Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Trans won't shift into second by itself.

[Dodoro]

Two days ago I pulled out of my driveway and my truck didn't shift into 2nd.

I double checked and the selector was in drive. The motor tached out at 3200 but it would not shift unless I let up on the throttle. I will go into second but you can't speed up without it down shifting. .

I have noticed once I get up to about 30 mph it seems to stay in second. And pulls fine.



All other auto trans functions appear to be working. Shifting up and down are normal.



I had trouble a couple years ago with the shift transducer / shift solenoid.

I replaced them and she's been fine ever since.

I replaced both batteries yesterday after she would not crank or start. So they should be good.

Using some advice found here, I have replaced the TSS Transmission Speed Sensor. (Today) But she is still acting up. There was some very fine metallic dust around the tip, and a little bit of fine shavings on the end of the tip.



I will admit I have never adjusted the bands.



I have 241400 miles, Stock motor. Never off roaded, or abused. Other than driving her like she was made for.



I'm asking for tips and advice before I drop her off at a trans shop. I never trusted the dealer, and I've never used a trans shop.



Thanks guys. I'll be on here all night if that's what it takes.

Dave

 

[JLandry]

Dave,



What happens with the gear selector in the other positions (1st, 2nd, or Reverse)? Does it behave the same way with the gear selector in 2nd?



When the gear selector in D, will transmission eventually shift into 3rd gear or no?



Have you / are you willing to work on the transmission yourself? If so, then at a minimum you'll want to adjust the bands plus change the fluid and filter per the Dodge service manual. An out of adjustment front band could contribute to the symptoms you describe, but usually not suddenly as you suggest has happened.



It could be a malfunction with the governor pressure sensor and/or the governor pressure solenoid. These are items you can easily replace yourself while changing the fluid and adjusting the bands. If you want more details, I can provide them. But if you just want to take it to a transmission shop and have them do all the work, I'll save all the typing.



Regards,



John L.

 

[Dodoro]

Thanks JLandry, I'm willing and capable of doing most of it myself. Short of rebuilding it though.

Reverse is fine, haven't noticed any changes. Manually shifting 1st to 2nd doesn't change the shift. And yes if selector is in 2nd same same. OD on or off, same.

Everything seems normal 3rd, 4th, OD; down shifts, just 1st to 2nd upshift.



First thing in the morning I'll drop the transmission pan adjust the bands, new filter, new fluid

I do not have access to scan equiptment, but I am willing to replace pressure sensor, solenoid, as I'll have it all opened up.

What do you think?

 

[MAngelotti]

How about output shaft speed sensor? Also known to cause this problem.

 

[JLandry]

How about output shaft speed sensor? Also known to cause this problem.

That was the first thing I thought of, but he said he already replaced it with no improvement.



John L.

 

[JLandry]

... I am willing to replace pressure sensor, solenoid, as I'll have it all opened up.
What do you think?

Dave,

Without performing a bunch of tests to try and pinpoint the cause of shift problems, usually the parts which are most often known to fail are thrown at the problem. Off the top of my head, the most common items to fail are:

The transmission output shaft speed sensor, which you said you already replaced.

The governor pressure sensor and the governor pressure solenoid.

Bands out of adjustment.

Front band strut broken.

In your case, the last item (broken front band strut) can be ruled out because if it were broken, you wouldn't get 2nd gear at all. The front band is applied only for automatic or manual second gear.

So yes... in the absence of doing anything else, I'd start with changing the fluid / filter, doing a band adjustment, replacing the governor pressure sensor and the governor pressure solenoid.

Do you have a Dodge service manual to guide you or would you like me to email you copies of the relevant pages? The files are too big to post. Send me a PM with your email address and I'll send them right out.

I don't know how much difficulty you'll have finding a pressure sensor and solenoid locally. While they're pretty common, I'm not sure if they're stocked at most auto parts stores. I usually order mine from Transmission Parts USA for convenience:

Governor Pressure Solenoid

Governor Pressure Sensor

Output Shaft Speed Sensor

If replacing those items don't help, then worst case you could be dealing with a sticking 1st to 2nd shift valve, but that's uncommon.

Please keep us posted on your progress.

John L.

(EDIT) PS: It just occurred to me that you could also have a wiring harness problem (open or short) for the transmission output speed sensor. It's happened before.

 

[Dodoro]

Thanks for the help JLandry. I have pulled the pan off.



Almost no junk in the pan,just the normal dust, fluid is a little dark.



Found the front band anchor in the pan. There is no signs of damage to it.



I guess I am hoping I can put it back into place and just adjust the band. . ??? Do you know if I can drop the VB and put the anchor back into place????



I have a Haynes and the 2001 factory service manual.

Dave

 

[JLandry]

Found the front band anchor in the pan. There is no signs of damage to it.

Well that explains the problem nicely doesn't it?

The front band likely got so worn and loose that the strut just fell out.

I guess I am hoping I can put it back into place and just adjust the band. . ??? Do you know if I can drop the VB and put the anchor back into place????

If the anchor that engages the strut on the end of the band is undamaged, then absolutely you can put it back in place. To be honest I've never had to do this myself, so I don't know whether you need to remove the valve body or not. I vaguely recall by reading about others having to do this that maybe you don't. I'll check the Dodge service manual and get back to you.

Even if you do have to pull the valve body... it's no problem. Just follow the Dodge service manual. Think of all the money you're savings and the experience you're getting.

I have a Haynes and the 2001 factory service manual.

Excellent!

When you do adjust the bands, be sure you don't confuse the torque settings for the adjustment screws. The specs are INCH pounds not FOOT pounds.

John L.

 

[Dodoro]

Thank you very much John. I am rereading the factory manual before I begin.

It does like like I will ahve to drop the VB.

 

[JLandry]

Dave,

I did a little web search and it sounds like removing the valve body is probably the best way to install the front band strut.

From the 2001 Dodge service manual (page 21-798 in my copy):

Valve Body Removal

(1) Shift transmission into NEUTRAL.
(2) Raise vehicle.
(3) Remove gearshift and throttle levers from shaft of valve body manual lever.
(4) Disconnect wires at solenoid case connector (Fig. 263).
(5) Position drain pan under transmission oil pan.
(6) Remove transmission oil pan and gasket.
(7) Remove fluid filter from valve body.
(8) Remove bolts attaching valve body to transmission case.
(9) Lower valve body enough to remove accumulator piston and springs.
(10) Work manual lever shaft and electrical con- nector out of transmission case.
(11) Lower valve body, rotate valve body away from case, pull park rod out of sprag, and remove valve body.

I found this .pdf file with pictures on removing and installing a valve body. They even show you pictures of the front band strut installed (so you know you have it right):

Installing a new BD valve body.

John L.