I have a 1995 Ram Van with a 3.9L and standard trans... Its starting to have trans problems. I'm not sure whats wrong though... Mainly it has problems going back and forth between 1st and 2nd. It will shake and shudder a lot, but not all the time. It's usually only when I'm giving it about half throttle though - taking off real easy or putting it to the floor wont make it shudder, it will shift ok. There also might be a little slipping when taking off from a dead stop too. Any ideas to what might be causing this? Would changing the fluid and filter help any do you think?

BTW - I just put a new radiator in this van (meaning I had to disconnect and re-connect the trans cooler lines). The trans seemed fine before I replaced the radiator, but now it's got problems all of a sudden. I put 2 quarts of fluid in it to top it off after I put the new radiator in as well.

Thanks for any help, Spenser.

 

Oh one more thing - do all transmissions have "bands"? Do you think they could need tightening?

 

You said you have a standard tranny, yet you describe and ask about an automatic one, which is it?

FYI, for an automatic tranny, fluid should be checked after a 10 mile drive down the highway, in neutral, with the engine running. Two quarts seems like an awful lot, perhaps you overfilled it.

 

I'm sorry - I was in a hurry when I was writing this... I meant "standard" as in the standard automatic that comes with the van... I dont think you can get a standard hift or these vans.... Probably have to fit one yourself. I'm about ready to - this is the 2nd trans Ive had in this van already.

But anyways - If I did overfill it do you think it did any damage? Or should I check it again and just drain any extra fluid and it should be ok?

I put some Sea Foam "trans tune" today, thinking maybe from sitting a while (only about a month) a valve or something might be sticking. Or maybe a little moisture got in it - that trans tune stuff is supposed to remove moisture too though.

I dont think that stuff really did anything though...

Thanks, Spenser

 

If it is overfilled there shouldn't be any damage if you haven't driven it much. I'd first verify the fluid level, if it's wrong and you correct it, that could solve the tranny problems.

 

OK.... well I checked the fluid level. It was about a quart over the "max" line, maybe 1 1/2 quarts at the most. I drained some out and now it's more or less right on the "max" line. It doesn't shift any better though... But it's also not getting any worse as far as I can tell.

So it looks like I could be looking for another transmission. I'm also thinking I could rebuild the one thats in it myself... never really had an automatic apart before though - so I'm not real sure on what to replace exactly.

The only other option I was looking at was putting a manual shift transmission in it. I'm not sure where to get one though or whats compatable with the engine and van.... Maybe one from a truck? I don't know, but I kinda want a manual shift because I've already put an automatic in this van before, about 2 years ago.... it had about 150,000 miles on it then - and only has 180,000 on it now. That trans didnt last nearly as long as I hoped it would've (only 30,000 miles...)....... Maybe I'd have better luck with a stick shift.....