I have an 03 dodge ram 1500 4.7l v8. Just got it and noticed that when I take foot off the gas, it seems like it doesn't down shift soon enough and vibrates like the motor is lugging.

is I give it gas out powers through smooth as could be. I'm wondering is anyone else had this issue and could point me in the right direction. Could this be the downshift solenoid? How hard is that to check or change?

thanks in advance for any help with this

 

Could be a drive line vibration. Check ujoint, motor mounts, trans mount.

 

What Rpm are you at when it feels like it is lugging? What is your speed also when it occurs?

 

Happens around 45 mph. As soon as I take foot off gas pedal the rpms drop under 1500 and lugging starts. Kings of like it's not downshift and stays in higher gear.

I just dropped the trans pan and changed oil and filters. Seems the last person to Chaffee trans oil didn't emove the metal seal that goes into the trans. The part the hose from flat filter connects to tranny. There were 2 of them there when there should be only one. Could this have been an issue?

 

Its possible, if the transmission pump was sucting air anything is possible. I know some of the Ram trans have had shift solenoid problems. you might want todo a web search to see if your model has a history of shift problems. If it does you may want to change out the solenoids while you have the trans pan down. There a couple youtubes on how and what to change. Also there are a couple online companies that sell solenoid kits and pressure transducer replacement. it does'nt look to bad. But do a search before you put the pan back up.

 

Ok so quick update. After changing tranny oil and filters out the truck still shudders anywhere from 45-55 mph, like its not downshifting on time. I also got a cylinder misfire code today and had to replace #8 cylinder spark plug and coil. I think the truck lugging in that speed range is causing the plugs to foul.

So my question is, how can I pin point if this is a solenoid issue if its not throwing any codes? Could it be gear issue? Would replacing with a complete solenoid pack help? I think they go for around 300 bucks online. Id hate to spend that money and find out it was something else in tranny or motor.

Thanks again for any feedback on this.

 

When were the plugs last changed?

 

Have you done any google searchs on your exact complaint? These guys on this link do a lot of DIY youtube videos along with selling parts for transmissions. They also say you can ask them questions try them---http://www.cascadetransmissionparts.com
I have no connection to them, but they seem like they are willing to help the DIY guys.

 

I dont know but the one plug I pulled out was black around top. I'm thinking these are very old and planning to change all the plugs and coils our but want to make sure I eliminate the shudder and trans or torque converter issue first.
Or do you think the plugs could be causing that ?

I did check out cascade transmissions. They said maybe torque converter and said to try some shudder lube they have. Ive tried Lucas before changing oil and still the same.

 

Heres a pic of the spark plug.