Trans unlocking/ locking + random downshifts

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Spitfire2717

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Ram Year
2013
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Hemi 5.7
Hey, yall, done a lot of research and really can’t find an answer or solution to what’s going on.

What’s happening: torque converter repeatedly unlocks, then locks again, doesn’t matter the speed, trans temp, or outside temp. Trans will also downshift randomly, while driving steadily (almost as if more throttle was given) and hang in gear before shifting sometimes.

What I’ve tried: I have a bi directional scanner, and looked through every sensor I could think of, pedal, throttle body, etc. and found no issues anywhere. I tried throttle body, and pedal, with no avail. I can hook up my laptop, or scanner and both show and confirm it’s going between locking, slipping, and unlocked. Truck is tuned (hp tuners) I tried removing the tune completely and using stock tune to no avail as well.

Maintenance that’s been done: bought the truck with 169k on it, with an and motor. Had a shop just do the motor because I got a really good deal. Don’t oil changes every 4-5k. Did trans service about 8k ago just changed filters and fluid.

It’s a 2013 ram 1500 5.7L 6sp 65rfe. Laramie if that matters.

Is it the torque converter that’s going out? Or is there something else I’m over looking?
I really appreciate you’r time if you’ve made it this far, and apologize if this wasn’t put in the right forum
 

mtofell

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I don't know enough about auto-transmissions and torque converters but maybe someone else can chime in if it could be the valve body? Mine's gone out twice and I've got a basic understanding that it controls fluid and is kind of the "brain" of the tranny. I bring it up because they are a weak point in that ear of transmission and you might look into it.
 
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Spitfire2717

Junior Member
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2013
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Hemi 5.7
I don't know enough about auto-transmissions and torque converters but maybe someone else can chime in if it could be the valve body? Mine's gone out twice and I've got a basic understanding that it controls fluid and is kind of the "brain" of the tranny. I bring it up because they are a weak point in that ear of transmission and you might look into it.
When I serviced the trans the fluid I pulled out looked perfect still. And the valve body didn’t look factory like it had some sort of shift kit/ upgraded one. But I’m really not sure
 

mtofell

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When I serviced the trans the fluid I pulled out looked perfect still. And the valve body didn’t look factory like it had some sort of shift kit/ upgraded one. But I’m really not sure
Yeah, I know throwing parts at things isn't the greatest idea but I guess it would depend on how much time/money swapping a torque converter is vs. a valve body? I know on my 2014 with the 66rfe the valve body is notoriously crappy. Not sure if it's the same on your 65rfe. Although, if yours is aftermarket the OEM reliability is moot. There are lots of knowledgeable guys on here and I'm sure they'll chime in.
 
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Spitfire2717

Junior Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2025
Posts
15
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Location
Oklahoma
Ram Year
2013
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Hemi 5.7
Yeah, I know throwing parts at things isn't the greatest idea but I guess it would depend on how much time/money swapping a torque converter is vs. a valve body? I know on my 2014 with the 66rfe the valve body is notoriously crappy. Not sure if it's the same on your 65rfe. Although, if yours is aftermarket the OEM reliability is moot. There are lots of knowledgeable guys on here and I'm sure they'll chime in.
Yeah torque converter is about 300$, but will take about twice as long. But I also don’t know if it’s factory. And the trans line pressure will randomly just to +50psi over desired line
 
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