Auto Trans Issues. Need Advice.

[99RamSport360]

I have a 1999 dodge ram 1500 4x4 5.9L with the 46RE trans. The tranny is shifting kind of funny and it doesn't like to shift from 2nd to 3rd. When I hit about 30 mph, I would expect it to shift at that time, but it doesn't. If I rev up to 35 mph, and then let off of the accelerator, it will shift. Other times, I will be accelerating towards 30mph, then it will rev up on its own and shift. Any thoughts?

 

[leadrofthepak]

Unfortunately the 46re can be a fickle bugger. There are a number of factors that contribute to correct shift timing. The two most common are a failing governor pressure solenoid, and the bands needing adjustment. Both require the pan to be dropped. Might as well do a fluid/filter/gasket change at the same time. I will try to dig up DIY's on both procedures as soon as I have more time.

 

[dodge dude94]

^I feel you are right. Sure sounds like a line pressure issue. When was the last time you replaced your fluid and filter? Might could get by with that, but like Leader said, might as well replace the Gov. pressure solenoid if you got the scratch.

 

[99RamSport360]

Yeah I have no idea when the last change was. I have heard about those solenoids going bad and the bands needing adjustment, but I really don't want to do it haha. The pair of solenoids are over $200 from Autozone so I think I'll start with fresh fluid and a filter.

 

[dodge dude94]

You can get solenoids online for a lot less...

 

[Emartinez111]

Check rock auto. A lot of times you can find the same brand at a lot cheaper prices.

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[Silver Tex]

360,
You described the exact condition my son's 99 is experiencing. The crackers of this is we have recently, within the last 500 miles or so, changed out the governor solenoid, something else very near it internally that I can't remember right off hand, new filter, fluid (ATF+4) and adjusted bands.
It functioned real well until about 2 weeks ago, so I'm not sure if a part I replaced failed again or something I had not gotten into yet. Innards looked fine, not a lot of grit in pan and certainly no big pieces of anything.
I'd like to hear what you finally found if you found something.
I'm about ready to replace the tranny with a reman unless anyone has some ideas. Not too interested in parting with the cash though.
Scott.

 

[2NDGENGASSER]

yeah i have no idea when the last change was. I have heard about those solenoids going bad and the bands needing adjustment, but i really don't want to do it haha. The pair of solenoids are over $200 from autozone so i think i'll start with fresh fluid and a filter.

ordered mine from rock auto and got them way cheaper, and i work at a parts store lol sorry for the caps.. Im at work

 

[mechanicmark]

Hi,
I'm new to this forum, but eager to learn.
I got the 46re in my 99 ram 4x4 and the problem is similar to the one above, but further along. I've already had the governor pressure solenoid/ switch replaced, tranny flushed, new filter and Mopar ATF 4 fluid, and the bands adjusted. It worked for a week or two, then the problem came back. The shop said the tranny looked fine when they were working on it, so it SHOULDNT be anything too bad. The governor they put in was for a 42re, but I've seen that it can fit in a 46re. Could the governor have failed again since it was for a lighter duty tranny? I don't beat on my truck, so no abuse. Please help!!!

 

[dapepper9]

I would install the upgraded BorgWarner solenoid. CascadeTransmissionParts.com is the best place to get it. New rubber gasket and filter is in order as well. I realize you just did this but it's very possible more particles got flushed to the already incorrect solenoid.

 

[tommyboi87]

Front band on 46re can be adjusted with pan in place. Adjustment bolt is o driver side by shift linkage. Sounds vaguely like your front band might be loose. Try a manual 2-3 shift. See what happens. If not you may need to get into the valve body.

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[mechanicmark]

Thank you dapepper. You confirmed what I had in mind, since the 42re isn't as strong as a 46re. And thanks for that website Parts are on the way You're right. Took it apart and there were solids STILL. As for tommyboi, I will be looking into a shift kit/ upgraded valve body. The band is still in halfway decent shape, but since I'm up in there I might as well get premium bands. Which should I get? There's the Borg Warner, but Raybestos makes a "pro-series" Kevlar band. Any preference from anyone?

 

[dapepper9]

Can't change rear band without tearing the whole thing apart. I believe you can change the front but don't quote me on that, read the fsm a bit that should tell ya.

 

[Gr8bawana]

Do you have any codes showing? The symptoms you describe are the same one my 97 was having. I thought crap trans problem! When I checked the code it was the TPS. Changed it out and voila! It also cleard up a small hesitation when taking off from a stop, and a high 1400-1500rpm fluctuating idle at start-up.

 

[mechanicmark]

That's the weird part. There weren't any codes at all. What I think happened was a combination my fault and the shops fault. They put in a 42re governor solenoid. And due to them not fully flushing it, when I took the old governor out ( a 1 week old governor) metal shavings were nearby. Keep in mind that I put 1400 miles on it AFTER the solenoid went AGAIN.

 

[tommyboi87]

Didn't even get a notification. If your band doesn't look bad or slacking up on a regular basis, I wouldn't worry about it. Any money, thrown at it, in my opinion, should go into upgrading valve body, shift kit, and installing a gauge with a cooler.

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[tommyboi87]

And after reading that last post, stock bands are alright if you aren't doing anything crazy to the engine or tire sizes.

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[mechanicmark]

Thanks for the band info. Since it's fine I'll guess I'll leave it. I did some research & found that, on Dodge transmissions, maybe others, when you replace the governor solenoid, you're SUPPOSED to replace this little ***** called a transducer, the little 1-1/2" part that tells the transmission when to shift. That's what failed on me. The shop never knew, didn't tell me or just wanted $1500 for a rebuild. Gears, bands, shafts all look good. Regardless, I've ordered & received the upgraded Mopar transducer and the heavy duty Borg Warner 46re solenoid.