48RE is jumping around between first and second

[MMead]

Does anyone else with an auto have a problem with their transmission having trouble deciding if it wants to shift into second gear or stay in first? It feels like it is trying to shift into second but then falls back down into first. Maybe I'm being too light on the pedal since it isn't so bad when I drive it with a trailer.

 

[XcumminsX]

turn o/d off

 

[CLAYTON]

No problems here (knock on wood)

 

[Turbo Kidd]

I have had the same problem... . but, it is inconsistant. My truck is actually at the dealership today getting some general maintenance, and they are going to look at the trans while it is in. I hate dealerships, but it is under warrenty and I won't lie... . I'm no mechanic.

 

[XcumminsX]

Originally posted by Turbo Kidd

I have had the same problem... . but, it is inconsistant. My truck is actually at the dealership today getting some general maintenance, and they are going to look at the trans while it is in. I hate dealerships, but it is under warrenty and I won't lie... . I'm no mechanic.

Please tell me you didnt bring it to schaumburg dodge . Hey what color is your truck?

 

[curatchko]

Yep same problem. Typically at low speeds. If I take off from a light shifting into 2nd, and someone is in front of me leaving too slow, forcing me to let off the go-pedal, then when I even 'slightly' touch the pedal, it will down shift back into 1st...



Another instance when I notice it is when I slow down to turn onto my street at a slow speed, and after I take the corner, even if I only just touch the pedal, it down shifts into a lower gear AFTER I'm already turned... .



... . it would be one thing if it down shifted WHEN I touched the pedal, but it waits about 1-2 seconds long after I don't need it to down shift.....



I could ramble on and on about it because it drives me NUTS!!!! Stop and go traffic I find myself just sticking it in 2nd manually, and when it hits 40 I shift into drive.

 

[MMead]

Yep. That's what mine does exactly. I wonder if this is "normal" or if it should be checked out by the dealer

 

[XcumminsX]

id like to thank dodge for giving us such a great auto transmission

 

[CJ8Rockcrawler]

I wouldn't think O/D would effect a 1/2 shift at all. If these trucks had a tow/haul mode, that could possibly change it. My old truck, Chevy S10, had an auto that would do the same thing depending on the speed at which I would turn. Rather annoying, but I think it is somewhat the nature of auto trannys.

 

[R.M.THOMPSON]

There are ways to change this ! This transmission works great when loaded,although acts light a sailboat with no wind unloaded ie... Overcompensates or undercompensates it's shift points and can even get downright cantankerous at times. Like its trying to make one ANGRY. In the interim of an aftermarket fix , I watch my road speed and have developed habits the same as astute manual trans drivers do... ie..... Don't linger around 15 mph or the symtoms as others have mentioned with aggrivatre. Another good one to avoid is the 50 mph shift point into O. D. You have three choices that I've don't even have to look down at the speedo for anymore. They are as follows 1) Linger at 45 +/- a couple 2) Wide open or nearly wide open thru third into lock-up and by that time you will be at 2500 rpm plus when overdrive lets go 3) Accelerate with medium throttle ( normal driving speed on most roadways without semi traffic) and let off the pedal right before 50 mph to allow the shift to take place and then roll back in the fuel as required. Casual observers will swear you got a manual trans. Just some tips fella's to tide ya over till some good reports come out on tranns boxes . To tell you the truth , I think one is out there as we speak. Can anybody give us some feedback on the B&D ????????

Mark T.

 

[Buddy's Ram]

Mine will do this also. I just thought the throttle position sensor was extremely sensitive. I have 2600 on the clock now and love this truck!

 

[John - K5AWO]

transmission shift points

My transmission operated much the same as those mentioned here. However, It took on a new and better attitude after I did my annual battery post cleaning. Batteries off line for a couple hours. Thorough cleaning with baking soda and liberal coating of Noxid Grease all over the metal parts.



Did the APPS reprogram after hooking everything back up. (key on, slow pedal down to floor, slow pedal to idle, key off)



I was happy to note that it is now behaved and shifting in a near perfect fashion just like my '98 12V transmission did.



I also have adopted "special driving habits". I never hesitate around the 5-20 mph range anymore. Let the cars in front get "way out" and then ease into the throttle and just slowly and continuously increase pedal pressure to get about 1500-2000 rpm depending on traffic needs.



The transmission has been shifting flawlessy ever since I cleaned the batteries. I think the whole problem is "noise related".



Suggestion for those with this problem. Clean the battery terminals and connectors thoroughly (remove all the thru bolts, etc... ), obtain the "RF noise filter" and install it. Should resolve the problem. IF your battery cables show corrosion down into the cable itself, replace the cable with a new one.



Last note: I have never had a problem with the TC lock shift point other than it occurs later than I want (38 mph) and won't stay in under 35 mph. Aggravates me to see the RPMs go so high in city traffic when the OD drops out.



Final last note: If I get stuck in the famous "stop/zip/jerk" traffic syndrome so familiar in metro areas, I just turn the OD off. The TC locks up real fast and makes for better engine/transmission control AND it improves city mpg.

 

[MMead]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll give them a try.

 

[curatchko]

I'll try reseting the throttle position sensor, but there's no corrosion on the battery terminals as these are new trucks... .



I'm pretty positive it's more of a programing problem on a 3rd gen. than anything else... . they all seem to do it.

 

[Fred Swanson]

Oh, gotta love the Eletronic Governor systems on these trannies.

 

[ACerf]

My 48RE shifts GREAT! No problems, runs cool, shifts smooth as silk... well maybe a little rougher than that! Mine wants to do a 180 degree from some of you guys trannys. It can not wait to shift to the next gear. You need to give the pedal constant pressure to make it shift right. I noticed that I can shift it by letting my foot up off the pedal just a bit, and than press down... . and it shifts!

 

[MMead]

All of my shifts are fine, and relatively smooth - it's just the first to second then right back into first gear that's driving me crazy!! :

With the notable exception of the aforementioned problem... I have been very happy with my drive-train. After driving a gasser for so many years, it's nice to have an engine/transmission combo that doesn't have to downshift every time you hit a small hill on the highways. I love watching the tach stay frozen as I start up a hill with the cruise control on and listen to the turbo wind up. What a great truck!

 

[JD SLVR 03]

Yes, mine does the same crap just like you all said. And yes it drives me nuts too.

I mean yes it shifts real smooth and all. Its just under those certian times like most of you stated that it doesn't know what to do. I too belive that it is mainly a programing issue. I really love it when you slow down to about 30 from the converter being locked above 50. Then say make a turn, get back on the throttle and the converter locks in 3rd. Then when its time to shift to 4th it unlocks and shifts to 4th (with the converter still unlocked). It gives you the feeling that the transmission is slipping badly. But its really not, its just the converter is now unlocked. Maybe someday they will get the shift algorithm figured out to correct these issues. Other than that it seems to be a great transmission... mine has been holding up very well.



JD

 

[XcumminsX]

Originally posted by JD SLVR 03

Yes, mine does the same crap just like you all said. And yes it drives me nuts too.

I mean yes it shifts real smooth and all. Its just under those certian times like most of you stated that it doesn't know what to do. I too belive that it is mainly a programing issue. I really love it when you slow down to about 30 from the converter being locked above 50. Then say make a turn, get back on the throttle and the converter locks in 3rd. Then when its time to shift to 4th it unlocks and shifts to 4th (with the converter still unlocked). It gives you the feeling that the transmission is slipping badly. But its really not, its just the converter is now unlocked. Maybe someday they will get the shift algorithm figured out to correct these issues. Other than that it seems to be a great transmission... mine has been holding up very well.



JD

That is a PERFECT explanation to what happens with mine. . Why hasnt DC come out with a update or something. I wish there was some way i could hack into the programming and change all my shift points, matter of fact i wish i had a "manual" automatic where i control what gear its in all the time. Something like the new pontiac gto has in there auto where the controls to what gear your in are on the steering wheel! i belive porsche has it, and i know mercedes has it where its liek a slap-stick...

 

[Tony T.]

Shifting

At what speed/or RPM do you manually hit the OD-OFF button. When I'm cruising the two-lane highway an start entering a town (slowing down) I usually let the speed drop to around 40 to 45 MPH an hit the button turning off the OD. Then drive through town in third about 40 MPH the speed limit. Is this about right or can you disengage it at a higher speed/rpm with out ripping the guts out of the trans. :-laf :{