Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) New Transmission Problems

[KMacnicol]

To make a long story short I broke my old transmission 500 miles from home and had to have a new one installed (Dodge reman. ) The first one never shifted right from the begining (towing or normal driving) shifts were late, when you came to a stop it woudnt shift back into 1st, ect. Dodge installed another transmission and I am still having problems however the second one is better. To start with neither transmission will work with my mystery switch. If I flip the switch in 3rd while accelerating it will downshift into second and over rev the engine until you lift on the throttle. If you flip the switch while in 3rd or 4th and not accelerating it ok, you just cant use the switch while accelerating. Also both trannys shift alot later than my old one, you can feel the engine lay over and then it shifts. I did check the TPS (. 8 at idle) and TV cable adjustment and both are good. Driving around normal it seems to shift fine (other than the shifts being a little late) but when your accelerating or towing everything is worse. Sorry about the long post but its getting very frustrating.



Thanks, Kevin

 

[edgeman]

As far as the switch goes you might need to have the Transmission Control Module reflashed... my dad had the "mystery switch" on his 96 and it never worked untill he had the TCM flashed... . Late shifts could be alot of things... . If I were you I would replace the Torque Converter with an ATS Diesel Torque Converter... either a stage 3 or stage 5... . I lost my stock transmission at 200,000 miles and put an ATS Diesel transmission in it and it is great... . I have the torque lock up switch in diffrent settings now and I can pull anything I want... . That is just my suggestion also get the deep pan holds about 15 qts of transmission oil and the billet flex plate you can get all that for around 6500 dollars and never have to worry about the transmission again... .

 

[KMacnicol]

Do you know if the PCM has to be re-flashed after a different transmission has been installed?

 

[Joe G.]

I think I remember that the early '94 had a PCM problem that required a reflash because of transmission problems. I'm not sure of that so you will need to do some research.

 

[KMacnicol]

Everything (shift points, mystery switch, ect. ) worked fine for over 150k miles. The new problems didnt start until the new trannys were installed.

 

[Joe G.]

Have you checked to make sure that the electrical connections are correct, clean, and tight? If you have a service manual you can check pressures, especially governor pressure.

 

[Joe G.]

I forgot. I just received a 47RH service manual from a member of another forum. If you want a copy so you can check pressures and whatever email me.

 

[PaulBarker]

That is the problem with Dodge Reman Transmissions. You might go through a few before you get a good one. If you have the patients I would stay on Dodge's butt about replacing it until you have a good one.

But if I was you, It seems that you need a very reliable transmission. I would spend $4200 on a Goerend built transmission/TC with billet input shaft,flex plate, and stronger shift lever. Best transmission on the market for a Dodge. If you ever had a problem Dave will take care of you.

 

[Grumpy John 4x4]

Suncoast trans

Go with Suncoast!Oo.

 

[Gweeds12V]

I have the same mysterious shifting problems with my 95. I can't figure out what it is because the sending units and the tack are all running like a top. If you've gotten any info on it please email me. could use all the help i can get.

 

[KMacnicol]

But if I was you, It seems that you need a very reliable transmission. I would spend $4200 on a Goerend built transmission/TC with billet input shaft,flex plate, and stronger shift lever. Best transmission on the market for a Dodge. If you ever had a problem Dave will take care of you.

Quote Grumpy John 4x4 "Go with Suncoast!"





Both of these sound like great ideas if I hadnt already spent $3000. 00 on the trans thats in it. Spending an additional $4200 to make it right is out of the question. Maybe its just me but spending more on 2 transmissions than the truck is probably worth doesnt seem like a reasonable decision. If it hadnt broke 500 miles from home then yes Suncoast or Goerend would have been the best choice but for now im trying to deal with what I have.



BTW... Spoke with DTT last night and they said the problem is when the lockup switch is turned on it is sending to much pressure to the govenor causing it to downshift and could be fixed with a $200 shift kit.



Thanks for input.

 

[edgeman]

I Don't think the info on the Suncoast or that other transmission that somebody said was the best for dodge... I have to say that ATS transmission's are number one in the country as of right now and with the 5 star torque converter and Billet flexplate, billet input and out put shafts and billet gears with the deep pan is the best on the market... I noticed a huge difference in power when it was put in. I don't know about you but for a bullet proof trans I would spend the 6500 and never have to worry about it again... oh and that comes with the Commander lock up controller... . I love it

 

[KennethS]

I have a 95 Dodge Diesel Motor Home

I haad Dave Goerend in St. Lucas in Iowa do my transmission. He the best around I have found and the price is fair. I live in Pa. and drove out there to have it done and glad I did. He installed a triple dic low stall converter also. It seam like he gave the motor 200 hp. Man when I start out now it takes hold right now and what power It got now. Just because of the way he did the transmission. You can call him and he will help you over the phone and he does a quick turnaround. Call him563 778 2719. It cost me 3,000 bucks with a 100,000 warranty. If I had to do it over again I would do it in a heart beat.

 

[Cummins Thunder]

I dont think this thread will benefit from another trans war. :-{}



To fix the issue and then some I would choose a reputable aftermarket valve body builder and purchase one of their units.

 

[KMacnicol]

I dont think this thread will benefit from another trans war. :-{}



To fix the issue and then some I would choose a reputable aftermarket valve body builder and purchase one of their units.

Exactly.



Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[KMacnicol]

Update

I installed a Transgo shift kit over the weekend and all problems are gone. Mystery Switch works again, shifts are where they should be, when the converter locks up it feels like another shift and not this sloppy I think it locked up stuff. BTW when I removed the T/V spring it was orange and according to the kit that spring was for a GAS engine. My theory is that when Dodge remans these they are sold as a univ. fit and not specific to a diesel.

 

[Gweeds12V]

The original transmissions were built for a gasser to begin with thats why they're known for all kinds of problems. I had the same problem you were having, it got so bad in fact that i couldn't drive it on the highway anymore. I brought it in to a well known diesel shop and they couldn't even find out the problem. I replaced everything electrical in transmission, put triple disc torque converter, rebuilt whole transmission from head to toe, and had a shift kit put on it, cost $4400 after install and tax. I don't know what one of those things fixed it, but now it shifts like a champ and feels solid.