poor shifting auto at low speeds

[bkendall5651]

I just bought a 95 Ram 2500 with only 50k miles on it and an Automatic w/ OD that is really hard shifting until it warms up to operating temp ( 10-15 min driving time) and shifts hard and irregularly ( at seemingly inappropriate times) when "crawling at low speeds in bumper-to-bumper, stop-and-go traffic jams, especially going uphill or downhill.

Is that normal, or does it indicate a problem or needed adjustment ?

I had the tran fluid changed, but they put Pennzoil in instead of Mopar like the manual says. I talked to Dodge and they said it was "probably OK" ?????

The mechanic also said there weren't any bands in the transmission to adjust, but the dodge cust serv person "thought" there was a front and rear band that can and should be adjusted.

 

[illflem]

There are most definitely front and rear bands that can and should be adjusted when the filter is changed. I wouldn't be doing anymore business with a mechanic that says there isn't.

 

[DMC]

If you had ATF +3 or +4 put in it's probably not the fluid. The fluid that goes in this transmission needs to meet the Chrysler 7176 spec.

The service manual states that if you use dextron fluid to refill the transmission it can make the trannny shift rough and increase the wear on the clutch packs. however you can add dextron in an emergency.

Napa carries LubeGard, Its an additive that will bring dextron fluids up to spec. Make shure you get the correct type as indicated on the black not the red container.
FYI: AAMCO Type +3 ATF is available at Autozone, $2. 06 QT. It is bottled by mobil for AAMCO.

Also do a search for Bill Kondolay he is our Transmission Specialist. This is no exaggeration, the man is an encyclopedia of transmission function.

Good Luck

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D McGrady 1996 Club Cab 6BTA 5. 9 12 Valve All Stock Except K&N and Wrangler A/T 305/70/16 136 K and going strong.