Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) shifting problems

[jlurz]

I own a 95 2500 reg cab 4X4 with a 47 RE transmission and lately I have been having trouble with the trans shifting from second to third gear. I have owned the truck for about 7 months and this is my first winter with the truck. I'm not sure if the trans is not warmed up but every so often the trans does not want to shift either, I have to let off of the gas or rev it until third gear engages. When third gear does engage it usually jerks in gear. My question is does the trans need more time to warm up or is the trans getting ready to puke. This problem has only started recently since it has been cold high 20's low 30's. I have not had the usual problems with the TC and trans usualy works great. Also I have checked the trans fluid it is at the correct level and is not burnt.



Any help with this potential problem will be appreciated.



95 2500 4X4 Blk/Slv 82,000 miles, bone stock for now.

 

[Howard Durand]

Is it for sure third gear or is it overdrive?

There is normally a delay in shifting into OD when the transmission temperature is in the range you are talking about. I think 30 degrees is close to the border line.

 

[Dodger440]

The problem that you are having is caused by the seal in the front clutch drum. When Chrysler machined these drums they made the groove for the seal to deep, so after years of heat cycles the seal shrinks down into the groove and does not seal against the piston anymore. This problem always gets worse when the weather gets colder. The only real fix is to pull the transmission and replace the seal. The good news is the aftermarket makes a new seal that is a little bit deeper and will not let this problem happen again.

 

[Joe G.]

First of all, you have a 47RH not a 47RE. The difference is that the 47RH has a hydraulic governor controlled by fly weights. The 47RE has an electronic governor.



It may be a cold effected problem that has something sticking. I would suggest that you check the governor pressure. It should have no problem shifting up to 3rd. However, there is a temp sensor that controls shifting to 4th (OD) and torque convertor clutch (TCC) lockup.



As Howard says, make sure that the shift causing the problem is not to OD or the TCC trying to lockup.

 

[jlurz]

Its got to be the shift from second to third. I usually drive with the overdrive off unless I'm on the highway. When it gets stuck I can be running 2000 rpm and the truck is only running thirty five mph. It is not a constant problem it comes and goes it just seems that the cold temps have made it act up more often.

 

[Joe G.]

If you have the OD off, it will normally lock the TCC at about 35 MPH or so. If it is too cold the PCM won't let that happen.

 

[Reb.B]

adjust the dent, chick down cable for less pull or add gov springs, this will solve the problem. If it was the lip seal u would have a problem all the time even when u were in 3rd gear

 

[jlurz]

Reb B, are you talking about adjusting the shift linkage from the throttle valve cable to the trans.



Where is the governor spring located at.

 

[BigPapa]

I am having the same problem. As Dodge440 said it is the front clutch hub seal. I have found that if you'll start it up in neutral and put it in reverse after about 1 minute and let it idle in reverse for 3-4 minutes, it helps alot. I've also found that if you'll put a little more foot in it from a dead stop and hold it till after the shift it does better. My transmission man told me that it will get continually worse and that it will definetely get worse as it gets colder. He also said you have to pull the trans to fix it and that you may as well rebuild it while it's out. That means I'm saving my pennies for an aftermarket transmission upgrade. Just wanted you to know your not alone.

 

[SRehberg]

I was told by the local Dodge guys, that if you install a 2000yr model front drum, the problem will go away even with the stock seal. They stated they fix them all the time with that drum, and keep them in stock as they install quite a few. They state none have come back for that problem. While you're in there, like others said, time for doing the rest as well.



Mine started that nonsense at 33k miles, when the weather went cold. Good luck.