I have a stock 2004.5 and am having trouble with the automatic transmission. I bought the truck almost a year ago with 150k on the clock. Had all the fluids changed by shop (used the dodge approved synthetic transmission fluid) immediately after the purchase and I have noticed some weird things going on about 4000 miles later.



Here is what I have noticed:
1) I do not drive the truck all that much as I only use when I am need a truck, so it can sit for a week or longer at times.


2) When I go to shift from park to reverse sometimes the truck acts like it is in neutral (step on the gas and RPM go up but no movement). Shift back to park, and then back to reverse the truck works normally.


3) Recently after the truck has been sitting for a week or longer (temps in the low 20’s) it seems to have trouble shifting into the last gear. For example after driving for 2 miles and getting on the highway on ramp the truck works normal until about 65mph and then it seems like it wants to shift but doesn’t. The RPM’s are over 3000, and it wants to shift to next gear but doesn’t. Meanwhile I can’t get past 65mph. Pull over, shut off truck, restart, and continues to happen. Limp next 3 miles to destination, but when I go to return the truck works normal.


4) No error codes being thrown

Any ideas on what is going on here?

Thanks in advance

 

Governor pressure solenoid and transducer are the normal culprits in what you describe for symptoms. Before chasing ANYTHING else change those out and see what happens. Even then, the OE items are cheap and can be bad out of the box. Sometimes its change them twice to get a workiing set.

 

The converter is draining back. Did someone remove the anti-drain back valve? Stock trucks have an anti drain back valve in the trans cooler line coming form the radiator. It will refill quickly by putting it in neutral because the stock tranny doesn't pump fluid in park. Try moving it briefly to neutral then to drive or reverse and it should move right away. This isn't really a problem but early customers complained and I think Dodge incorporated the anti-drain back valve so cutomers wouldn't think the tranny was disintregrating.


Sorry I don't know about the O/D problem.

 

Even the anti drain back valve on these suck. They don't work well. I always run mine in neutral for a bit.

If you have the original solenoid and pressure sensor you should definitely change them!!!

The shift into overdrive being delayed may be because the trans is so cold. I thought there was a provision in the map for retaining drive longer to let the trans warm a bit.

 

Thanks for all the advice. Not sure about the drain back valve, but I will look when I get a chance. Also, I will be changing out the solenoid and sensor. Any ideas on where to get the borg version?

 

The drian back valve is only a problem after the truck has set for a while, like the first startup in the morning. Your descruption of the problem does not indicate a drain back issue if I read it correctly. Randomly going to drive or reverse and no movement then back into park and out then it moves is not a drain back issue unless it is only the first start of the day or after extended non-use.

The OE solenoid is Borg Warner, the upgraded solenoid that fits the stock gov housing is Borg Warner, as is the GM style that requires a new gov pressure manifold.

The OE pieces cna be had here http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/...-00053397a.htm

The upgraded solenoids can be had at Suncoast, DTT, PATC or other suppliers online.

 

I just posted mine in the classifieds if you want to look there. The upgraded REC solenoid kit costs $150 and the pressure sensor costs $75. I'll send you mine for $100 total including shipping.

 

He is shifting between park and reverse and forward, not the trans doing it.

 

Yes, and the way it reads is randomly there is a no go situation. Thats not adrain back issue, its something else.

 

We'll have to have him clarify because I read it as being a no go when it sits for a long time, and he has a no-overdrive lock-up when it is cold.

Merry Christmas no-6, and thanks for all your help!!

 

Is the REC solenoid kit and pressure sensor the same items as Governor pressure solenoid and transducer just different terminology?

Is the upgraded BW solenoid part number 50185 and does it require the REC kit?

 

My no go issue was when I would first start my truck it occasionally seems to not engage the reverse gear (does not seem to be temperature dependent). I would get in my truck, start the motor, depress the brake and shift from park to reverse, press the gas pedal and the RPM's go up but no movement (like its in neutral), put it back into park, back into reverse, and then it works correctly.

As for the no OD issue, that only manifested itself just recently as in teh last 7 days.

 

I will take them....

Sent you a PM

 

If you mean the first start of the day or after sitting for an exteended time, then likely the drain back valve and\or seal on the input shaft is not holding. Both contribute to keep the TC charged.

When that happens just go to neutral for 30 seconds and see if that helps.

 

Well, looks like it’s going to the shop anyways. I was looking at it yesterday and noticed a drop or two of oil on the driveway under the rear diff cover. I installed a Mag-Hytec rear diff cover before I moved (3000 miles ago), and I was wondering how the hell that is leaking. Get under the truck and look at it… no leaking from drain plug, nothing seeping out from the gasket, but there was fluid on the bottom of the cover. From there I looked towards the front of the truck and the entire bottom of the differential is covered in fluid. I had a shop change the rear seal before I left and I am guessing that they did it wrong. I figure while it is in there I will have them do a bunch of other things I was going to do the truck also at 150k: Water pump, Thermostat, valve lash check, valve crankcase filter, tensioner pulley, idler pulley, serpentine belt, install new solenoid and transducer, and tension the belts in the transmission.