission) and P0733 (incorrect 3rd gear ratio).

I'm curious if anyone else has had this problem and how did they go about fixing it? What is causing it to happen?

2004 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT 5.7L 4X4 Transmission 545RFE

 

Fluid level correct?

 

Yes I believe the Fluid Level is Correct. I've been doing some research and I found one thread where another persons truck was doing the same thing. I read it all the way to where he said he's taking it to the mechanic but then he never updated his thread with what the mystery problem was. So yeah I'm here hoping I can find someone that's maybe had the same experience as me.

 

It'll shift 1st and then 2nd then it just acts like it goes to neutral. I was thinking maybe the clutches are bad. I changed the transmission fluid (which was really dirty) then I replaced the filters. I bought the truck for pretty cheap and I haven't really driven yet because the transmission isn't shifting the way it should.

 

Was there alot of clutch material in the fluid? Any metal?

 

Yes there's appears to be a lot of material at the bottom of the pan. It doesn't really seem to be magnetic though. should it be?

 

Clutch materials non magnetic. I assume you took this when you changed the fluid. What does the fluid look like now. Dark? Bright red? Smell burnt?

 

When you have a gear ratio issue transmission needs rebuild or replacement is needed. P0700 is a generic code thrown when there is another problem.

 

Yeah I'm thinking all the material in the bottom of the pan is from the clutches. I changed the fluid about two weeks ago and haven't really driven the truck for much other than testing. The fluid looks kinda clean on the dipstick and it doesn't smell burnt like the fluid I drained out the first time. I guess I'll drain the pan again this weekend which is pretty easy now that I have one with a drain plug. I'll have another look at the accumulator plate and probably remove it to see what I find. I'll also try to test the solenoid with an ohm meter. I'm hoping I can eliminate some of the easier fixes first without guessing myself broke. I've replaced three sensors so far (Governor pressure transducer, Input and Output Speed) on the outside of the transmission hoping those would solve the problem and still no change. I've unhooked the battery too. My last option would be to either take it to a dealership or a transmission shop to see if they can diagnose the problem for me. To save some money and get some experience I think I'd like to do the work myself.

 

Welp. All the work is done. I removed the transmission and gave it a new rebuild kit. It didn't take long to find the problem once I opened up the transmission. The clutches were worn thin and the steels looked like they got a little too hot. I replaced all the parts and put it all back together. The transmission is back in the truck and shifting like it should so lets just hope it lasts. I can say for anyone considering doing this job at home because they want to save some money to just go for it. The hardest part is dropping the heavy thing and putting it back in. As long as you have some useful tools to help you and a good friend or family member it'll be some good quality time. The transmission only takes a couple minutes to completely disassemble and with new pieces at the ready you can have it back together in no time. Well thanks for any input people gave me. Be safe.