Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) auto trans wont downshift to 1st

[BBate]

Hi, I've had my 2002 since new. I just signed up "finally",so this is my 1st post. It's been trouble free up until this summer when the vp44 went south and was replaced under warranty. Anyway I have about 800 miles on it since the new pump was installed. Last night when I took it for a spin the automatic transmission wouldn't downshift into 1st gear when I came to a stop. Now I can manually downshift it into 1st via the column shifter. It seems to be starting out in 2nd unless I downshift manually.

Anyone have any ideas where I should start looking ? Thanks... . Bill

 

[Reb.B]

sounds like sticky Govenor Pressure solenoid.

 

[paulb]

sounds like sticky Govenor Pressure solenoid.

Or governor pressure sensor.

 

[mcoleman]

Or governor pressure sensor.

Gov. pressure sensor/transducer.

 

[LOtero]

tagging along... .

 

[BBate]

Ok, I'll pick me up both the solenoid and sensor. Anybody know the best/cheapest place to purchase them? Whilst I'm in there I may as well upgrade my valve body, & adjust the bands. Also would you guys recommend that I remove the checkball in the transmission cooler line? Oh and I plan on refilling with AT+4 (i've been stockpiling it for a few month in anticipation of a valve body upgrade). Unfortunately I cant yet afford a new torque converter, we have a new baby on the way so the budget is tite.

Thanks again for everyones help... . Bill

 

[Diesel Nut]

You can get the Gov press solenoid/transducer from the dealer. Its like $45 bucks. Perfect time to do the VB. The VB will help the converter a bit.

 

[paulb]

I would only use the OEM sensor and solenoid.



Paul

 

[BBate]

Ok, I'll check the dealer. Anyone have any thoughts on me removing the checkball in the transmission cooler return line to improve flow? Any pros or cons to doing this? I hear you need to idle in neutral in order to fill the converter because of drainback. I may hold off on the valve body til after x-mas and put it together stock just to make sure the problem is fixed before I start tampering with other parts... . Bill

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

If you're not in a big hurry order the parts from www.mopar4less.com (ask for internet parts). I always order from them when I can since they're way cheaper than any dealer I've found regionally.



Vaughn

 

[BBate]

Hi, I emailed mopar4less.com and a few other places but no one has gotten back to me yet. Does anyone know off hand the part#s for OEM auto trans sensor and solenoid on my 2002 ? Also anyone have any comments on me removing the trans cooler return line check ball ? ..... thanks ..... Bill

 

[Allnew2Me]

Regarding the removal of the check valve. I just rebuilt my trans and Suncoast as well as my local transmission man advised pulling it out. I did and I think the flow is improved. It is in the rear fitting of the engine mounted cooler, you have to remove the line first and then the fitting that is attached to the cooler itself. I used a pair of needle nose pliers to pull the retainer and then the ball and spring fall out. My new valve body supposedly allows fluid flow in park and keeps the TC from draining back, but after a few days of sitting it still takes some time to fill the TC. It is faster than the stock trans but it still drains back. If I start in neutral it is much faster so I don't know how improved it really is. I think it is just the design of the transmission.

 

[BBate]

Well, I'm happy to report, I replaced the govenor solenoid, sensor, and also the speed sensor on the transmission. New filter & 7 quarts of ATF+4 plus I turned the line pressure up 2 turns. There was very little shavings on the magnet in the pan. Buttoned everything up & its shifts perfectly. One question ? Is there any check ball on the rubber lines up by the trans cooler mounted on the radiator of a 2002 model year ? If so how the heck do you get those lines to come apart ? I removed the metal clips but they still dont pull apart ? Is there a special tool that I need ?

Thank again for everyones help ... Bill

 

[champspa]

disconnect the battery and wait about an hour , if there are any codes they will clear . Codes can keep it from shifting down.

 

[ljimenez]

hi there guys , i have a 2000 , 2500 4x4 and have the same problem, the trans wil not downshift to 1st gear unless i manually down shift it, the trans shop can't figure it out . the trans has less than 500 miles since it was rebuilt. can someone shed some light on this problem.