2004 Automatic transmission issues?

[cattledvm]

Took my wife's 2004 2500 cummins with an automatic on a trip last weekend pulling an 18 ft stock trailer and noticed an issue. Previous to this trip the only issue I've had is after is sits overnight it won't move when you throw it into gear (mostly reverse) until you rev it up for a few seconds. Don't notice any other issues when running without a trailer/unloaded. While we are on the trip, I noticed when we start from a stoplight etc. that the pickup seems to not put much power to the ground and it has a bit of a shudder until you get moving, maybe the first couple gears until 20-30mph. At cruising speed and in and out of overdrive it doesn't seem to have any issue.

It doesn't sound like the pickup is revving to get going faster, more like it is lugging and perhaps in too high of a gear. If you throw it in first gear on the shifter it does the same thing and also shifts into second when you move the shifter so I believe it's indeed in first at the start. The day after we got there I started it to move the trailer and it about wouldn't back the thing up. Seemed like no matter how hard you push the peddle it would just lug. Any ideas for me or other questions to help diagnose this thing?

 

[cerberusiam]

Starting out drive or 2nd, typical problem when the gov transducer and\or solenoid goes bad. Time for trans service and change those parts.

FYI, before you put the truck in gear after sitting overnight put the trans in neutral and let idle for 30-60 seconds to charge the TC. The TC is draining back while sitting and it takes a bit of time to get it filled again. Revving the engine to get it to move, not good for transmission. Idle in neutral then check for engagement. If that doesn't solve the problem you have internal problems getting ready to rear up and bite.

 

[cattledvm]

Thanks! I've read some threads on transmission service on here. Any recommendation on where to buy those parts?

 

[bigceltic]

Thanks! I've read some threads on transmission service on here. Any recommendation on where to buy those parts?

I bought my parts from http://www.electricaladvantage.net/

I have purchased the new solenoid and transducer in the past and recently bought http://www.electricaladvantage.net/rehdsolenoidsensorkit00.aspx (heavy duty GM conversion) that I plan on adding next service.

 

[cerberusiam]

I would do this http://www.electricaladvantage.net/rehdsolenoidsensorkit00.aspx and go from there. You might be able to use the stock pieces also and will be a little cheaper, can source then from this same place.

 

[Thump]

When my gov solenoid went out, I bit the bullet for a billet valve body with the GM style solenoid setup from Suncoast.
Firmed up shifts (better for trans in the long run) and never another problem from the trans for the 170,000 more miles I owned it.
You just need to make absolutely sure you get the TV cable adjusted right. If not, you can burn up clutches prematurely.
Either route you take is a simple enough procedure. Just make sure to keep track of where te valve body bolts go (different lengths)