07 Dodge Ram 2500 509 Auto Trans problems

[afnashcom]

07 Dodge Ram 2500 509 Auto Trans problems

Towards the end of the rally I noticed that my transmission was not shifting normally between 1st and 2nd. I might of noticed it also after climbing up the rough road to Mera but dismissed it. On the way home it become clear there was a problem. It would just hang in 1st until I let off the throttle then shift but if I accelerated to hard it would shift right back into 1st. Once I got about 35mph it would work normally and I could just drive, at least until the next time I stopped or slowed below 25mph. I thought how can this be I only have 56K on the truck! Anyway I have been very busy so I have not had time to dig real deep into this but the first thing I found was a TSB for failure of the governor solenoid. The description really sounded like what I was experiencing so I purchase the governor solenoid, governor pressure sensor & filter. While I had the pan off I decided to adjust the bands as well but the front band adjustment did not feel right. After loosening the lock nut you are support to adjust the band to 75 in lbs but the screw turns all the way into the trans housing freely!!! With the valve body installed you really can see only about a 1/2" of the band screw tip and the band, I reached into the small hole and pushed on the band and it moved back then made a click noise but when I released it it returned back to its previous position. I went ahead and installed the new parts and reassembled the trans as it was my only way home from work. Nothing changed. I did adjust the front band as tight as it would go as well.

I don't have any real experience in transmission and not sure what secures the other end of the band. I am thinking that maybe it moved out of position or maybe its broken???? Any thoughts out there.

 

[cerberusiam]

Yeah, you have a problem with the front band causing no 2nd gear. There are a couple things that could be wrong. The strut or anchor has fallen out of the ears on the band and you have no adjustment. The adjusting screw should not thread all the way into the case without resistance.



Alternatively, something broke or bent. Band anchor, band strut, ears on the band itself. You will have to drop the VB in order to find the problem.

 

[afnashcom]

Sounds easy enough, any thing to watch out for while dropping the valve body? As in items that may drop out during the lowering of the valve body that I won't know where they go back in at.

Does anyone have a link to some where on the net that has pictures of what the band achor looks like when its correct?

 

[cerberusiam]

The spring between the accumulator and the VB is going to want to push the VB out once it is loose. Tends to fly off into a dark corner if your not careful.



Your liable to have other parts from the band linkage fall out also. Bet the sturt is laying on top of the VB.



Take your time and don't force it. I always jack up the left rear tire and roll it until the parking pawl lines up so I don't have to fit with the rod clip.

 

[afnashcom]

Thanks for the replies, I looked around the net but did not find any photos, videos or instructions on removing the VB so I guess I will just be winging it!!! Not sure when with the 4th coming up and all. Thanks again!

 

[afnashcom]

Well I opted out of taking this apart myself, I am getting work and figure I (and my transmission) would be better off letting someone else dig into this. The front band was burnt and yes from my failure of keeping it adjusted properly. (lesson learned ) He also said he highly recommends a few changes in there as well to help improve the transmission longevity. The replacement band is a Kevlar lined band which is suppose to have a longer life over stock. Installing a Transgo shift kit will help reduce slippage and installing a couple different valves with allow the transmission to flow oil in park as well as boost its pressure which as I understand it does not due and that is why you have to check its fluid level in neutral. Which will also increase its life. I got my truck back yesterday its working fine now. So in the end I got Synthetic oil, Transmission Banner kit, High Energy kevlar band, Transgo shift kit, Sonnex pressure regulator, new filter, direct drive clutches. The total bill was $1503. 90

With Parts and labor coming to $1429. 92 + $44. 50 tax + $29. 48 Convenience fee for using a credit card to pay the bill. The Convenience fee was a surprise as this is the first time I have ran across it. He explained it to me as his way of recouping the visa surcharge that he pays on top of his regular fee to visa

 

[cerberusiam]

Just watch the band setting and if you start loosing 2nd gear it will be another repair. I have torn the ears off of 2 of these bands with the Transgo shift kit and hard use. Cheap flex bands, the ears the strut and anchor sit in are only spot welded to the band. They will break loose with the higher line pressures and\or TQ application. Really need to go back to the semi rigid bands with better anchor points to be safe.