Hi y'all,</P>


I have been having a problem with my auto tranny in my 01 Ram Q/C, 5.2, since the day I bought it.</P>


I expressed concern to the salesman at the time of test drive about the shift characteristics of the transmission as not seeming like they should be. I used to drive nothing but manual trannies, but couldn't find one for the life of me in this truck. Against my better judgement I took the advice of the salesman, who did his job real well, I might add, and decided that I would take the truck and get used to the characteristics of the automatic.</P>


These are the symptoms to the best of my ability to describe them.</P>


Keep in mind that the Throttle Position Sensor has been changed and the PCM has been flashed with updated programming for the symptoms of poor shift performance.</P>


When starting out from a stop in traffic, if light on the throttle due to the flow of traffic, the tranny can't decide if it wants first, second, or third, and will bounce between these gears until I either mash the gas, or manually drop the gear shift to first, and "teach" it how to drive. </P>


While trying to merge into traffic, rolling along, but fast enough to where second should be the gear of choice, checking to see if traffic is clear and then once it is, while still rolling, getting on the gas, the tranny will again become confused, and can't decide if it wants first or second and bounces for quite a few seconds.</P>


While pulling the hill to get to my house, more like a mountain it would seem, rolling along in what should be second gear, at about 15 mph, make a left turn while slowing, then begin to pull the grade, the tranny will shift violently into first, launch, then shift to second, and then to first, bouncing back and forth yet again until manual override is deployed.</P>


While trying to leave the house, and merging into traffic on busy route 460, not two hundred feet from a blind turn, which all is on a moderate grade, get on the gas, shift points are decided, yet early causing severe acceleration loss. This is remedied again by deploying manual override, teaching the tranny how to drive.</P>


It has become increasingly frustrating, and I already took the keys back to the dealership and told them to stuff it.</P>


They have tried to remedy this by providing the 30k mile service which replaces tranny filter and fluid, the throttle position sensor replacement, and lastly the reprogram of the PCM. </P>


I have been told by the dealer, that this behavior is normal. I was wondering if there is anyone of y'all who have experienced this similarly.</P>


Any help, advice or wisdom would be greatly appreciated.</P><edited><editID>areswolfe</editID><editDate>37971.4776967593</editDate></edited>

 

Hello,</P>


I liked the whole "manual overide" being "deployed"! That was pretty funny. Well, I think from what you are saying (which is that the tranny is hunting quite abit) that you have a pressure problem. It would be a good idea to look into your govenor pressure transducer and govenor pressure solenoid for starters. Worse case, my opinion, is that you have a faulty valve body. That is unlikely, but the govenor pressure transducer would be my choice. My truck, also a 01', was not shifting right either. I, like you, had a clutchless standard! I dropped the pan, replaced the transducer,filter and seal, fluid and that was that. Everything was great again. I was quoted a tranny overhaul for 1600.00. What a joke, it cost me 50.00 for the transducer- alot less than a overhaul, especially at Christmas time!</P>


I found a guy that is very knowledgeable, actually he specializes in Dodge and Jeep tranny's, and very helpful. His name is Wayne at APS Persicion in California. I live in Texas and made the phone call, well worth the money. The guy is helpful and knows what he is talking about. I could be wrong on my guess, but I would bet money he knows what you need. If you can't find the number let me know and I will look for it myself. Email me and I will e-mail it to you. I don't like giving numbers out on a forum. The guy is too helpful to tick off, if you know what I mean. I don't want some bone head to prank call him.</P>


Hope this is helpful,</P>


Earnest</P>


earnest4@hotmail.com</P>

 

</P>


That's crap, what about another dealer? I like what grubb202, check out that guy that is a tranny specialist in CA, I bet he'd know more than a dealership tech. lol. anyways good luck</P>

 

I agreewith grubb202 on the gov. pressure selenoid and sensor.</P>


</P>


Danny</P>

 

Hey y'all...</P>


Thanks for the input...I apologize for not responding sooner, but I have been working 13+ hours since December 18th with no time off. Now I should hopefully get the next 8 days off <IMG src=smileys/smiley32.gif border="0">, provided nothing goes wrong with the world.<IMG style="CURSOR: pointer" alt=Nuke src=smileys/smiley34.gif onclick="AddSmileyIcon'smileys/smiley34.gif'" border="0"></P>


Grubb202 I think I will try the route that you were talking about. If that doesn't work then I will be in contact with you for the number of that guy in California.</P>


Was is it difficult to do that repair? I currently have limited access to tools and all. I also can't afford to have thetruck out of commission either.</P>


Again, thanks. I appreciate the input, and I hope that everyone had some happy holidays.</P>


</P><edited><editID>areswolfe</editID><editDate>37981.9780787037</editDate></edited>

 

Hello,</P>


Talk about timing, I was just checking my e-mail before I went to bed. Anyhow, I will try to recall all the tools you will need. I beleive it was a 13mm socket for the trany pan bolts, there are a few bolts that hold the pressure plate and retaining cover on, once again, I think they were 14mm with a torx bit, I think a size 10 torx bit. A pan to catch the fluid. Depending on the last time you changed your fluid and filter I would do that while you are in there, using atf4 fluid. Anyhow, it was very simple, took approx.a leisurely 30 to 45 minutes. Just take your time while taking the pressure plate and solenoid retaining plate off and you will not have a problem. The gov. press switch has a electrical connector on it and is also held in place by a o-ring and that retaining plate. It was mounted on the side while the solenoid was facing down. Anyhow, with any mechanical background at all and a little paitience you will not have any problems.</P>


Thanks and good luck!</P>