So I found pin 21 is a dark brown wire on my 01 Ram Van 1500 with the v8, but the 1999 with the v6 doesn't have any wire going to connector 21. The 99 is the van I am going to take because I can stand up in it. The 01 is also down 2 cylinders but is somewhat reliable.

Pin 12 on the middle connector is dark brown with a blue stripe, could this be the 4th gear wire to ground out on this van?

 

Okay I understand it's a 3 speed without overdrive.

I can manually shift it using the column shifter.

It has 1, 2, and D so yeah. 3 speed

 

I think the internal charging circuit in the PCM is tied to the transmission control circuit unless there's something else going on

 

Or, you aren't getting power to the trans for whatever reason.

 

Okay so it is likely the shift solenoid, I wired in a switch and it does nothing, it still stays in 3rd, but I can manually shift between 1-3

 

Interesting theory, how would I test for that?

 

Should be able to find wiring diagrams for your van here. There will be a pin on the trans connector that should see 12 volts for a few seconds at key on, and constant with engine running.

 

I don't think I have the emotional energy right now to tackle this, I'll check the fuse maybe there's a transmission fuse and powertrain fuse, it's actually possible it blew when I grounded out the alternator excitation leads, and that's why I am experiencing the issues I am suddenly, in fact it may be the issue with the other van, it would be neat to have a self regulating alternator and shifting transmissions on both vans

 

Entirely possible they both draw power via the same fuse. Worth a look.

 

There is no power or control circuits going to the 3-speed, it is strictly a mechanical transmission operated by fluid pressures.