transmission

[Bob Hart]

I have a98 12 v ram I have 133. 000 miles on it I had the motor blow last month without any warning and had to replace it. Now I think the transmission is starting to go. I pull a 29ft 5th wh and have had no trouble. In the last week when not towing I stop at a lite and when I get ready to go their is a pause and then id seems to grab and then move out. I have been thinking to replace it with that ATS Dodge Automatic transmission upgrade any input would be helpful thanks.

 

[DBCooper]

Bob, I can't help you with an answer to your trans. problem. I would call any of the big transmission people and see if they can help you. I do know that the problem you describe has been talked about.

Just out of curiosity, what went on the motor?

 

[98rammer]

Bob, you're the first i've ever heard to have the same problem as me. sometimes at a stoplight, or even when i first put it into gear, it just acts sort of dead (rpms still down like it's in gear, not neutral, but the internals slip). then the transmission catches and moves like nothing ever happened.



that it? i've had my truck since 36k miles with 74k on it right now. that problem has happened about 50 times since i've owned it and the transmission has never let go (even with upped power).



Tom

 

[Snow man]

Bobhart, check your trans fluid level. Make sure the trans is in N when you check it,or it will read higher than it really is. Its sounds like its low on fluid.

 

[rrausch]

Ditto that. Make sure you shift from Park down through the gears to 1, and back to N and then keep it in N and THEN check the fluid.



ATS is a great way to go, that's for sure. I got the TripleLok Stage IV trans a year ago and it just makes my truck a different truck! No more slush-box off the line! Now it scoots off the line, while Lock-up it firm, quick, and very strong.

 

[Bob Hart]

Blown Motor

Had the truck towed to a Dodge dealer and they said the back cylinder had gone dry. Could not tell me why Wanted to know if I had anyone but a dodge dealer change my oil. Said something about not using a dodge filter . Said that a memo came out if a filter other than a dodge filter was used it could cause the back cylinder to go dry. Had the oil change a week before as I was on thr rd I did not use a dealer. Asked yo get a copy of the memo but they never gave me one

 

[rrausch]

There are some oil filters out there which will fall apart and clog some critical oil passages in the engine. Fram is one of them and you should NEVER use a Fram oil filter on the Cummins. There is a list of approved filters on this site. Do a search.



I just buy mine from Geno's. Price is great and the filters are Fleetguard, so you know they are good.

 

[98rammer]

Fram oil filter? the media tends to break up and clog the piston cooling nozzles.



my transmission level is up to par... always has been, but i still have that intermitent problem. is it an internal leak possibly?



Tom

 

[illflem]

Bulletin from Fram

August 2002 TECHNICAL INFORMATION



It has been brought to our attention that a few DaimlerChrysler service technicians are recommending that the FRAM PH3976 filter not be used on Daimler Chrysler vehicles with the Cummins 5. 9L Turbo Diesel engine and that use of these filters can cause damage to the engine. Daimler Chrysler has informed us that they released a Technical Service Bulletin to their dealerships communicating a potential contamination issue and recommending the use of Fleetguard manufactured filters.



FRAM has been selling PH3976 filter for this engine application since the engine platform launch and it has maintained an extremely reliable service record. Late in 2000, Cummins and Daimler Chrysler brought to our attention a low incidence failure mode in their Cummins 5. 9L Turbo Diesel engine of the piston cooling nozzle plugging, resulting in engine failure. The plugging was caused by contaminates lodging in the nozzle. The contaminants included metal chips, calcium carbonate, polyethylene, and styrene butadiene that are not associated with filter manufacture, and a neoprene compound, which is used as a sealant on the tapping plate of the filter. There were also several other engine warranty issues determined unrelated to the piston cooling nozzle plugging that were part of the engine failure sample. A small amount of neoprene rubber was used in the FRAM filter as a sealant.



Throughout our investigation with Cummins & DaimlerChrysler on various engine failures, no conclusive evidence was found to assign cause to filters or other contamination sources. However, driven to satisfy our customers, the FRAM engineering team made modifications to the design eliminating the neoprene and expedited development and manufacturing to release a revised filter model number to PH3976A. With the design change on the PH3976A completely removing the use of neoprene, there is absolutely no validity in comments that the Fram filter should not be used for this application or that it may cause engine failures associated with plugged nozzles.



The Honeywell Consumer Products Group warranty policy also protects the consumer if it is determined that a FRAM filter is responsible for damage to an engine due to defects in design or workmanship. This information should be openly conveyed to our customers if they have any concerns or apprehension about using a FRAM filter for this application.

 

[pwr2tow]

Make sure you drive the truck at least 8 miles before you check the transmission fluid level, so it is at operating temperatures.



Some even recommend checking the fluid level while the truck is in gear, just set the emergency brake and chock the wheels, the main thing is to make sure the transmission is at operating temperature. Fluid level too high can also create problems as air will be whipped into the fluid creating air bubbles and diminishing transmission performance.



Ron

 

[Pit Bull]

Re: Bulletin from Fram

Originally posted by illflem





The Honeywell Consumer Products Group warranty policy also protects the consumer if it is determined that a FRAM filter is responsible for damage to an engine due to defects in design or workmanship. This information should be openly conveyed to our customers if they have any concerns or apprehension about using a FRAM filter for this application.

:-laf :-laf I bet it would cost you personally what you paid for your truck to take this to court. Then you might not win after their big time Lawyers and expert witnesses got done. I'm going to continue to let the dealer change my oil and filter using the Mopar filter, costs $30 and no stress. JMHO

 

[pwr2tow]

Pit bull,

You might be right about the lawyer thingy.



I have heard what some of the dealers or should we say mechanic has used as engine oil in a diesel engine. Never suprises me what happens a dealership, notice how I was nice and didn't use STEALERSHIP according to the guidlines.



Ron

 

[illflem]

Pitbull, you're right, folks probably are better off using the dealer for oil changes under warranty unless they are their own warranty station.

At least Fram does have a warranty even if you can't collect, don't think Fleetguard does. Don't forget all the months of trouble whitenight's parents had with a failed Fleetguard.

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by illflem

Pitbull, you're right, folks probably are better off using the dealer for oil changes under warranty unless they are their own warranty station.

At least Fram does have a warranty even if you can't collect, don't think Fleetguard does. Don't forget all the months of trouble whitenight's parents had with a failed Fleetguard.

That's me belt and suspenders guy