Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Transmission problems! Please help!

[Cumminsman12]

I have a 97 with an ATS transmission in it. This morning on my way to work the truck shifted out of over drive and would not shift back in to it. This happened after I hit a series of pot holes. When I went to turn into the driveway for work the truck would not move at all. So I shifted to reverse and sure enough reverse works. When I try individual gears it will not move. I try to shift it with the linkage on the transmission and if moves foward like it wants to move but then stops. I called the ATS rep today on it and he said that it sounds like a wiring issue. Could this be? Also the fluid level is full and it is a nice color red, not burnt. And doesn't smell burnt. When my last transmission went out it went into limp mode. I had 1st gear and 2nd gear. This one doesn't do that. Why could the problem be? I only have 25000 miles on the transmission. It should have not of died at this milage. Any help as soon as possible would be great. I need this truck for work because the snow is super deep and we keep getting hammered here!

 

[KBurgoyne]

the plug to the trans might have popped loose. the 97s are electronic controll so check the electrical plugs on the trans, and trace them back to the control panel.

 

[LNaugle]

I would think that you should still have manual first atleast... Maybe the valvebody is loose?

 

[cerberusiam]

Well, based on the symptoms and power flow;

Reverse works, direct clutches and rear band applied

No forward gears and a slight pull indicates it is probable the forward clutch or over running clutch is toast.

NO DRIVE RANGE
(REVERSE OK)
1. Fluid Level Low. - Add fluid and check for leaks if drive is
restored.

2. Gearshift Linkage/Cable Loose/
Misadjusted. - Repair or replace linkage components.

3. Rear Clutch Burnt. - Remove and disassemble transmission and
rear clutch and seals. Repair/replace worn or
damaged parts as needed.

4. Valve Body Malfunction. - Remove and disassemble valve body.
Replace assembly if any valves or bores are damaged.

5. Transmission Overrunning Clutch Broken - Remove and disassemble transmission. Replace overrunning clutch.

6. Input Shaft Seal Rings Worn/Damaged. - Remove and disassemble transmission. Replace seal rings and any other worn or damaged parts.

7. Front Planetary Failed Broken. - Remove and repair.

 

[Cumminsman12]

Sounds good guys. I talked to ATS today and they told me that either a band has broke or the "servo" for the pump has failed. I am going to run a pressure test tomorrow. It seems like maybe I have lost the pressure in the transmission. Does anybody know what the pressure rating should be? Seems this is probably a small simple stupid problem. The harness is plugged in on the transmission. I finally got the truck to stark in park. Maybe the linkage is to wore I am not the best with transmissions. Way better with the engines.

 

[Cumminsman12]

Well took the truck to the transmission shop and the foward drive clutches are burnt. Great just what I wanted! Oh and I missed my warranty on the transmission by 4 months. This down right sucks!

 

[LNaugle]

WHAT? What's their warranty and why are the clutches already burned up? Improper install or you got it hot.

 

[Cumminsman12]

I might have got it hot. Not sure but they won't stand behind it. My warranty was 5 years 150000 miles. Yep and there was only 25000 miles on the transmission. I am not happy about it. My transmission guy is pulling the transmission out Monday and going to pull it apart. Hopefully I will have it back wensday. I still need more firewood and we keep getting snow here don't know when it will ever stop!

 

[Cumminsman12]

Well lets just say ATS trannys are not all they are cracked up to be! My was shot! All the parts in th transmission looked like half ton parts not to mention a 4 roller planetary gear! It's all back to tether running and a shift kit was installed on the new transmission! The ATS transmission had no shift kit! And no billet anything! What a waist of 7500 dollars! They won't even back it up! I will not recommend them any more! If you need transmission work done I have a guy up here that know as what the heck he is doing and will fix your transmission right! And won't break the bank!

 

[LNaugle]

Sounds like typical ATS trans... Too bad you had to experience that. You, however, were not the first.

 

[Cumminsman12]

I guess not! The guy where I am from did a phominal job very happy with my transmission! But I didn't expect bad work from a fellow cummins enthusiast! He owns a 2006 dully 4x4 and built my trans just like his!

 

[LNaugle]

Glad to hear you are happy now!