Hard Shift

[C Rogers]

I have a 2016 Ram 1500 Hemi. Had the truck in service twice so far for the hard down shift. First time they updated computer, second time changed valve body assembly. Second fix lasted 5 weeks and truck is going in again for same problem on September 16th. I have filed a complaint with the Attorney General, Chrysler Corporation and the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration. If enough of us file the complaint with the NHSTA they might finally recall the transmissions on these trucks. Has anyone had any luck with either a fix or a complaint? If not please consider filing complaint with the NHSTA so we can get the issued resolved once and for all. This is now a safety issue when the truck downshifts so hard that it almost causing you to slam into the car in front of. Thoughts?

 

[Burla]

They haven't chnaged the transmision yet? How many miles on it? You still are under warranty yes?

 

[Anthony Lowry]

I have a 2016 Ram 1500 Hemi. Had the truck in service twice so far for the hard down shift. First time they updated computer, second time changed valve body assembly. Second fix lasted 5 weeks and truck is going in again for same problem on September 16th. I have filed a complaint with the Attorney General, Chrysler Corporation and the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration. If enough of us file the complaint with the NHSTA they might finally recall the transmissions on these trucks. Has anyone had any luck with either a fix or a complaint? If not please consider filing complaint with the NHSTA so we can get the issued resolved once and for all. This is now a safety issue when the truck downshifts so hard that it almost causing you to slam into the car in front of. Thoughts?

Not sure if this is the same as I have an ‘09 hemi but mine downshifts quite hard but it seems to only do so when the mds switches to 4 cylinder then almost immediately down shifts. Same thing if I’m speeding up then begin to cruise you can hear the truck go from v8 to 4 cylinder. Consequently if I give it gas right after it changes it will kick back into v8 and shift hard. Now if I drive with respect to this issue it will never shift hard.

I’d be curious if someone running a tune to take off mds has the same downshift issue.

 

[C Rogers]

No they haven't changed the transmission yet. Have an appointment today for the 3rd time. They did a flash update the 1st time and changed a bad valve body assembly the 2nd time. That fix lasted only about 5 weeks before it started doing it again. The truck has 42,000 miles on it now. We did purchase an extended warranty though. Just hoping they pinpoint the problem and fix it for good before my extended warranty is up.

 

[Mbrigh3]

No they haven't changed the transmission yet. Have an appointment today for the 3rd time. They did a flash update the 1st time and changed a bad valve body assembly the 2nd time. That fix lasted only about 5 weeks before it started doing it again. The truck has 42,000 miles on it now. We did purchase an extended warranty though. Just hoping they pinpoint the problem and fix it for good before my extended warranty is up.

I had a huge issue with shifting too. According to the dealer they have their own check box which your falling into.

Reflash
Valve body replacement
New transmission.

You should get a new trans next if your under warranty. Your issue is the same as mine. It only was fixed after a new transmission

 

[RLJ10X]

A 2016 w/42,000 miles should still be covered by the original factory power train warranty, correct?

 

[speedinsteve]

Just became a new member here and was looking for info on my 2016 2-1 hard downshift. Just wanted to add to the discussion that I've had this issue on mine for almost 2 years now. I've had it back to the dealer (5) times for re-flash, re-learn, and now a new valve body. No better, same issue. Every once in a while it will downshift smoothly, but 99% of the time, its harsh. I opened a case with FCA and they told me its a programming issue and they are working on a computer update. I do believe its in the software, because it does not do it in the tow/haul mode since it downshifts sooner to assist slowing/braking when towing. I have a lifetime engine/ drivetrain warranty thru my dealership so I think it would be to their benefit to push FCA for a fix. I had my last ram (an 03') for 14 years.

 

[grizzstang]

I don't buy that it is a programing issue.

My 2017 doesn't do that and while I see a few members complaining of this issue most of us don't have the problem.

Like mentioned above some have solved it with a new valve body but most seem to need a new trans to get rid of the problem.

It is something in the trans not programing IMO.

 

[speedinsteve]

I don't buy that it is a programing issue.

My 2017 doesn't do that and while I see a few members complaining of this issue most of us don't have the problem.

Like mentioned above some have solved it with a new valve body but most seem to need a new trans to get rid of the problem.

It is something in the trans not programing IMO.

There were programming changes from 2016 to 2017. I don't disagree with you in that it could be a transmission issue, but if that's the case then why have others had their transmission replaced and it didn't fix the problem? Hopefully they get it figured out because its annoying as hell having it downshift so hard. The service manager at the dealership told me after the last visit that when the FCA service tech came to look at it and his response was " not another one of those issues!". Time will tell what happens.

 

[Chad Cunningham]

My 2016 can be kinda hard going from 3-2-1 when I'm braking slowly. Seems fine if I brake hard, and I get the worst kick if I slow to a near stop (<10 mph) and then accelerate away.

But I assume it's not bad other than annoying? Doesn't really bother me too much, I'd like it to be smoother but I'm out of warranty and can live with it.

 

[therocknj]

I had a 2016 with the 8 speed that had the hard downshift into first. At the beginning my transmission only had a upshift into 2nd and 3rd that felt like slipping. AT aprox 3000 miles they flashed the transmission and i now had the hard bump when downshifting into 1st also. They flashed it 2 more times then replaced the valve body. It would be ok for two days then come back. They then wanted to put in a new transmission but i just traded it on a 18 1500 and the transmission has no issues.

 

[speedinsteve]

Just became a new member here and was looking for info on my 2016 2-1 hard downshift. Just wanted to add to the discussion that I've had this issue on mine for almost 2 years now. I've had it back to the dealer (5) times for re-flash, re-learn, and now a new valve body. No better, same issue. Every once in a while it will downshift smoothly, but 99% of the time, its harsh. I opened a case with FCA and they told me its a programming issue and they are working on a computer update. I do believe its in the software, because it does not do it in the tow/haul mode since it downshifts sooner to assist slowing/braking when towing. I have a lifetime engine/ drivetrain warranty thru my dealership so I think it would be to their benefit to push FCA for a fix. I had my last ram (an 03') for 14 years.

UPDATE:
After multiple trips to the dealership over a year and an half, they finally replaced my transmission and it shifts flawlessly. I have about 1,500 miles on it since the replacement and no issues. Everything moved forward on the replacement once they hired a new service manager. BTW- Contrary to what some members here suggested( give it time to learn your driving habits, change your driving habits, live with it) I'm glad I stuck to my guns and pushed for a replacement and didn't have to do any of those.