I have an '05 3500 with an automatic. Just recently (40K miles) my tranny started acting up sporadically. Every now and then, when you go to put it in drive, it takes a couple seconds to engange, and/or when it does engage, it kind of sputters in, almost like a tranny that's very low on fluid. It got to the point once where it wouldnt engage at all for about 30 seconds, but usually, it just takes too long to engage, and then it kind of chatters it's way into drive.

Dealer had it, but could not replicate the problem. They did check the bands/clutches and everything looked good. I have a smarty, but never take it off of level I, and I never tow more than 8K.

Any ideas?

 

What trans do you have? If it is a 45RFE filter has be splitting causing some problems.It has been discovered that the 4799662AB cooler return filter allows the torque converter to drainback. When the vehicle is started, the air in the T/C is compressed and after passing though the cooler can be directed to the sump filter. The compressed air has the ability to split the filter. The cooler filter must be replaced as well as the sump filter. Do not reinstall a 4799662AB filter. Cooler Filters P.N. 4799662 and 4799662AC are acceptable. Ref. TSB 21-015-05.


1.) If the filter was P.N. 4799662AB, replace both filters.

 

Sounds like you have a problem with the direct clutch pack. Possibly a bad seal that is leaking by. Could also be a problem with the front servo. Does it always do it under th same conditions?

 

Doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason as to when it occurs.

 

Sounds just like mine after it sits for a few days and I have to put it in N for 30 seconds or so to get the TC filled back up before it will move. IIRC some drain back valves let the fluid drain out of the TC after sitting for a time and thus it takes time to fill back up after you start the truck. But what some don't know or forget is that the trans does not pump fluid in Park unless its been modified.

 

A little late on response but...

Try starting up in neutral and let it idle for 10 seonds

 

Make sure you don't have any thing that draws power tied into your tach or ecm. My business partner has an 06 and he had an alarm and remote start installed. The installer tapped into the tach wiring for power and 2 rebuilt trannys later we discovered why!!!!!