Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Lost Reverse

[Bullmarket]

I just lost reverse, All drive gears are good. The problem is that this is a fairly new ATS package with only probably 50,000 miles on it. Should I remove the pan and check the rear band or just assume it is the overdrive and take it to a transmission shop. I am really not to happy to have a transmission problem after spending $6,000 on a transmission.

 

[edgeman]

Warranty!

I just installed an ATS transmission in my 97 ram and have had no problems with the transmission at all... . very stout... I got the 5 star torque converter and the commander package... . it all cost 7500... . but do you have the 150,000 mile warranty and the 3 year warranty on the transmission... . plus call ats they will be able to help you also!

 

[WilsonF]

Please keep us posted about you progress on this. I am thinking about a new trans, I may just want to stay away from ATS.

 

[BPonci]

Sound like maybe your direct clutch issue.

 

[Bullmarket]

I was at hoped for an overdrive problem. At least that way the tranmission wouldn't have to be romoved.

 

[edgeman]

ATS is rated number two... . if not number 1 the last time I checked... . and is a good transmission... . I haul grain wagons that gross 50 thousand pounds and have never had any problems... . the transmission goes right from the dyno to the box they ship it in!

 

[Bullmarket]

I've been happy with mine until now. The only thing I pull is a 24ft alluminum boat. If my problem turns out that I have to pull the transmission out. I would have been better off with a rebuild at about 1/3 the cost.

 

[bigdaddydieseldan]

ATS is rated number two... . if not number 1 the last time I checked... . and is a good transmission... . I haul grain wagons that gross 50 thousand pounds and have never had any problems... . the transmission goes right from the dyno to the box they ship it in!

I couldn't agree more absolutely love my ats transmission Oo. Oo. Oo.

 

[fox]

Over looking all the cheerleading, I am trying to help him.

It sounds like the rear band has an issue. I'd say drop the pan and check the adjustment as a first move.

Guys, he needs advice not an advertisment.

 

[edgeman]

Yeah I understand... . but if he has the warranty package on his transmission than he should not touch it untill he gets ahold of ATS and talks to them about it first. That is what ther Customer service is for... . I am also trying to help him! Have you been running amsoil through that transmission or no? I have been running amsoil through my truck and havn't had any problems at all!

 

[Reb.B]

If you have 1st gear but it free wheels when you let off throttle then its the rear band. Its hardly ever the O/D directs. If the rear clutch went, you would lose all gears.

 

[Bullmarket]

Thanks, Fox and Reb B.



It's been a little over 3 years since I bought the transmission. I've only put about 30 to 40,000 miles since the transmission was installed. I only drive the truck in the summer which is only 6 months out of the year. I live in Alaska and I only use it for pulling toys around. A very light "Northern Lite" slide in camper, boat and a couple of 4 wheelers, and not at the same time.



I'm going to go ahead and pull the pan off and check the rear band adjustment and if that is ok will take it to the shop. I mainly just wanted to see if anyone else had this problem. I saw a few posts with similar problems from old stock transmission's. I've enjoyed the transmission but to be honest I wouldn't spend that much money for a transmission again. Not after having this problem. I'll post when I find out what broke.



Regards,

John

 

[Reb.B]

I saw a trans a couple of months ago that was built but a builder on the forumns here and it had lost reverse. I pulled it apart and the band was toast. I wanted to make sure to catch the problem so it would not happen again. I looked and looked and chalked it up to driver error. I took one more look and there was a extremely fine hairline crack on the low-reverse piston. Replaced it no more problems. Moral of the story is, you never know what going to happen, or what you are going to get, or if it happened after you got the trans. Just need to pull it apart and see. One other thing, i was going to mention to tighten the band if it is loose, but if the lining is almost all the way gone, you can tighten it, but if you do you will probably have reverse for a while, but you might ruin the low-reverse hub, so take it for what its worth. It might also be ruined now.