Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Intermittent no first gear

[99slt]

I've got a 99 4wd automatic that is giving me a headache. It all started two weeks ago, I was driving normal and came to a stop sign, and when I went to pull out it was in second gear. I got to where I needed to be and tried it again from a stop, and same thing, in second gear. I put it into first with the shifter and it went into first gear. The truck sat for a few hours, I got in and threw it in 'D' and it actually was in first gear when I pulled out, and it worked normal for the entire drive.



I checked the fluid, and the level was perfect and it looked good, didn't smell bad. About 5000 miles ago I put a Dodge filter in when I put a deep Mag-Hytec pan on. A friend of mine used to work at a Dodge dealer, he took a look at it and the only thing he noticed was the cable from underneath that black plastic cover on the front of the engine that goes down to a little lever on the trans was out of adjustment, and when both ends were disconnected he said it felt funny when he would move the cable. So, I ordered a cable from Dodge and we put it in and adjusted it.



I was driving the truck a few days, and the only thing that was not right to me was after that was it would hang real long in first gear when first being driven after starting it. By real long I mean it would shift around 22-2300 under normal light throttle, and when it would shift it would really snap into second gear. Someone recommended I put a bottle of Lucas Stop Slip in to help 'soften' the seals, so I did and have been driving it to see if it clears up.



And now today I was driving for a few miles, got off the highway and came to a light, and when I pulled out it was in second gear again. It did that several times. I stopped, and it sat idling for 5-10 minutes, and when I went to leave it was ok again.



So I have no idea what to do or look for. My friend told me it probably needs a trans, but I really don't want to believe that. Anyone have any ideas on what to look for or what it could be? I would like to check or do as much as I can before I drop it off at a transmission shop.

 

[DavidC]

Sounds like the original problem is the pressure transducer and solenoid. A common problem when not starting out in 1st gear. The best clue is exactly what you did, manually shift and everything works fine. The second problem was self inflicted and sounds like the cable needs further adjustment.

Dave

 

[cerberusiam]

Yup, typical solenoid\transdcuer problem with the TV cable now working correctly. TV cable could be too tight or just the result of the gov solenoid stuck. Might want to change out the output shaft speed sensor at the same time, that will cause a 1st gear hang all the time.

 

[99slt]

Is the pressure transducer and solenoid separately serviceable, or are they part of a larger assembly like the valve body? And is it something that can be done by someone with general mechanical experience, or should it go to a transmission specialist to be repaired?

 

[DavidC]

Yes they are separate, They are mounted to the valve body. You need to drain fluid and drop the pan. It has been a few years since I did mine but it is pretty easy and the only real grief I remember was having to drain the fluid and remove the pan. Put down some cardboard for the inevitable dripping.

Dave

 

[99slt]

Thanks for all the input, I'll give that a shot and see how it goes. I'm assuming I should get these parts from the dealer, or is there an aftermarket source that has a more reliable replacement?

 

[DavidC]

I have noticed this as being recommended a few times but you still need the transducer. Don't know if you can still get it at the dealer (expensive) or maybe your local Auto Zone, Oreilly's, Napa etc.
http://www.dieselautopower.com/DNJ_...ssure_Sensor_p/gm sol conv 47re for dodge.htm

Dave

 

[DavidC]

Found this
http://www.amazon.com/GOVERNOR-PRES...&newCar=1&s=automotive&vehicleType=automotive

Dave

 

[cerberusiam]

Or here http://www.transmissioncenter.net/dodge.htm, search the page for #REC and look for the transdcuer.

This is the upgrade so the solenoid won't cause any more problems. The transducers are just problematic.
#ad

 

[99slt]

Thanks for all the input. I just ordered the conversion solenoid, transducer, and speed sensor. Hopefully it all gets here soon and I can put it in next saturday.

 

[99slt]

Update

I replaced all the parts recommended above. New Dodge speed sensor, new Dodge transducer, new Dodge filter, and I installed the aftermarket GM governor solenoid kit.

First step was doing a full transmission flush to get all the old dirty fluid out. Once I drained and dropped the pan however, there was a lot of dirt stuck to the magnet of the plug considering it was installed only 5000 miles ago. And there were little 2-3mm pieces of material in the pan. The pieces were actually hard, and I was told they are probably clutch band material. So I guess I'm on borrowed time, but with the new parts and the flush done it shifts amazingly. I've had it since 45000 miles, and it now has 60, and it has never shifted like this before. I just wish I knew to look for something earlier and would have replaced that bad cable sooner.

Thanks for the advice, everything is great right now. Now I'll just save for a new trans and run this one until it lets me sit somewhere.

 

[DavidC]

Great job, thanks for the update. Glad to hear your on the road running well

Dave

 

[cerberusiam]

The black stuff on the magne tis just typical soft OE steels. Worst problem with these transmissions is they constantly make metal. A shift kit will a lot of times stop that as it locks the clutch packs harder and stop the wear. The material could be from the front band slipping becuase it was not shifting correctly also. Hard to tell without a tear down.