Hi
I have just joined after "lurking" for awhile. Looks like you people have lots of good info here. I need some advice..
Just picked up our 'new to us truck' yesterday..a 2004 CTD 3500 ram dually 4x4 automatic with the laramie package. Not sure what rear end. Truck has 82000 kms (50000 miles).
I have some concerns with the automatic transmission. It seems to have a very hard shift between first and second, reving to 2400+ before it will shift. (whiplash shift) I drive with a light foot and generally do not like to take my rpm's over 2000. Does anyone know what the shift points for this tranny are?? Any ideas??
The truck is still under warranty and I will be taking it back in but I like to be informed first. Am I correct in thinking that they can reprogram the shift pattern??
Of course any recommendations on how to improve the truck are welcome too.
Thanks a lot
Marg
2004 ram 3500 4x4 quad cab dually CTD
1997 ram 1500 4x4 extended cab
1996 ram 2500 CTD extended cab

 

Congrats!
Have you tried the old disconnect battery and reconnect trick - so the computer can relearn your driving style? Sometimes that's all that is necessary...
And on a more ominous note - that equipped truck likely got some hard use - if it was Abuse it could be the tranny took the brunt, as that is the weak link in the drive train...

 

Thanks!! I will try the battery disconnect tonight . The dealership assured us that the truck had not seen hard use..if you can believe them, but the truck was bought there and traded back on another.
I will let you know what happens.
Thanks again
marg

 

Hi
I did the battery reset. On leaving the yard the first shifts were perfect but then it was back to the hard shift. Seems to hang at 40 kph (25 mph) until you get the revs to 2400 and then it changes. HARD ,then the the 2-3 shift happens pretty fast. I do drive with a light foot. Hubby drove truck tonight and the majority of the shifts were not too bad but he has a heavier foot. What knid of shift points/rpms should one have with the automatic tranny?? The truck is going for a hiway run tomorrow. Any ideas are welcomed.
Thanks
Marg

 

Marg,

Paid special attention to the shift points over the last few days to determine shifting with different throttle application......

Very light throttle on level ground had the trans shifting at 1700-1750 rpms for each gear change.
Moderate throttle (~1/4) had the trans shifting at 2100-2150 rpms for each gear change.
Half throttle had the trans shifting at 2450-2500 rpms for each gear change.
Full throttle had the trans shifting at 3000-3050 rpms for each gear change.

Hope this helps!

oV