Have a question about the normal shift points on my 1998 B1500. I had to add a quart and a half of fluid to get it to normal. Took it out on the road, 1-2 shift happens @ 15 mph, 2-3 happens @ 35 (have to gun it to make it happen) then into OD about 45-50. Fluid is normal red color with no adverse smell.. Van sat for about 6 months before I bought it. When I put it into each gear from park,they engage firmly .I would hold my foot on the brake in each gear, then press accelerator pedal down. with no slippage.When I downshifted on the road coming to a stop, it went into 2nd, then low as it should. What should I do next? Do a filter change? Has 143k on it.are there any kickdown adjustments?

 

Check the TV cable. Make sure it is connected on both ends, adjusted properly, and moves freely.

 

I can do that, What is the TV cable adjusting procedure?

 

Really helps to have two people....

Lock the lever on the trans so it can't move. (jam it with something, or, have your second warm body hold it in place.) At the throttle body, adjust the cable so there is NO slack. Go for a drive, see how it shifts. Still to low? Pull the cable a bit tighter, one notch at a time, then test drive. Find a spot you like, leave it there.

 

Was going to go ahead and do a filter change, since it sat for 6 months. But not sure about what trans I have. Code on body tag is DGB. But the 1998 Dodge Ram Van factory shop manual I bought shows only codes DGG and DGT. Mine has the OD off/on button the shifter. What trans do I have?

 

I looked on the window sticker (which was in the glove box) and it is a 4 speed automatic. But which one? 46RE? or what?

 

I believe they all use the same filter. Check at the auto parts store.

 

I found the issue....... The locking tab on the cable adjuster is missing, allowing the adjuster to move with the throttle. So am going to a salvage yard, to grab a cable off a van, that I got a front bumper from.

 

That would do it. Thanks for posting the solution.

 

Been driving my van a few times, shifts at about 15 mph for 1-2, and about 25 for 2-3. Shifts seem on the soft side (not slipping),Should I adjust it some more? If I recall, pulling the cable back will make the shifts firmer?