Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 47RE hard shift

[KenMills]

I've noticed that when in O/D my transmission jerks when shifting from what I believe is 3rd to 4th at a speed of about 50mph. There is about 80,000 miles on the truck and fluid was changed at 40,000. I don't seem to notice any jerking when it is out of O/D. I'm going to change the fluid next week. Anyone have any suggestions or ideas? Does this problem sound like an adjustment? I have also noticed this problem when the engine starts to lug down and the transmission down shifts. Thanks for any advice. Ken

 

[fox]

02's were designed to shift locked in the 3rd to 4th shift. Mine has always done it. I simply lift the throttle when it is close to shift time. Don't have a clue why an ENGINEER would tell it to do this!!!!

 

[SUrich]

Has it always had this problem or did it just start? I would have them adj the bands when the transmission service is done. Sometimes this could create some shifting issues. Also check to make sure there is no debris in the bottom of the pan. If so post pics.

 

[KenMills]

47 RE hard shift

Thanks for your input. Haven't been able to change the fluid yet due to the weather. I will definitely adjust the transmission. I plan to have the transmission flushed and then drop the pan to change the filter. I know it means more fluid but it seems to me to be the best way. Any thoughts?

 

[SnoKing]

I have heard bad things about power flushes! SNOKING

 

[SUrich]

Flushing is ok I wouldn't worry about it though. I would drop the pan change you filter, adjust the bands and fill it with new fluid. Also I would invest in a drain plug kit for the pan it is way easier to drain and pull the pan. You can get the kits from you local Napa warehouse. It is a B&M part and will set you back about 13 bucks.

 

[KenMills]

Thanks SUrich. I'm going to put a PML pan on which is drilled for the temp gauge and has a drain plug.

 

[SUrich]

1 more comment, make sure there is nothing in the bottom of the pan when you pull it down.

 

[ike]

I bought my 2002 4X4 with 38,000 on it. Shame on me I did not check the trans fluid during the pre purchase inspection. To make a long story short, I serviced the trans at 42T prior to taking a 1500 mile trip. The trans started acting as describe in your post then completely failed. I had a factory rebuilt installed in New Mexico under warrantee. I pull heavy loads farming. These auto trans scare me to death. I always take the truck out of OD when a trailer is hooked to it (I am not sure this is warrantee but dont want to take chances). What is a bullet proof fix for these auto trans with reasonable cost (if any). The trick now has 108000 on it with about 60,000 on the rebuild trans and all seems fine. You guys reference adjusting the bands in the trans. How is this done? Is there other adjustments that need to be made?

 

[fox]

The best thing you can do to any stock dodge auto is either a shift kit or a replacement valvebody. The Vb is the brains and will correct the factory spec of too little pressure.

The idiots who think a auto trans should not be felt changing gears has cost consumers millions.

These trans can be near bullet proof in the right rebuild.

 

[SnoKing]

Yeah, my DTT shifts firm, and that is without a locked accumulator, which makes it even firmer. DTT does have a live stock valve body that has softer shifts.



Back to the 47RE. It can be built to a very strong transmission, all it takes is money and someone that knows what they are doing.



SNOKING

 

[PVanderlugt]

Never did figure out the official shift pattern on my 02, sometimes it will shift 2-3-locked 4 shift, sometimes it will 2-3-4 and then lock and in other times it will 2-3-lock, 4unlocked and than lock into 4. must have to do with load, apps, speed etc.
Pete

 

[SUrich]

Bd makes a decent valve body along with ats. They are kinda spendy 550 to 1200 bucks but in the long run it could save you transmission's life. I istalled the transgo TFOD-HD2 trans reprogramming kit and I love it. It take about 6 hours to preform and follow all directions with the kit. Call your local Dodge dealer for correct band adjustment. The front band can be adjusted without pulling the pan the rear one has to be adjusted with the pan off. All the rear band does is help with the enguagement of reverse. This one can be left alone but if you have the pan pulled might as well. Another good investment is a quality torque converter, lowers trans temps with a better lock up.