Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) sudden automatic failure

[LarryWard]

On recent run while on a grade pulling no load at 45-50mph it seemed to disengage and engine runs up. Tried overdrive button with no response. Pulled over and no gears would engage. Was towed home. Recently had detected a little slippage in some shifts and was due for fluid change and adjustments. Total miles 235k but some factory warranty was done years ago. So I am bracing for bad news and am not in very good financial place for this but would like to hear some views on logical minimum choices to incorporate. Do not use it in any heavy pulling just occasional construction and as a second vehicle. Like the truck but perhaps in my middle 70"s I should fix and sell it.



thanks Larry

 

[klaybus]

Sorry to hear this... Replacing a worn out trans is spendy. No cheap choices. I went DTT & wouldn't hessitate to do it again. Not cheap, but good. Good luck!



Clay

 

[Champane Flight]

Saving money

If you have the expertise, pull the transmission yourself, this will save you a little. See if you can find a rebuilt, (should be a few on hand at the local transmission shop), and replace it. I would keep the old one and have it beefed at ATS or DTT, and be ready for another day. Make sure you flush the cooler, and lines. . Go with a good synthetic transmission fluid. .

 

[TyThompson]

I had the same thing happen to me a while back. Pulled the transmission, and where the input shaft splines into a "drum" there, the drum had developed a crack which allowed it to spread and then strip all the splines out. That is why my truck wouldn't move at all. I had almost zero load on it when it happened, too.

So anyways, I just ordered a new drum from dodge, something like $60 or $70, used my old input shaft as it was still good, and put it all back together. No problems yet in around 10,000 miles.

You say some warranty was done on your trans a while back? If not, at 235k you may have some other problems. Does the fluid look or smell burnt?