Transmission problem in 1995 Dodge 1 ton

Fudpucker · Aug 28, 2011

I was moving a small tractor yesterday (4600 ford) on a 24 foot trailer. My truck is a 1995 dodge 1 ton 4x4 (Cummins) with an automatic transmission with about 40,000 on the trans. When I was going to get the tractor with trailer empty the truck did fine. After I loaded and began driving I noticed that when I stopped the rpms would run up and the truck would take off but it would take awhile to get going (trans slip in first) After I got up to second gear and beyond it did fine. when I got to my driveway I had to almost stop to make the turn and go up a hill. the truck would not pull up the hill. the trans temp gauge went up pretty high at that time also. I then put the automatic shifter in 1st gear position and it pulled up the hill like normal. I unloaded and let the trans temp go down, took the trailer home and it did fine all the way. I have heard that these transmissions are weak, but why did it pull when I shifted it manually?

MN Scott · Aug 28, 2011

Not sure on the Mopar transmissions, but with older GM transmissions when you pull the shifter in low it doubles the line pressure in the trans. Sounds like you are looking at a rebuild in the near future.

rlp in Co. · Aug 28, 2011

I'm not familiar with the Dodge, but it sounds like the transmission is starting out in second gear when it is in drive. Maybe that is normal operation?

Brokenwrench · Aug 28, 2011

Hey Fud,

Sounds to me like you have trouble with your low roller clutch. More than likely the race in the back of the case is spinning loose under load. When you pull it into manual low, you also bring on the reverse band, which holds the drum that the roller clutch is supposed to be holding.

It is common in most automatics to engage extra "unused" clutches or bands in manual low. The engineers figured if your pulling it into man low, your doing it for a reason.

Bad news is that alot of the time with this problem, the case is also shot. Good luck BW

John Harmon · Aug 28, 2011

Time for a rebuild or a replacement is what I would say. I always replaced them with a rebuild from NAPA. My old motor home had a Dodge V8 and a 727 Chrysler truck size transmission.I changed it out twice by myself. Takes about 7 hours laying on the floor and a creeper.That is if you have the use of a tranny jack on wheels.I made mine using a scissors jack.a diamond shape platform to attach the scissor jack to,and a non direstional ,locking ,bench wheel at each cornor.Welded a 1/2" drive socket to the screw on the scissors jack and that way I could use my 1/2" or 3/8" with adapter Impact Wrench to raise the jack or to lower it.It is sitting out in the shop but don't think I will need it any more.No more Chrysler transmissions around this place.

MSM · Aug 28, 2011

Fluid change,filter and BAND ADJUSTMENT every 12,000 miles when used for towing, otherwise every 25,000 miles

Fudpucker · Aug 28, 2011

Thanks for the quick comments. I was afraid of that. Anyone know the ballpark price of a rebuilt trans for one of these trucks?

TGP · Aug 28, 2011

(quoted from post at 16:23:36 08/28/11) Thanks for the quick comments. I was afraid of that. Anyone know the ballpark price of a rebuilt trans for one of these trucks?

I would first do what was posted erlier.
Fluid/filter change, band adj.
Very important on a MoPar Trans.
Tom

cole in mo. · Aug 28, 2011

don't know how far dodge goes back, but a friend of mine has an 01 dully, diesel auto trans, and it done the same thing, trans shop said it was two seleninods in the trans, replace them along with new fluid, I think he said $125.

Anonymous-0 · Aug 29, 2011

Yup, spent 4500 on mine a year ago. Total rebuild and a new torque converter. Come to find out, it was not the transmission...the computer died. That was another $145.00.
Had no trouble since.

cumminspuller · Aug 29, 2011

I'd try the solenoids like already mentioned. If that doesn't fix it then start looking at trannys. If you pull with it a lot then go ahead and spend the money and get a good one. Goerand Brothers in Iowa build a dang good one that will hold up better than anything and regular transmission shop is going to build. All these guys build just about are dodge auto. trans. I have several friends with these and they are well worth the money if you have a dodge auto. truck.

Transmission problem in 1995 Dodge 1 ton

Fudpucker

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MN Scott

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rlp in Co.

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Brokenwrench

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John Harmon

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MSM

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Fudpucker

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TGP

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cole in mo.

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Anonymous-0

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cumminspuller

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