Auto Trans

[BrentMW]

I'm a new Dodge owner (rookie) and want to know if what I have heard is true. Are there mechanical problems with the automatic transmitions with the Turbo Diesel??

 

[jthorpe]

I just had mine rebuilt at 42k miles. Cost me 1900 smackers. I had a 2-3 shift problem where the vehicle wouldn't shift when cold, or wouldn't shift until about 2600 rpm. Front clutch pack, TC and lip seals were toasted. I guess there is a problem with some of there where the lip seal groove was too deep and caused a lot of problems. Some people might be able to add more information than I, but I would go manual next time personally.

 

[BrentMW]

Sorry to here that. Didn't your warrentee cove it? I almost got the 6 speed but got a good deal for the auto. I hope I don't have any problems.

Originally posted by jthorpe:
I just had mine rebuilt at 42k miles. Cost me 1900 smackers. I had a 2-3 shift problem where the vehicle wouldn't shift when cold, or wouldn't shift until about 2600 rpm. Front clutch pack, TC and lip seals were toasted. I guess there is a problem with some of there where the lip seal groove was too deep and caused a lot of problems. Some people might be able to add more information than I, but I would go manual next time personally.

 

[WCrovo]

What makes you think that? If you don't tow they are OK. Or like someone on the fourum stated "I like to drink coffee and talk on my cell phone" they work. Did you drive the 6 spd first?

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2001 2500 tow, camper, SWB, ETH, Bright white.

 

[BrentMW]

After driving sticks for years I like driving the automatic. Its much easier driking coffee. I will be towing with this truck however, lumber to 40 hp tractors.
I drove the six speed and liked it for about 10 miles, then I hit traffic. Lots of shifts!!

Originally posted by walter crovo:
What makes you think that? If you don't tow they are OK. Or like someone on the fourum stated "I like to drink coffee and talk on my cell phone" they work. Did you drive the 6 spd first?

 

[jthorpe]

Brent,

Mine was out of warranty because I now have 43k miles on it. I didn't get an extended warranty or anything. I kept hearing that the minority of folks are having problems with the auto which I believe. It just sucks that I was in the minority.

Jack

 

[WCrovo]

Ron you are opening Pandoras box. Love has little to do with it. I would put more faith in faceing the east and chanting a mantra. Ron backing up with an auto was horrid at best. Like I said lots of towing a stick is a must. Can't beat the cogs. Another place for an auto would be around town delivery. Dollar for dollar a stick is more economical, fuel milage, repair and maintenance costs. I have had both as well and I am back to the stick. I had high hopes for my auto till it puked it guts. I maintained it twice as often as recomended. jthorpe did worse than me, mine dumped at 67,000 miles. I don't wish this on anyone but hey you asked. Ron not to be offensive but I will call BS on that clutch a year stuff. IMHO #ad


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2001 2500 tow, camper, SWB, ETH, Bright white.

 

[K_Arts]

BrentMW - Seriously, if are worried about mechanical problems with your Automatic transmission, talk to Bill K. He is a very Valuable resource.

Kev

 

[Fred Swanson]

Brent, the automatic is prone to problems, just like the 5 and 6 speeds are prone to problems. If you were to do a survey, I'll bet the same percentage of people had problems with each of them.

Take care of the transmission, and it should be fine. Be aware of what you ask it to do. Yes, you can tow with an auto, maybe not as much as with a stick, but that's another thread.

I chose an auto for my reasons, you chose for yours. For a good all around performer, I feel it is the best choice, because I do every type of driving with it. Commuting, hauling, long and short trips empty and loaded.

You can do a search and find many threads on the automatic. Decide what you'll use the truck for, and setup your transmission to compliment that job.

Add power mods, and yes, you'll want to do some transmission mods.



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Fred Swanson
Co-Owner
Canyon State Components, LLC
www.canyonstatecomponents.com

'00 QC,SB,4x4,Auto,3. 54 w/LSD,Trailer Package, Tow Package, DTT's VB & TC

 

[Deezal Man]

Since we're all throwing in our opinions.

I personnaly believe the auto transmission "itself" is a darn good unit. Unfortunately it hangs around with shady charactors.

I don't think its a mystery that many a torque converters have ruined drivetrains. Be it a Dodge or otherwise. But this problem can be associated with a clutch on a manual.
I'm bet'n more clutches have been replaced than TC. IMO of course.

Secondly, some of us use our trucks like big rigs... and well... self explanatory. . The problem is, some of them come here and post "Piece O Crap auto". . When they should have posted "I knew I shouldn't have sent a boy to do a mans job"

Third, repaires on an auto generally cost a bunch more than a manual... Plus, more of us can change a clutch... but aren't comfortable tearing open an auto. . So again it receives more gripes.

Fourth, The computer controlling the auto isn't exactly the smartest around. Causing it to shift at all the wrong times. This point becomes really clear after driving the likes of a BMW, etc...

Frankly, it "seems" lately. . the manual boys are posting more problems than the auto's.
So maybe its nothing more than your perception at the moment. I don't know

I have an automatic... and my mind changes weekly about what I would get next time. NO DOUBT a manual feels far more solid than a factory auto. Its almost a pleasure to shift. but I'm also the guy who likes to drink coffee and talk on the phone while driving... . sooo ????

Respecting something for what it is. . goes a long way in life.

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98. 5' 24v 2500 Auto/3. 54 4x4 SB QC 285-75-16's on Alcoa's. Everything but leather. PIAA 1200's, AMSOIL dual filter relocation system, Smittybuilt Stainless Steel Nerfs, Rhino Liner(Junk), K&N air filter(For Sale)15 year AMSOIL dealer. Time permitting, Soon to include Ultra-lite Pyro,0-50lbs boost, Trans temp in the pillar. Rancho 9000's with in cab adjustment.

 

[jthorpe]

Deezal, I understand your point but that doesn't explain why so many of us are having to rebuild our units when we're pulling much lower weights than what the truck is rated for. I don't buy the "I shouldn't have brought a boy to do a mans job" line for one second in this situation.

Jack

 

[Hawk22]

I had my transmission go out at 18,000 miles 12 hrs away from home pulling a heavy load of 4 people and bed full of luggage. Thank goodness I didn't have my camper with me this time. Just left the dealer this morning because it is starting to act up again. Did not find any problems. ?
Just have to wait and see.

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1999 3500 QC Auto,SLT loaded. 2000 34'Terry Triple Slide 5th Wheel. 1999 350 Big Bear and plenty other toys.

 

[LSMITH]

I have 50k on mine and the TC seems to be slipping. My truck is used for commuting 99 percent of the time. I don't think the trans is all that bad, I think the TC is a real pile though.

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99 2500 QC 4X4 AUTO SB 24V LARAMIE SLT 3. 5 LSD 285-75-16'S

 

[LSMITH]

I have 50k on mine and the TC seems to be slipping when locked up with heavy throttle. My truck is used for commuting 99 percent of the time. I don't think the trans is all that bad, I think the TC is a real pile though.

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99 2500 QC 4X4 AUTO SB 24V LARAMIE SLT 3. 5 LSD 285-75-16'S

 

[Fred Swanson]

Sure sounds like the TC clutch is almost toast.

------------------
Fred Swanson
Co-Owner
Canyon State Components, LLC
www.canyonstatecomponents.com

'00 QC,SB,4x4,Auto,3. 54 w/LSD,Trailer Package, Tow Package, DTT's VB & TC

 

[LSMITH]

That is what I thought too. But with the extended warranty it will only cost me $50.
The trans and the front end(ball joints and track bar)are why I bought the warranty, so it looks like my gamble is going to pay off. I went into this truck knowing that if I got 100k out of the trans I would be lucky.

 

[WCrovo]

I never exceeded my rated towing capacities either deezal, so i'm not buy'n that boy man junk. Its OK if you like your auto. I grew to hate mine and after haveing the stick I can really appreciate the power differance. I know the ETH is more powerful from the start but I did do upgrades and still had problems.

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2001 2500 tow, camper, SWB, ETH, Bright white.

 

[danandamy]

Was the 47RE supposed to be an emprovement over the 47RH in any way other than the fact it's electronically controlled vs hyd. controlled? Were there major mods made inside? I'm just asking because I've never had a lick of trouble out of my '95 47RH and I pull pretty hard with it sometimes. I always back out of it when the TC locks up, even when empty. I always shift it manually when pulling and I keep the fluid changed every 15,000 miles but other than that, that's it. Every morning when it's cold and I'm all hunkered up in there waiting for the heater to hurry up and warm up as I'm starting down the road, steering with one hand and holding my cup of coffee with the other, I think, "I love my auto" #ad


Daniel

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95 2500 SLT Laramie 3. 54, automatic,Herculiner bed liner, JVC cd out of factory infinity system, southwest grill gaurd (a favorite amongst the deer population), K&N chunked, AFC adjusted, dual straight exhaust out of "gutless" cat, Geno's dual EGT/boost gauge, TST #6 plate slid all the way forward, AFC housing slid all the way forward, silencer ring removed
"Layin' the 'SMOKEDOWN' on their ROOdy Poo CANDY GASSERS!"

[This message has been edited by danandme (edited 01-04-2001). ]

[This message has been edited by danandme (edited 01-04-2001). ]

 

[RobbyRam]

I have 33K on my Y2K 2500 Auto, & so far, so good, and I use my 'EZ' full throttle several times in a 100+ mile day. I've had the PCM 'Flash' done to the transmission at my dealer and it really helped the shift points.
My dealer sells in his parts department, and has installed a 'Speedway Chip,' (actually a disguised VA) on a new Automatic Diesel on his lot and loves to go 'full throttle sideways' to demonstrate the potential power of a Dodge Cummins Powered Ram. The Auto 47RE holds up perfectly!
BTW, I love my dealer #ad


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Bob in Sacramento, Y2K Black 3500 ISB 4x4 4:10 LSD,Auto,QC,SLT Laramie, Slightly BOMBED LB, Polished Stull Billet Grill & Fog inserts, Chrome Smitty-Built Step Rails, Mopar Chrome-Tipped Mud Flaps, A-Pillar mounted West-Tach Turbo/Pyro/Trans Temp gauges,Rancho 9000's set at '1',Diamond Plated Tool Box, OEM U. R. Bedliner + other stuff.
Fact:The First Fords' had 'DODGE' Engines! The new PSD's need them!

 

[jthorpe]

Ron,

I use to think the same thing about the 47RE until mine went to crap. 43k miles on the truck, no abuse. I had to have the transmission rebuilt because of a number of things. 1. The TC was toasted. 2. Front clutch pack was in bad shape. 4. 2nd band was wearing and burnt. There are some other issues that were there but for the most part, this transmission was in the process of burning up. Now I wouldn't call that the best transmission ever made, especially when I ask much less of it than what the vehicle is rated for.

Jack