Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Trans Issues

[PToombs]

Trans Issues, 47RE

Hi guys, I just picked up '97 2500 and the trans acts funny. I only drove it a little bit, 3-4 miles, and some things I noticed right off. I checked the oil, and the level is good, not burnt. The PO put ATF+4 synthetic in it. When I take off, most of the time it tries to leave in 2nd, then when I step on it more, it shifts down. When going, it doesn't seem to kick down decent when I step on it, sometimes yes, sometimes no. Over drive works good, and kicks out when I step on it, and goes on and off with the switch.

Any bright ideas on where to look? And what trans is this? 47RH? I was going to drop the pan, but decided to wait and get some opinions before I tear it apart too far so I know better what to look for.

Thanks,

 

[PRohr]

It should be a 47RE. If it's starting off in 2nd gear the most likely cause is the Gov Pressure Solenoid and/or sensor is shot. You can replace those yourself with the pan dropped pretty easily.

 

[budnate]

first thing plug in and see if it has any codes thrown, there is a good trans trouble shooting steps in the tech forum. and use the search engine, tons of good reading to learn everything you ever wanted to know about your rig.



B.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Could be trottle cable or band needs adjustments.

 

[PToombs]

Ok, thanks guys!

I drove it to work today, about 20 miles round trip, then took the kids to McD's tonite. I couldn't get them to take the old truck, they wanted to ride in the new one. :-laf

It short shifts almost all the time, and doesn't downshift when I step on it. It takes off in 2nd most of the time for sure.

I'm thinking the TV cable is in need of serious attention. It looks ok at the pump end. I'll search thru here and find out more about the pressure solenoid and the sensor and check codes.

I'm going to get an FSM, but I need to get some more money 1st.

 

[Mishkaya]

Ok, thanks guys!

I drove it to work today, about 20 miles round trip, then took the kids to McD's tonite. I couldn't get them to take the old truck, they wanted to ride in the new one. :-laf

It short shifts almost all the time, and doesn't downshift when I step on it. It takes off in 2nd most of the time for sure.

I'm thinking the TV cable is in need of serious attention. It looks ok at the pump end. I'll search thru here and find out more about the pressure solenoid and the sensor and check codes.

I'm going to get an FSM, but I need to get some more money 1st.

You do know that you can get the FSM on CD from Geno's for a mere $30?

1997 DODGE FACTORY SERVICE CD-Dodge Cummins Diesel Truck Accessories – Geno’s Garage

Good luck.

 

[Skydiver]

If the cable is the problem and you adjust it too tight, you will find out quickly.

 

[PToombs]

I found a FSM on e-bay for 3. 99 with an instant PDF download once you pay. Then they will send you the disc the next day.

I popped the cable off and checked the travel compared the the one I got with the truck, the lever feels ok and and it travels to the stop at WOT.



If the Gov Pressure parts are bad will that affect the shifting? IE, low pressure will cause it to shift like that?



And the 2nd question, is a V10 trans the same except for the converter? That's the trans I got extra with the truck.

 

[budnate]

you need to start with the basics first, plug in and see if there are any trouble trans codes, the tv cable is real easy to check to make sure its adjusted right, then you need to hop under it and adjust the bands, pretty easy but a little messy with the pan dropped. then see how it works.



dont want to sound like a know it all but I just went thrugh this very thing and everything was either out of adjustment or if it was voltage controlled it was wrong with my '98, I worked through everything and I am shifting and going down the road like it should, knock on wood. there is not just one fix there are a few things working together to make a 47re do its thing and all devices must be happy or you dont go.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...7re-automatic-some-common-troubles-fixes.html



tab this one also, Dodge Ram Tech



peace,B

 

[PToombs]

Bud, I printed off your troubleshooting post this morning about 9 am. :-laf The TPS seems to be ok, but is a little low. I need to bump the idle up, then check it again before I adjust it any.

I had a guy was supposed to come over this afternoon and pull the codes for me and clear them. I want to do that before I tear into it. Maybe I can just change the pressure soleniod or the sensor. If I'm lucky

 

[budnate]

stick with it, everything you need to know is here in the forums, It sometimes requires a little digging but its hear, or ask, just about everyone hear has had to deal with these same issues.



Peace, B.

 

[PToombs]

Well, I had a TPS code, most likely from playing with it yesterday, and the 1757, gov pressure 0 or something like that. He cleared the codes after reading. I pulled the pan, adjusted the bands, and changed out the governor sensor and the solenoid from the spare trans. Threw in a new filter and oil, backed out of the driveway, and it tried to take off in 2nd. Went around the block, and nothing changed. Limp mode.

Tomorrow I'll have him put the scanner back on and see what signals I'm getting from the sensor.

I think a FSM is in my immediate future, whether I can afford it or not.

Any other ideas?

 

[budnate]

stop work PULL ALL TROUBLE CODES and report back. you adjusted the bands in both places right?



and my trans has 2 solanoids and one press switch. yours should also, all of mine were toast... how I know this is on the first go I somehow only replaced both solanoids and spaced the press switch as its the one that gets dropped for a minute..... well I still had limp mode after going back together, I went back in for a second go and dropped in the new press solanoid and I started hitting all gears correctly again. make sure one of the codes is not "over voltage".



peace, B.

 

[PToombs]

I adjusted both bands, and replaced the block on the passenger side between the servo pistons. It has 1 solenoid and what looks like a pressure switch. I found pics here on site that said this was the governor solenoid and sensor in the block. I just went and looked in the spare trans and saw the other 2 solenoids, they mount horizontally on the same side to the valve body. I can't do anything with codes until tomorrow, I'll report back.

Thanks Bud!



PS, I ordered the FSM from Genos tonite.

 

[PToombs]

Ok, guy finally showed up again with the scanner. This time he left it with me so I can check stuff as I go.

After my jaunt around the block, which was less than a mile, the codes are;

P0713, temperature voltage high

and P1763, governor pressure too high.

It also said the last temp reading was 305*. I know that's not possible because I didn't drive it long enough to get warm, let alone that hot.

At this time, voltage was 4. 80.

 

[Mishkaya]

Ok, guy finally showed up again with the scanner. This time he left it with me so I can check stuff as I go.

After my jaunt around the block, which was less than a mile, the codes are;

P0713, temperature voltage high

and P1763, governor pressure too high.

It also said the last temp reading was 305*. I know that's not possible because I didn't drive it long enough to get warm, let alone that hot.

I would start looking for bad grounds first thing. They can wreak havoc on the sensors and what not. Good luck in your quest...

Did you clear the codes and see what came right back?

 

[PToombs]

Since my last post I fired it up and played with the scanner. Same codes came right back immediately. The gov pressure is 109 and the volts are 4. 98, the trans temp was 108 and the volts are 2. 66. This doesn't mean much to me, other than it wasn't hot.

Any ideas?



Oh, my darn FSM is on backorder for 7 to 10 days. If I'm lucky I'll have it at the end of next week. :{

 

[budnate]

OK, that's what I thought, you need to go to the pass side dig in the middle wiring harness and find that orange wire, you will find the voltage to high, poke it with the pin and take a reading,



hit radio shack and get some resistors, they also have alligator clips there to crimp on them for quick on off useing diff values, I bought a bag of them I was at like 5. 17vdc, with the 220 Ohm I finally stopped throwing codes and the out voltage from the resistor to the trans is 4. 60dc..... then you need to replace the solenoid, they dont like over voltage at all at least mine did not, its probably junk.



if you want a pic of the wiring I can get one tomorrow, its raining big time right now.



peace, B.

 

[PToombs]

OK, couple of things here, one of the wires in the middle plug had a T-tap on it. White with an orange tracer, IIRC. I can double check this. I removed the tap and coated the hole in the casing to seal it.



The orange wire goes to the governor solenoid?

I just keep changing resistors until it stops throwing codes?

I'm not big on resisters and such, are they directional, and how do I know what each one is?

And yes, pics would be appreciated, tomorrow is just fine, thanks.

I hope the solenoid isn't junk, cause I swapped it out, and they probably both are!

Sorry to be such a PITA, I'll owe you lotsa beer or other adult beverage for this!

 

[PToombs]

Ok, I went and checked, the tapped wire was the white with orange tracer. I wonder if somebody wired that for lockup?

I also saw 2 orange wires with black tracer in that bundle.