transmission Shifting Oddly

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In the last week or so, the transmission in my '96 has started shifting a little oddly. The transmission is stock except for the BD extra-tight TC and BD valvebody. The truck has 48k miles on it.

The problem is most noticeable when the truck is cold... it will hold first gear unreasonably long before shifting... but that goes away once warm. Plus, once warm, it will also pause several seconds before the TC locks up.

This morning it did something else to make me wonder. Pulling out of the hotel parking lot, I lift off the throttle because of the dip I go down to exit the lot, then on it again as I turn left onto the road. Today, the transmission didn't re-engage first gear for several seconds, so when I applied power, the motor just revved for a moment. When I let off the throttle again, it finally engaged first gear.

The fluid and filter were changed 2000 miles ago, just before I left California for my trip to Colorado (which I'm still on). I've been driving around with my Lance camper on the truck for the past few weeks, so the truck weighs around 11K lbs.

Any ideas? Are these signs of impending transmission doom?

Rob


This morning

 

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when you said it neutralized pulling out of the lot and it sounds like it started after the fluid and filter were changed it makes me wonder about the fluid level, if it is low you could suck air inot the pump and the line pressure would fall away causing a short neutral condition. you would also tend to notice this cold as the fluid expands slightly when it is warmed. If the fluid is full, i hate to sound like a broken record but have someone check govenor pressure and line pressure if the gov is ok. if you can consistently make it neutralize going around corners and pulling through dips where you let off the throttle, make it happen with a gauge on it. if it works good hot and if it goes right into gear after the engine has been shut down for 10-15 minutes it is not likely you have any pump problem as a worn pump would loose its prime when the engine is not running especially hot. so if the truck works better hot and if the line pressure drops when it neutralizes make sure its full of fluid. if you need more help call at 319/778/2719 and if i am not here ask carol to give you a location for an atra transmission shop
dave

 

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Here's what we found:

Much to my surprise, it was about 3 quarts low. There are no visible leaks, and I had put about 6 quarts in it when I changed the fluid 2000 miles ago. Very weird.

At any rate, we drove it and it appears to be fine now. I'm supposed to check back this afternoon with the transmission shop (the place is like 50' from my office) to get a firm price on a better aftermarket trans cooler, as I may do that. My temps are in the 160-170 range most of the time, with a few 200+ occurrences during stop and go traffic. Might be worth the money.

Thanks!

Rob

 

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Check with Permacool for there transmission cooler especially for dodge. I bought the one from BD, but have never installed it becasue too many people have told me that they thought that the lines are too restrictive at 3/8 and should be the stock size of 5/8. Can anyone contradict me? I still have this thing at the shop and don't know what to do with it.

 

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I don't know where you drive but I drive in South Florida and pull a 11,000lb 5th wheel. My transmission never gets over 150 without load and 175 with load-most of the time at 125 after cruising for awhile. Temp sending unit located in bottom of B&M alum. pan (holds 3 more qts)and all amsoil synthetic fluid.

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1996-3500 tst stage 3 plate, K&N air filter,4" exhaust,bigger injectors,b&m trans pan,Amsoil all around,temp gauges out the wazzo,much trans work,double tow 33' 5th wheel and 12' trailer w/motorcycle(Honda Valkyarie Interstate)Also have 1999-2500-stock.