Brent Perry
Junior Member
Hello, apologize in advance for the long read, wanted to provide as much detail as possible, hoping to get some professional or experienced feedback.
I recently purchased a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 ST, 2 door, 4x4, 5.7 with 107000 miles (VIN 3C6JD7AT0CG163152). Vehicle has several issues that need to be addressed, one of them being an apparent automatic transmission problem. I am listing all vehicle issues, in effort to rule out or confirm any possible cross related transmission trouble. Here are my findings:
I recently purchased a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 ST, 2 door, 4x4, 5.7 with 107000 miles (VIN 3C6JD7AT0CG163152). Vehicle has several issues that need to be addressed, one of them being an apparent automatic transmission problem. I am listing all vehicle issues, in effort to rule out or confirm any possible cross related transmission trouble. Here are my findings:
- First up, not a single leak or visible history of leaks (all systems).
- When engine was started I noticed what seems to be a rod knock, knock sound is most prominent in the engine oil pan area (or even possibly between the engine and trans). Knocking sound remained at a steady tune from cold to normal operating temperature. Inspected engine oil level/color/smell, checked ok. Checked exhaust manifold and heat shield bolts, all are tight and present. I have not yet checked for spark plug tightness (heard that could cause a knocking sound as well, but the sound just doesn’t appear to be coming from the top). I am however confident this is not a valve train tick, I am familiar with that sound. Open to any feedback.
- With engine running the vehicle is placed into reverse, transmission responds normally. When vehicle is placed into neutral, transmission responds normally. When vehicle is placed into drive, a 3-5 second delay is noticed (delayed engagement).
- Upon inspection of trans fluid level at normal operating temperature (and transmission cycled through gears and placed into neutral), I found it to be overfilled by almost 2 quarts (no foaming was observed). I removed trans fluid until it met the correct level (between the upper two dots as noted on dipstick).
- Performed road test; at operating temperature the vehicle was placed into drive (delayed engagement observed). Vehicle driven with easy to moderate throttle applied, while transmission cycled through shift pattern smoothly, quietly, and appears to function normal (0-60mph, stop and go traffic). I then reduced speed to a steady 40mph and then applied heavy throttle to get the transmission to downshift, a hard transmission engagement was observed (enough to throw you into the seat), however transmission acted normally after engaged. I repeated this three times, transmission responded the same way each time, along with a “traction control” light flashing a few times at each test (traction control light turned off by itself in each event, directly after hard engagement).
- From a stop, applied heavy throttle and felt what seemed to be a slip for a few seconds, but then transmission responded normally after engagement.
- Transmission makes no unusual sounds (no whines, grinds, whistles), no vibrations or unusual feel observed (other than what’s already been stated at application of heavy throttle). Fluid looks fairly clean, with a very light burnt smell (I have experienced worse).