Hi Guys and thanks for what looks like a great place to get some help.

I just purchased a used 2000 Dodge B3500 Ram Van with the 5.9L V8 and automatic transmission. The issue I'm having is the transmission shifts at high rpms, usually from 1st to 2nd. Here's what I have done so far to rectify the problem with no joy:

1.) Check and topped off transmission fluid. Was told the the fluid and filter were recently changed but no proof so not sure if this would be the way to fix this problem. The fluid does look clean and smells new but again not sure of it's age.

2.) Replaced the Throttle Position Sensor as a cheap fix in the hopes it would cure the issue (and from doing a search on this forum came up with this fix as a possible cure) but it did not change anything.

3.) Removed the battery negative cable allowing the computer to reset and even did a hard reset as recommended in a thread for a dodge dakota (no clue if this works on a ram van but tried anyway) but no luck

Any ideas on what I should look for next? The check engine light is not on though there may be codes stored I haven't taken it yet to a local auto shop to have them run a check on it. But any direction or sensors or other ideas on fixing this issue? The transmission shifts fine, and 2nd to 3rd, 3rd to 4th seem to be fine though if I floor the accelerator it does seem to have an issue of shifting 3rd to 4th over and over until I let slightly up on the accelerator. Also it shifts fine when I do let up on the accelerator from 1st to 2nd otherwise it will not shifts to about 45 mph. No tach so I don't know what the rpm are just that the engine is revving quite high. I'd appreciate any help thanks.

 

Without a tach you have no way of know if it's a high RPM shift. The engine could just be louder than you're used to. Until you can connect a tach (or scanner) to read the RPM shift point at normal acceleration, you're just making assumptions.

 

I've owned a number of vans (Ford and Dodge) over the last 20 years so I do have an idea of what the sound of a V8 engine, like this van's 5.9L, sounds like at high rpms and can tell you this van is definitely shifting at too high an rpm. That and the van reaches 45mph before it shifts, even with the accelerator pressed lightly (ie. not floored) The only way I can get this van to shift to 2nd gear is by letting off the gas. Makes for very difficult driving when I'm in residential (25mph) areas.

Anyone have any other ideas as too what to look for?

 

Hearing from you that there is a strong possibility that the tranny was serviced, no documentation as to when and where or what fluid was used, there is a good chance that the WRONG AFT fluid was used.

The transmission may be just fine ...

HOWEVER per the Chrysler TSB ...

CAUTION: Using a non-approved ATF may result in shifting concerns and clutch
discs may suffer from premature wear resulting in a non-warrantable
failure of the transmission.

TSB 21-010-06


Automatic Transmission Fluid Usage ATF+4 (Type MS9602)
1989 - 2003 (AB) Ram Van/Wagon

Read this ... http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2006/21-010-06.htm

If the ATF fluid used was a GM type, you would have a very different friction modifier that may cause the higher reving RPM shifting and the need to back off the pedal to allow the RPM release to the next shift point that the van is experiencing. MOST tranny shops use off the shelf fluids without knowing that Chrysler trannys need special fluid of ATF+3 or +4.

The longer you drive the van with this wrong fluid, the more damage the tranny will suffer internally.

Now there are brands that make knock off ATF+3 and +4 that say fluid is compatible. DO NOT TRUST that brand. See this link for the TRUE brands that work in our trannies. http://www.centerforqa.com/licensedatf4brands.html The price of the fluid is no differnt that any other tranny fluid. Chrysler had to license the formula to ensure that the brand makers can maintain the fluid quality in every batch.

 

I think something similar may be happening with our 94 van. It's not happening at this high an RPM but when it shifts there's a loud clunk and you can feel the shock. Also, it makes a "strained" sound, especially in reverse, when starting from a standstill. (sounds kinda like the sound you hear when a power steering pump is working extra hard).

I took it to a local, trustworthy transmission mechanic and he said it was okay.

From alldatadiy.com, there was at least one TSB on the transmission that sounded like it addresses this issue. Looked like major work to me.

I appreciate the info on the specialized transmission fluid.