Archived Stuck in 1st grear

[MBenner]

I have a ram 3500 dually 4x4 automatic. The truck was having a delayed shift issue from first into second. On the way to get it looked at, the trans will not shift out of 1st. Stuck.



What does anyone think I am looking as in issue or price.

 

[fox]

Govenor pressure sensor.

 

[MBenner]

That sounds pretty direct. Have you had this problem? Where is it on the Trans?

 

[MBenner]

service dept just call me and my Trans is toasted. Somthing is wrong with the clutch pack.



Who out there supplies a good replacement trans, for 99 dodge ram 3500 dually Auto?:{

 

[Parks]

Check with some of the advertisers in the magazine and also check the classifieds.

 

[MBenner]

How long does it take to pull out and replace the trans.

 

[fox]

I won'y say they are wrong, but I am curious how they diagnosed it.

First gear is simply the front clutch being engaged.

to shift to second, it adds a band. Why did the band not engage?

did they read any pressures?

 

[Fred Swanson]

It could also be the transmission output speed sensor on the O/D section. Ask to see the contents of the pan, and check the bands yourself, don't just take their word for it.

 

[MBenner]

Fox,



They took a pressure reading, well so they say. The pressure reads 0 at the Gov and Torque, which doesn't make since to me. If it is moving in first, then should have about 5-10 psi?? I would expect 0 if they took the reading with just the engine running. I don't but the clutch pack theory either. Oil is pink, no smell and passes a basic sediment test.

 

[UN-S1L3NT-24V]

Get a Second opinion!!! If it sounds or feels fishy it usually is.

 

[MKellam]

Well Guys,

Stuck in first gear? Hmmm,Lets stop and think about this. In first gear your trans uses the rear cutch and the over-running clutch (at the rear of the case, before the o-drive). Now, on a 99, the output speed sensor is used to "simulate" gov. speed. so, I would go after that sensor, light tan in color, bolted into the o-drive unit about 4 in's forward of the tailshaft seal, if 4x4, about 2 in's forward of the t-case. It cost's 26. 00 buck (east-coast) and takes 5 minutes and 2 rags to change. It won't be the governor pressure solenoid or the pressure transducer, because if the PCM see this fault, it defaults to third gear ONLY! Give it a try and pass on what you find.



Diesel Mike,

Thanks Dad for the subscription to TDR!

New member and Dodge Dealer Technician,

Call or Post anytime if I can Help.

 

[VLAvery]

I had the same problem on my '99. I took it to a real good transmission guy here in WPB, FL and it was only the out put speed sensor. It cost me $115 including labor. A friend of mine had the exact same problem on his '00 and took it to a dealer. Dealer ordered him a transmission (he was out of warranty). I heard about it and urged him to get it towed to my transmission guy and it was his out put speed sensor also. $115 was a lot better than the thousands dealer was trying to get him for. I have become very wary of dealers due to similar happenings with A/C etc.



Long time member but first post.

 

[MKellam]

Just remember,



Not ALL dealers are bad. I tend to establish a raport with ALL my customers, and I always shoot straight with them. It sounds to me in all the above threads, that some techs are not completing the diagnostic procedures set forth by chrysler. Yes, it could be a rear clutch pack, as this is the weak link in the 4(X)RE/RH transmissions, only because the rear clutch pack is used in ALL FORWARD gears. So, basicaly, that particular clutch gets alot of use. But if you stop to think about it, how many of us have gone over 100k on services alone? Quite a few aren't there? Some basics and common sense can go a long way to correcting problems yourself.



I am going to go home tonite and repost to this column under a new thread about doing hydraulic pressure tests and run through the basics of trans diagnostics so you guy and gals will have a leg up. Look for it soon.



Also, A@A Trans (www.aandatrans.com) has alot of experience with Chryslers transmissions. They also produce their own gears and reinforce them in the areas of common fatigue and breakage. They also have complete units. Give them a call if you need help.



Diesel Mike

93 Dakota CC, 5. 9Gas, 238HP, 474Ft/Lbs.

Might be gas, but Pulls Like a Diesel!

 

[MBenner]

Found a recommend Trans shop here in MD/DC metro area. Montgomery BCC Transmissions. The Shop was straight up with me from the start, they even had a suspicion form previous work on this model trans that it could be the governor. Right inline with what most readers here suggested. It ended up being the governor, I am having the shop replace the bands also, pretty worn. Labor and part are about a 1/4 of what a new trans form the dealer would have been. Even if he was to rebuild the entire Trans price would be about 2/3 the cost.

My dealing with this shop have been great, I would recommend it to anyone else in the Gaithersburg/Rockville area. They are doing the work tomorrow and I should have the truck by Tomorrow evening, mid day Friday the latest.