2015 Transmission issues

[68Malibu383]

My 2015 V-6 2wd has 91,000 miles on it and the transmission has two issues:

1. when trans is cold, under light acceleration the first time it shifts from 1st to 2nd, engine RPM suddenly jumps up by about 300 RPM, then goes into 2nd gear. Like trans is slipping/flaring. It only does this the first time it shifts and does this about 20% of the time and used to occasionally do this between 2nd and 3rd. It has done this since day one and I took it to dealer twice and they could not duplicate, as usual.

2. when towing, and I think in 5th gear, trans, or something, whines loudly. Engine RPM around 3K. I've only towed lighter loads (3 - 4,000 lbs) with trans in tow mode. I've also noticed this if I hit the brakes hard, and nearly stop, then accelerate moderately (stop and go traffic) and if I take a sweeping turn at higher speeds (running a yellow light), then accelerate moderately. I usually drive like a grandmother, so I don't see these often. I've not taken to dealer for this yet.

To me, both issues could be caused by low fluid but, sadly, there is not a convenient way for owner's to check fluid levels.

Anyone have a similar experience and a resolution? I'm trying to get as much info as possible because my experience in taking this truck to dealer is they can't duplicate much of anything and just blow it off.

The only other thing to throw into the mix is that I removed the factory 17" wheels and installed factory 20" wheels and factory size tires and I used the Rough Country speedo calibrator. The trans problems started prior to changing wheels but I wonder if dealer will try to blame speedo calibrator and void warranty.

Any help is appreciated!

 

[ThunderMug95]

Honestly, they might not even catch the wheel swap. You went OEM to OEM with the wheels. Just don’t offer up that info. It may be a simple computer flash and all is solved.

 

[Elevated 2013]

I'm not sure how the turning plays into this issue. Have your tried jacking up the rear axle and putting it on jack stands and see if you hear any noises with it in gear?? Obviously, chock the front tires or have someone else help you with this!! When I worked as a mechanic, we used to get a lot of rear differentials that were noisy on the trucks and it was usually at higher gears. The flaring/slipping type symptom could be low fluid or an adjustment that might be needed. I have not worked on a transmission in many years and i'm not real familiar with the Dodge transmissions (just being honest) but I would take the truck to a transmission shop and have them take it for a ride and maybe even change the fluid and filter and check it out?? It never hurts to have them changed unless you've never done it. In my experience, a lot of the dealerships ship their transmission work out to transmission shops anyways as they don't have people with the real knowledge/experience to take them apart and diagnose them correctly. I should know, as I used to work for dealerships as a mechanic and Service Advisor and that happens more than they will ever say. Good luck and I hope other people chime in as well!

 

[Dinky]

i have the same issue on my 2014 8 speed. i am going to the dealer this friday for exhaust manifold work to be done. i am going to have them look why my truck is doing it while it is there. ill keep you posted and let you know what they find.

 

[68Malibu383]

i have the same issue on my 2014 8 speed. i am going to the dealer this friday for exhaust manifold work to be done. i am going to have them look why my truck is doing it while it is there. ill keep you posted and let you know what they find.

Thanks for replies, all. Dinky, please do post an update.

 

[RedSRT4Me]

My 2015 V-6 2wd has 91,000 miles on it and the transmission has two issues:

1. when trans is cold, under light acceleration the first time it shifts from 1st to 2nd, engine RPM suddenly jumps up by about 300 RPM, then goes into 2nd gear. Like trans is slipping/flaring. It only does this the first time it shifts and does this about 20% of the time and used to occasionally do this between 2nd and 3rd. It has done this since day one and I took it to dealer twice and they could not duplicate, as usual.

2. when towing, and I think in 5th gear, trans, or something, whines loudly. Engine RPM around 3K. I've only towed lighter loads (3 - 4,000 lbs) with trans in tow mode. I've also noticed this if I hit the brakes hard, and nearly stop, then accelerate moderately (stop and go traffic) and if I take a sweeping turn at higher speeds (running a yellow light), then accelerate moderately. I usually drive like a grandmother, so I don't see these often. I've not taken to dealer for this yet.

To me, both issues could be caused by low fluid but, sadly, there is not a convenient way for owner's to check fluid levels.

Anyone have a similar experience and a resolution? I'm trying to get as much info as possible because my experience in taking this truck to dealer is they can't duplicate much of anything and just blow it off.

The only other thing to throw into the mix is that I removed the factory 17" wheels and installed factory 20" wheels and factory size tires and I used the Rough Country speedo calibrator. The trans problems started prior to changing wheels but I wonder if dealer will try to blame speedo calibrator and void warranty.

Any help is appreciated!

1. Normal. Mine has done it since day 1 brand new and with a tcm tune in it. Try altering the amount of gas given near that rpm. Should clear that up.

2. Check your front hub bearings. An audible noise at an rpm should be easy to spot especially when turning like you described.

Good luck!

 

[Burla]

You have lifetime warranty? If so whatever, if not ... just because there isn't an easy way to check the fluid doesn't mean you shouldn't check the fluid. But, instead of just checking the fluid, sounds like past due for an oil change. 90k miles on transmsion oil that works hotter then other transmisions is a good time to change fluid. There are a lot of zf870 dyi transmision flushes to follow. You do have the 8 speed?

 

[68Malibu383]

You have lifetime warranty? If so whatever, if not ... just because there isn't an easy way to check the fluid doesn't mean you shouldn't check the fluid. But, instead of just checking the fluid, sounds like past due for an oil change. 90k miles on transmsion oil that works hotter then other transmisions is a good time to change fluid. There are a lot of zf870 dyi transmision flushes to follow. You do have the 8 speed?

Yes, I have the 8 speed. I called the dealer twice to get a quote on changing the trans fluid and they were clueless - $129 including dropping the pan and installing a new filter. I told them this trans does not have a pan and they acted like I had no idea what I was talking about.

 

[huntergreen]

Yes, I have the 8 speed. I called the dealer twice to get a quote on changing the trans fluid and they were clueless - $129 including dropping the pan and installing a new filter. I told them this trans does not have a pan and they acted like I had no idea what I was talking about.

It has a plastic pan with the filters attached. No way are getting your 8 speed trans fluid changed for 129$.

 

[Burla]

It has a plastic pan with the filters attached. No way are getting your 8 speed trans fluid changed for 129$.

more like 1299

 

[Dinky]

Yes, I have the 8 speed. I called the dealer twice to get a quote on changing the trans fluid and they were clueless - $129 including dropping the pan and installing a new filter. I told them this trans does not have a pan and they acted like I had no idea what I was talking about.

Lmao I just took mine to a local transmission shop. Called them to make appointment and told the guy 4 times on the phone what transmission it was. He said no problems they would need my truck for 2 hours and it would be $230. So I show up to drop my truck off to the guy 3 time what transmission filled out my info guy said no problem we got it. Phone call a hour later saying no way they can do it for $230 they could do it for $700. I just went and picked my truck up and got in a big argument with the guy lol.

 

[Riccochet]

The 8 speed in my '17 has been whiny since day 1. Under light acceleration is when I hear it most.

I also get a rough, cold 1-2 shift. From my understanding that's perfectly normal. The 8 speed likes to be warmed up to shift smoothly.

 

[RamCares]

My 2015 V-6 2wd has 91,000 miles on it and the transmission has two issues:

1. when trans is cold, under light acceleration the first time it shifts from 1st to 2nd, engine RPM suddenly jumps up by about 300 RPM, then goes into 2nd gear. Like trans is slipping/flaring. It only does this the first time it shifts and does this about 20% of the time and used to occasionally do this between 2nd and 3rd. It has done this since day one and I took it to dealer twice and they could not duplicate, as usual.

2. when towing, and I think in 5th gear, trans, or something, whines loudly. Engine RPM around 3K. I've only towed lighter loads (3 - 4,000 lbs) with trans in tow mode. I've also noticed this if I hit the brakes hard, and nearly stop, then accelerate moderately (stop and go traffic) and if I take a sweeping turn at higher speeds (running a yellow light), then accelerate moderately. I usually drive like a grandmother, so I don't see these often. I've not taken to dealer for this yet.

To me, both issues could be caused by low fluid but, sadly, there is not a convenient way for owner's to check fluid levels.

Anyone have a similar experience and a resolution? I'm trying to get as much info as possible because my experience in taking this truck to dealer is they can't duplicate much of anything and just blow it off.

The only other thing to throw into the mix is that I removed the factory 17" wheels and installed factory 20" wheels and factory size tires and I used the Rough Country speedo calibrator. The trans problems started prior to changing wheels but I wonder if dealer will try to blame speedo calibrator and void warranty.

Any help is appreciated!

Hi 68Malibu383,
We understand your concern. Send us a private message if you need any additional assistance once you are able to visit your dealer

i have the same issue on my 2014 8 speed. i am going to the dealer this friday for exhaust manifold work to be done. i am going to have them look why my truck is doing it while it is there. ill keep you posted and let you know what they find.

Hi Dinky,
We look forward to hear how your appointment goes. Feel free to send us a private message if you have any questions or concerns during that process.

Lydia
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[Dinky]

Thanks for replies, all. Dinky, please do post an update.

So the dealer was pretty quick with my repairs. Dropped it off 7am this morning and was done by 2. Exhaust manifold doesn't leak but it was fairly warm when I picked up. They said they did a newer updated flash to my transmission seemed to smooth it out. I will know more first thing in the morning when I head out for sat coffee. Symptoms seem to be worse when cold cold

 

[Dinky]

Thanks for replies, all. Dinky, please do post an update.

The flash they did seemed to work. No issues going from first to second and all gears shift fine

 

[68Malibu383]

The flash they did seemed to work. No issues going from first to second and all gears shift fine

Good. Thanks for the update. Did your transmission whine at times like mine does?

 

[Dinky]

Good. Thanks for the update. Did your transmission whine at times like mine does?

Nope no weird sounds