Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) transmission on the way out?

[cumminsnbabes]

Since the weather turned cold, the transmission won't go into drive or reverse unless it warms up for 5-10 minutes. After that it takes ten minutes of driving before it performs correctly. Pulled the dipstick today and the fluid smells burnt. Last change was 30,000 miles ago. Am I in the first stages of major transmission trouble or am I missing something more minor that could be wrong. Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.



Miles

 

[Reb.B]

I would change the fluid and filter, adjust low/rev band (most important for your situation) and adjust 2nd gear band and see if that helps. Need to start with the cheaper simpler things first. Also try warming the truck up in Nuetral in the morning and make sure fluid is all the way up to the top.

 

[JFaughn]

I do not know if yours is set up the same or not but mine has a temp sensor that does not alow 4th & OD until trans fluid warms up , something els to check.

 

[Howard Durand]

It does sound like trouble is brewing in there. When were the BD components installed?

Their early TCs, although glowingly promoted by an article in a prominent magazine, turned out to be something less than satisfactory compared to what is available now.

With over 200K on your transmission, it would appear that a general rebuild would most likely put it back in working order. The TC and VB may be OK but the burnt smell doesn't sound too good. I know there are others on this forum that know these transmissions and can give you a better assessment of your problem than I can.

 

[cumminsnbabes]

The TC and VB were installed in late '02. Thanks for the suggestions/ideas. I had also heard that the transmission had some kind of thermal protection that didn't allow it to shift into gear until it reached a certain ambient temperature. The burnt smell is what really worries me. Any more thoughts on my transmission issue are welcome.

 

[dodgeguy44]

If your BD vb is like the one in my 94 there are things BD does that should never be done to a vb and when they fail they are non repairable because of the changes they make.



Sorry for the bad news but it cost me a ton of money to find this out.

 

[Howard Durand]

In all fairness, I would think that by 02 the BD products would be better engineered. Have you talked to them? If they don't want to work with you, call one of the other vendors. Bill Kondolay at DTT will talk to you whether you buy from him or not.

 

[cumminsnbabes]

Dropped the pan last night. There were no shavings in the pan. The oil smelled like I'd been burning the clutches. Right now I'm gonna flush the system, replace the oil and adjust the bands.