First Gear gone, or is entire trans next?

[Stranger]

The other day, leaving a light with no load,trans jerked hard from 2nd to 1st.

Today, when leaving a light again with no load, apparently the truck is using only 2nd, 3rd and OD.

Is there any hope left for this particular unit?

Yes, I am scooping pennies to send to DTT but I'd like to hold onto them for as long as possible.

Any ideas? TIA

 

[Bill Kondolay]

Stranger,



If you have no first gear it is going to be either a vb problem or an electrical problem. What i would recommend is doing a pressure test to determine which one it is.



Located on the passenger side of the transmission, there are 3 pressure ports about 2" above the pan rail, on the that is at the back of the transmission there is another pressure port approx. 9" above that, where the main transmisssion case bolts on to the od housing. (straight up from the end of the pan)



The pressure port is 1/8th pipe thread, you need a pressure gauge that reads approx 0-160 , it should have a 10' hose so you can test while driving, make sure it a high quality hose, you dont want hot oil inside the cab.



The pressure should read 0-3 psi when you first put in drive.



As you continue to drive lets say to 20mph the pressures should read approx. 20 psi



In other words 1psi for each mph till you go into lockup.



If the pressures read as described above you have a stuck valve usually cause by contaminants in the transmission.



If you pressure when you put in drive reads lets say 40 psi, chances are you have an electrical problem.



The most likely culprits are the transducer, governor solenoid, or pcm.



Its best to spend your money on a pressure gauge, rather than parts, there is nothing worse than changing out parts and have it not fix the problem. .

 

[Stranger]

Thanks, Bill for the reply. As soon as I get some time I'll try what you recommended.



As for scooping pennies for you, how much lead time do you need to prepare a trans for me. I'll go for the full boat, (Just as long as it doesn't have to be gold plated, if you know what I mean); as I pull a big A$$ trailer. And, where is the nearest and best place for me to have it installed? I live in central CA.



One more thing. Other than the pick of the litter, what other info do I need to get to you?



Thanks.

 

[Bill Kondolay]

Stranger,



Dont wait for the pressure testing , it could be minor that will be major if you continue to get the 2nd gear starts.



All relevant truck information is taken on your profile sheet at the time of order or when you get ready to seperate yourself from your pennies , however if you prefer to pay in gold thats good, ask anyone Shanti would really like that,



On a more serious note, dont leave it too long for the diagnosis.

The pressure gauge could save you a ton.

 

[Stranger]

OK, Bill. You've convinced me. I do appreciate your honesty about spending more now, when there's a possibility for a cheaper fix.



Though, I'd talked Lana into the purchase of a custom trans for my mistress .

 

[Stranger]

I don't know about y'all but, up'til now, Bill K. has been the ONLY trans supplier who has answered my question about second gear starts.



And he gave me a way to diagnosis for the fix!



He didn't ask a PENNY for the advise.



That speaks volumes in my book.



I'm goin' with DTT, when I get the new transmission regardless of where I'm at when this one scatters, explodes or whatever!



That's my story and I'm stickin' to it. ! ! !