Auto trans shifting under load

[RWestbrook]

While under heavy load truck will shift into over drive at 40 mph. Also sometimes if you have the gas pedal down hard it will not shift in to next gear . This has happened since I had the truck since last October. Dodge dealer said there are no bulletin's to correct this. Dodge should fix this , not me going under the hood to do anything. Who can I contact at Dodge to get this corrected?



2003 BlackSLt Diesel Dually Quad Cab

 

[DPKetchum]

GOOD LUCK! First call 18009921997 thats the comsumer I'll pretend to help you line.

 

[Mopar_Mudder]

If you read the manual you would see that it tells you to take it out of over drive when towing.



I have 2 auto that I tow with one with 4. 10's and one with 3. 55's. The one with 3. 55's you notice this alot more on if you don't take it out of over drive. Taking out of over drive also puts in it a "tow" mode so it doesn't hunt for gears as bad. I always run them with the over drive off untill I get up to a steady speed, much easier on the trans.

 

[Steve M]

I would love to have the transmission from my '01. 5 in my '03. It shifted like permanent tow mode. It wouldn't shift to overdrive unless I either let off the peddle above 42mph or stayed into it until about 65mph. It locked the TC in third while this was going on like it should.

My '03 is like you describe. The problem likely came from complaints about the '01. 5 not shifting to O/D while the driver was on the throttle even lightly. A TSB was issued to correct the "problem". A new seperator plate was made to make it shift like our current trucks.

You'll get used to it and the transmission learns your driving habits. Get into the throttle enough to hold 3rd longer when you can. You might even disconnect the batteries for a few minutes to erase the memory and start fresh. I've gotten used to mine but I'd take the shifting characteristics of my '01. 5 over the '03 in a heartbeat.

 

[Photoman]

I am towing a 9k fifth wheel. I normally take the truck out of overdrive until I come up to highway speeds, then switch back in to overdrive if the road is fairly level or has some moderate hills. Otherwise, it seems like the truck will continue to hunt for gears, which ( I have been told) is not good for the transmission. I also change my transmission fluid yearly due to my tow habits, just to be safe. Regards.