1999 3/4ton 4x4 with Cummins. Auto transmission.

Was out pulling a small load the other day and after the first stop went to move again and it was in 3rd gear. It will not shift out of 3rd even if I come to a complete stop. If I put it in range 2 or 1 it will downshift to those gears. Overdrive never kicks in and as far as I can tell the torque converter isn't locking up at any time either. It goes into P,R,and N fine.
This could be related to a problem I recently noticed. When it is very cold (15* or less) it wouldn't shift into overdrive until the truck got warmed up some.

I unhooked my trailer and let it sit overnight and it still wants to stay in 3rd gear all the time. There are no check engine lights or anything on. Checked fluid and it is fine. Any ideas?

 

there are two solinoids inside the trans, (have to pull the pan) thoes would be your best bet, one of them being a govenor solinoid and normally the problem, but cant remember what the other one is, best to replace them both while you are there, and cures the problem most of the time

 

Thanks! Guess I will order the parts and get them replaced.

I talked to a transmission shop today and he said one was governor solenoid and the other a governor sensor.

 

Alright. Replaced both of those and I still have the exact same problem. Other ideas?

Anyone want to buy a truck?

 

Damn, I didn't see this sooner.

Those solenoids only control the shifts for 1 - 3, not 4th gear.

There are a few things that could cause your issue.

If it's not going to 4th gear, either the TV cable (kickdown cable) is too tight, the TV (throttle valve) is stuck, you have a blown fuse or bad ground or you're having issues directly with the valve body.

Cheapest thing to do is check the TV cable and see if it's out of adjustment and check the fuse box and all the engine and chassis grounds.

Next cheapest thing to do is clean the throttle valve and valve body.

After that, you may need to get the valve body rebuilt / replaced.

Is this the original trans / original build?

 

I will check the throttle valve cable, fuses, and grounds today.

How do I check the throttle valve?

 

Gotta pull the valve body.

There are several components that can be adjusted and / or may need to be cleaned.

The things that control the 3-4 shifting are the 3-4 shift valve, 3-4 timing valve, 3-4 quick fill valve, 3-4 accumulator and the throttle valve. These are all part of the valve body, along with several springs and check *****.

This IS something you can do yourself, it's not as hard as some folks think it is. The best advice I can give you if you are gonna pull the VB is call someone like TransGo and see if they'll send you a set of instructions for a shift kit. Either that or pick up a Chilton's or Haynes manual for Chrysler A-518's and 727's.

 

Your trans is in "limp mode"

There is a govern sensor and then the OD and lock-up solenoids are sold together. There is a difference between the 98.5-99 and the 00-02 even though they are both a 47re trans, and having the newer electronics would cause it to still be in limp mode, if the place you bought them from gave you the wrong ones.

 

Okay, first off thanks for everyone's help so far. I did everything listed above with no change in the problem. The last thing I had not done yet was remove the valve body. I began to do this and before I could get it completely removed found this little gem (see picture). It is some sort of valve located on the driver side of the transmission. It is normally covered by a metal plate (which is visible after removing the pan). The spring pushes the valve upward off of the metal plate.
What is this part? I guess I just need a new spring. Everything else looks okay.

EDIT: In case you can't tell by the fuzzy picture, the spring is broken.

 

Picked up a new one at the Dodge dealer this morning. 3-4 accumulator spring.