Transmission overheated - possibly still running above normal?

PoMansRam · May 23, 2018

If the shutters were the culprit, I would think that should have thrown a code for the active shutter system by now.

cwickgo9 · May 23, 2018

grizzstang said:
If it is an 8 speed those temps are really high. I towed my 5500 pound travel trailer on the weekend and the trans stayed in the 180's the whole time. Outside temp was around 80F. Something is definitely not right. I would also suspect the active grill shutters or the thermal bypass valve in the trans. You can check to see if your shutters open at all by shinning a flashlight into the grill. I have noticed mine open up when the truck is not running. You should be able to find the trans cooler and see if it is hot after a drive too.

So except for the radiator, as far as I know, my truck does not have a separate transmission cooler. It does not have the towing package on it, although it has the "tow" setting on the dash and the 2" receiver hitch.

cwickgo9 · May 23, 2018

Here are the readings from just driving home a little "spirited"

grizzstang · May 23, 2018

If you have the 8 speed the trans cooler and the AC condenser is a combined unit and can be found in front of the radiator. If you lift the hood you will see the plastic rad cover with 6 push pins. Remove the push pins and take the cover off, your trans cooler/AC condenser is right there. Follow the lines out of the trans. They should be hot all the way to the cooler or you either have a bad thermal bypass or a plugged line that is not allowing your fluid to reach the cooler to be cooled.

Looks like this.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Auto-Trans-Oil-Cooler-MOPAR-52014632AA-fits-13-14-Ram-1500-/361974707439

crash68 · May 23, 2018

cwickgo9 said:
The shutters also stay closed at. Initial start up to help engine get up to operated temp in other words, increase heat.

If you read the OP's post above^^^^, he states it is the transmission heating up, if the active shutters weren't opening fast enough, the coolant (and possibly oil) temp would be high.

cwickgo9 said:
So except for the radiator, as far as I know, my truck does not have a separate transmission cooler.

Look at top of the AC condenser coil, the top couple of passes maybe the trans cooler also.

cwickgo9 · May 23, 2018

ramcares said:
You're most welcome. Just send us a direct message with your VIN to get started.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist

Jasmine - there is not a "direct message" option. There is a "start a conversation" option, which I did, but no way to PM you.

huntergreen · May 23, 2018

Could also be the temp sensor giving a false reading.

cwickgo9 · May 24, 2018

huntergreen said:
Could also be the temp sensor giving a false reading.

Doubtful. Just before the light came on, the transmission was whining while it was hot. After it got down below 240 or so, the whine went away.

cwickgo9 · May 29, 2018

Recent update. Dropped off truck to dealer - as usual - tech cant make it heat up like I can with no problem. They said there was a "flash" they updated the onboard computer to "help the engine talk to the transmission" - we'll see what happens.

BTW - after the initial contact from "Jasmine" from "RAMCARES", I've not heard another contact regarding starting any type of case for tracking.

cwickgo9 · Jun 11, 2018

So I was driving unloaded (nothing in bed, no trailer) around a neighborhood slowly Saturday and again, the transmission temp got up to 248. This just doesnt seem normal when the warning light is only 25 degrees away. If I had kept driving slowly around instead of finishing my task and getting back up to road speed, I'm wondering if it would have overheated again.
Calling dealer again today.

cwickgo9 · Jun 21, 2018

I took it back to the dealer and they are replacing the valve that heats/cools the fluid. Not sure if it actually heats and cools or if it really just opens and closes the allow fluid to flow to the cooler.

HammerHead · Jun 21, 2018

cwickgo9 said:
I took it back to the dealer and they are replacing the valve that heats/cools the fluid. Not sure if it actually heats and cools or if it really just opens and closes the allow fluid to flow to the cooler.

When is your warranty over? If it's at 60k stay on the dealership and make them fix everything with your transmission.

cwickgo9 · Jun 22, 2018

Im staying on them. I have an extended warranty

markusaf81 · Jun 22, 2018

cwickgo9 said:
Im staying on them. I have an extended warranty

You were correct earlier...select RAMCARE and "start a conversation"

It took a few days at least for them to get back when I messaged them.

cwickgo9 · Jun 29, 2018

Update: They swapped out the valve in the transmission. It took nearly 2 weeks for them to diagnose, get information from Dodge Corp., get the part and get it installed.
I have not driven it much since getting it back, but just driving to and from work and a couple short trips, in 100+ degrees, its still has not hit 200, so I'm hoping this has resolved it.

TXCOMT · Jun 29, 2018

cwickgo9 said:
Update: They swapped out the valve in the transmission. It took nearly 2 weeks for them to diagnose, get information from Dodge Corp., get the part and get it installed.
I have not driven it much since getting it back, but just driving to and from work and a couple short trips, in 100+ degrees, its still has not hit 200, so I'm hoping this has resolved it.

Mind sharing the dealer's name? There are lots of Rams in here in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and I'm sure many of us want to know the stores to visit and those to avoid. Glad your situation turned out OK...if this weather and our traffic doesn't test your truck's fix, I don't know what will!

TXCOMT

cwickgo9 · Jun 29, 2018

TXCOMT said:
Mind sharing the dealer's name? There are lots of Rams in here in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and I'm sure many of us want to know the stores to visit and those to avoid. Glad your situation turned out OK...if this weather and our traffic doesn't test your truck's fix, I don't know what will!

TXCOMT

Sure, the dealership is Waxahachie Dodge, at I35 and 287 in Waxahachie, Texas.

TXCOMT · Jun 29, 2018

Hah...'Hachie, huh? My high school's dreaded foe! Thanks for name; it's a little far for me to drive from north Fort Worth, but I figure there are others here who could use the info.

TXCOMT

crash68 · Jun 29, 2018

cwickgo9 said:
They swapped out the valve in the transmission. It took nearly 2 weeks for them to diagnose, get information from Dodge Corp., get the part and get it installed.

Is it some sort of thermal control valve? Did the specify a part name or number?

cwickgo9 · Jul 9, 2018

crash68 said:
Is it some sort of thermal control valve? Did the specify a part name or number?

I'll pull the invoice and post.

As a follow up. I've driven it with and without a small trailer, over an hour several times since getting it back. So far, trans temps have not even hit the 200F mark. There was definitely something wrong with the valve or whatever they replaced.

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