Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Trans Cooler line blew off

[ben_ak]

My 2000 2500 Quad Cab blew a transmission cooling line at about 90 MPH/ 2500 RPM and I lost the ability to move the truck under it's own power within seconds. My local dealer "fixed" the truck by replacing the line and dumping three quarts of ATF in the transmission. They test drove the truck and said the transmission shifted fine. I have since felt what seems to be the transmission "hunting" for gears under different conditions (I haven't had the chance to tow a big load yet). It seems to me that a catastophic fluid loss at that speed/RPM would warrant at least dropping the pan and looking for metal. Has anyone had a problem like this that led to transmission failure? By the way, my truck has 21000 miles on it and a Poweredge chip.

 

[inarush76]

fluid loss

If it just took 3 quarts of fluid to fill trans it is not to likely there would be much metal in pan from that. However, it IS quite possible or likely that some clutches slipped a bit as pressure dropped from low fluid. At that speed (assuming 4th gear) the forward, direct, and overdrive clutches are applied as well as the TC. Keep taking it back if it isn't acting right and get a work order each time. If nothing else, you will build a case to take to Chrysler customer service should it go out. At 21,000 miles your not that far from being out of warranty. Good Luck.



James Northum

DTT builder/installer