Need a Mechanic

[shinglelayer]

I have an 02 Ram 4x4 1500 with a 5.9L(gas) with auto tranny. If I park outside overnight, in the morning it dies in reverse only. Park, neutral, and drive it runs fine. It only happens on nights with temps below 30. After it warms up, it is fine. Doesn't happen if it sits at work for 8 1/2 hours during the day. Also, it hangs in 1st gear for a couple of seconds before shifting. Shifts fine to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. Also, if I floor it, it downshifts to 1st gear, regardless of speed. Tranny fluid and filter changed about 5000 miles ago and the fluid is at max line, so it is not low. Don't know if this is 1 problem or 2 separate things going on. There are no CEL's and no codes have been thrown. With all the electronics on these newer trucks, I have no idea where to start. Any help is greatly appreciated. I have read posts with similar problems referring to TPS or IAC, but my problems have just enough difference, I don't know if that would cause my problems or not.

 

[txbass06]

Did you change the fluid and filter yourself or have it done at a shop somewhere?

 

[shinglelayer]

Changed myself. Used synthetic fluid this time. Have changed it myself several times before with no issues.

 

[txbass06]

I wasn't inferring you did something wrong. I was going to ask how the fluid looked but, I'm assuming by your response, it looked fine.

 

[05singlecabHEMI]

it wouldnt hurt to get some new sensors. sometimes you need to just try things untill you figure it out.

 

[shinglelayer]

I wasn't inferring you did something wrong. I was going to ask how the fluid looked but, I'm assuming by your response, it looked fine.

No problem, old fluid wasnt bad. You could tell it was well used, but still had a good red tint. No big chunks on magnet, just your normal amount of shavings.

 

[Mopar1973Man]

Ok you got a trans problem for sure. Now did you bother to adjust the band when you changed fluid? Was there any debris in the pan?

Did you check for error codes? It might give a clue to if there is a sensor out. Also not all the time will the trouble codes light the CHECK ENGINE light. So check anyways with a OBDII reader...

 

[shinglelayer]

Didnt adjust bands with fluid change. Not that comfortable with trannies. Have had a scanner hooked up and there are no codes at all. Am leaning toward trans shift solenoid. Does anyone know how to check it before replacing it? Or does that sound like it could be the problem?

 

[Mopar1973Man]

Didnt adjust bands with fluid change. Not that comfortable with trannies. Have had a scanner hooked up and there are no codes at all. Am leaning toward trans shift solenoid. Does anyone know how to check it before replacing it? Or does that sound like it could be the problem?

If a solenoid is failing there should of been a error code for which solenoid is failing or not functional.

 

[Badger]

Mine does this as well. I just warm my truck up.

 

[shinglelayer]

Adjusted the TV cable and it is better. Still got a little more tweaking to do, but it shifts better now. Gonna have to wait on reverse thing cause it is unseasonably warm for the next few days. Here is a link with directions, in case anybody has a similar problem: http://bionicdodge.com/Download/Dodge_Ram_Truck_Transmission_Adjustment.pdf