eldjr
Junior Member
Unsure if correct post area but I've tolerated a random limp mode (45 rfe) trans issue for 2 years on a (auction purchase) provided work truck (2002 Ram 1500). When it sticks in 3rd, I've just dropped shift lever in D2 @ stops, a scan code showed the L/R solenoid. Recently, the original battery finally gave out & noticed less issues with a new one. Since a recent stereo purchase allowed displaying vehicle voltage, I started watching it. Once, in the last week it read low (13.1v) & it went in limp mode. At the normal (>13.6v) range it seems fine. I suspect between lower voltage & weak wiring/ corrosion?, that solenoid just doesn't 'hit' reliably. Knowing the VR is on the PCM, checking grounds, connectors & weak feed points is warranted but also know how easily they break when messed with. I may yet run a meter on the field connection to verify if alternator or VR is flaky but slapping an external VR on which I can adjust a bit higher seems a practical approach. At 188k miles with a new front end, it runs quite well & looks nice but no one would ever warranty a repair, even a fluid/ filter change is risky. Yes, with enough complaints, they'd replace it but dropping a $3k tranny in a $5k truck just seemed absurd to me. This clue makes me glad I waited & tolerated the issue.
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