Transmission issue 2014 Ram 1500 5.7

[mojo1fan]

My 2014 Ram has an issue with the transmission. I'll try my best to explain it.

When on the highway I'll be cruising along, come up on traffic and have to slow down until I can safely pass the car in front of me. When I go to accelerate, the transmission slips/clunks once, sometimes twice. Then everything is typically back to normal. BUT, on a couple of occasions, after this has happened the transmission seems to get stuck in one gear (maybe 3rd or 4th gear?). When that has happened I've pulled over and turned off the pickup. After a few minutes, start it back up and everything is back to normal.

This problem has existed for at least 4 years that I can recall. My pickup has 138,000+ miles on it. I bought it used and to my knowledge it has never had the transmission serviced so of course my mechanic said don't bother doing it now.

It almost seems like the computer gets lost and doesn't know what gear it needs to be in or something. Any help?

 

[Daw14]

Changing fluid and filters will not hurt anything more then it already is, it may help. Look for a different mechanic, he may be afraid of finding something that he doesn’t know how or want to do the work. Change the fluid and filters. Is it a 6 or 8speed ?

 

[jawzs2]

What transmission? Sounds like a common issue with the valve body on the RFE's, trans is going into "limp" mode, all you get is 4th and 1st. Do a search on here for sonnax, valve body, 65RFE or 66RFE. There are several threads on this. Maybe stop at an Advance Auto or Auto Zone and have them scan it for codes.

 

[mojo1fan]

What transmission? Sounds like a common issue with the valve body on the RFE's, trans is going into "limp" mode, all you get is 4th and 1st. Do a search on here for sonnax, valve body, 65RFE or 66RFE. There are several threads on this. Maybe stop at an Advance Auto or Auto Zone and have them scan it for codes.

The 8 speed.

I have a code reader, but it apparently isn't throwing any codes.

 

[mojo1fan]

Made a 400 mile round trip today with no issues.

 

[Wmjohn]

I had some loud clunks on downshifting at highway speeds on my 16 5.7 8 speed. Dealer reflashing the computer fixed it. It seemed clear to me it didn't know what gear to switch to.

 

[Hydrasport]

Any codes for the motor even if none for the TCM? Possible throttle position sensor issue?

 

[Jim113]

My 2014 Ram has an issue with the transmission. I'll try my best to explain it.

When on the highway I'll be cruising along, come up on traffic and have to slow down until I can safely pass the car in front of me. When I go to accelerate, the transmission slips/clunks once, sometimes twice. Then everything is typically back to normal. BUT, on a couple of occasions, after this has happened the transmission seems to get stuck in one gear (maybe 3rd or 4th gear?). When that has happened I've pulled over and turned off the pickup. After a few minutes, start it back up and everything is back to normal.

This problem has existed for at least 4 years that I can recall. My pickup has 138,000+ miles on it. I bought it used and to my knowledge it has never had the transmission serviced so of course my mechanic said don't bother doing it now.

It almost seems like the computer gets lost and doesn't know what gear it needs to be in or something. Any help?

I had a similar problem with my 2013 RAM Longhorn ... They changed the Transmission Valve Body and problem solved ... The mechanic told me that FCA had a bad run of valve bodies where metal filings were found in them ... Perhaps your 2014 was part of the early model year run and you got one of the bad parts ...

 

[Dusty]

Made a 400 mile round trip today with no issues.

Are you a granny driver? (Sorry, its the term my children use.)

There was at least one shift quality software update issued in 2014-2015 for symptoms similar to yours. Check with a dealer.

Since you're not recording any codes, I'm not sure a filter and fluid change will help with this issue, although I'd recommend it anyways. You good try to force the transmission into a "relearn" by disconnecting the battery for 15-20 minutes, then reconnecting.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33-gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build Date: 3 June 2018. Now at 89770 miles.

 

[mtofell]

The mechanic told me that FCA had a bad run of valve bodies

Yeah, I think it's from about 2004 onward

I suppose there could be some that stand out from others as being worse but as a fairly happy and repeat customer of FCA products I'll readily admit that their trannys are not the best.

My 2014 HD has had two failures and my 2020 Cherokee that my company owns just crapped out at 65K. My wife drives a 2020 Cherokee also and the factory warranty is just about up so we'll be purchasing an extended plan. I like the value and like the vehicles but am finding extended warranties to be a necessity.

 

[dbeckerm]

Very similar problem on '14 5.7 8 speed with 88K. Fine most of the time but if I get stop / go traffic on the highway I get your same issue..... although I've never gotten stuck in a gear. It does like to downshift 3-2 as if I'm doing to engine brake and I also have the issue of truck not going into 1st after stopping unless I roll forward a bit...done that for years. Temp never goes north of 190ish. Dealer did diagnostic and said I have torque converter parts roaming around. They said a valve body ($3500) might work for awhile but recommend a new trans $8700ish (not available right now) ....said reprogramming won't help... 98% of the time it is well behaved - would think if torque converter were actually making parts I'd have more and recurring symptoms? I'm at the cusp of brakes, fluids, exhaust manifold bolts (going long tubes if I keep)...etc. but this issue has me thinking trade? Any of you trans specialists got a recommendation? Know any aftermarket upgraded trans that plays well without mods? Dealer wanted to sell me a used with 60K for $1500...can't see putting anything but a new one in.

 

[Redfin ss 272]

2014 Ram Larmie trans jumped btw
5th and 6 gear Dodge said trans are not rebuildable.
had lifetime warrenty replaced $100.00. co pay