Truck wouldn't move Code P1B14

[Falcon1772]

Well like the title says yesterday I went to start my truck and it wouldn't move out of park. Had code P1B14. Googled it and found a few different things about it. Tried clearing it, tried unplugging the battery. Crawled under it nothing leaking or anything weird.

Some things to note. I did just swap out my dial shifter with a new one for my T case swap.
It was -30f in the morning, but when I started the truck it was about 9 above. EVIC said the transmission was still @ -10f.
I did a trans fluid swap last summer. Used the Mopar unicorn tears and swapped out the pan/filter.

I ended up rapidly shifting the dial between park and drive probably 10x times or so. That didn't work, then I put it in drive and gave it some gas, that didn't work. did the rapid shift again and eventually it did go. Didn't have any more issues after that for the rest of the day.

My question is, is this a 1 off weird occurrence? Is there something failing I should be looking for? Or somewhere I need to go put some dielectric grease?
I know -10 isn't ideal for the trans but it should still operate as intended, never had this issue before.

 

[chrisbh17]

The second thing on the service manual flow chart for this diagnostic is to check the trans fluid level.

Is it possible its low from when you changed it last summer?

 

[Falcon1772]

maybe but I did the procedure by the book.
Decided to say screw it and just now went out and started the truck, it hasn't been plugged in and its -35. It went into gear just fine. put it in the garage to warm up.
I know this isnt good for the truck but I need to know that it'll move without issue when I take it out on trips and can't plug it in. First it was the Air suspension BS in the cold, deleted that, now this has me worried. I frequently take the truck out for trips to go ride my sled about 3 hours away. I live up in Alaska so there's a whole lot of nothing for miles. failures in the cold are not ideal.

 

[Falcon1772]

btw wanted to say thanks chris. you seem to respond to all my recent threads. I appreciate the help!

 

[chrisbh17]

btw wanted to say thanks chris. you seem to respond to all my recent threads. I appreciate the help!

hehe no problem!

The whole diagnostic procedure for that error code:

Step 1 - check for active DTC

Step 2 - check trans fluid level
if fluid level correct: replace transmission (!!!!)
if level not correct: check for leaks

Step 3 - repair leaks
if DTC still occurs: replace transmission

Step 4 - check wiring and connections

The error happens when the parking pawl doesnt release fast enough. I know the actual control is electronic, but Im not sure if there is a physical cable involved that maybe needs to be greased.

I think I would get under there and look around for electrical connections that might be dirty, frayed wires, etc.

It might also be possible that you are just low enough on fluid that it would cause an issue depending on temperatures, so I would check the fluid level too. I dont know what procedure you used to change it, but I know ZF says to make sure the trans pan is level with the ground, but the FCA procedure does not mention that. It could make a difference, though, and Im still not 100% sure which is correct for our trucks.

 

[Falcon1772]

It had to be kept at a certain temp range, cycled through gears, etc. It was a bunch of stuff. took 2 people and awhile to do.
Its probably worth noting that I did somehow manage to get the wrong pan for the truck. The only difference being depth. Nothing hits or anything just holds a little less fluid overall as the pan is flat instead of having the half inch or so drop down. I believe the pan I have is for the bmw. But as stated before its been like this since June of last year. Towed with it and everything, no issues. We've also had a super cold winter and the truck has been in -50 this winter already so I'm not sure.

Its either the trans is failing.... not good (but if so then why did it work just fine after the fiasco yesterday and just now at -35F? )
Or its an electrical connector.
We have been having large temperature swings lately. -30ish in the morning and 15 above later in the day.

 

[chrisbh17]

Trans fluid does expand as it gets warmer. Im not sure how much it "contracts" as it gets colder, though.

Still very possible you are just on the cusp of a good fluid level....especially with possibly incorrect pan, since the fluid level is essentially determined by how much is in the pan.

Electrical is easiest to check, though....maybe even unplug the connections you can and check inside to make sure the pins are dry and corrosion free.

 

[Falcon1772]

yeah I was thinking the same thing just now. maybe the reserve is too little. very finicky transmissions these are.
But if It was too low why didnt it do it before? idk. Its in the garage now. I'll crawl under it once its warmed up a bit and check the fluid level again and check the connectors.
I just was curios if this code on this truck was like an "oh yeah its usually this thing" kinda deal.

 

[Falcon1772]

Well I was lazy and didn't get around to it this morning. just went to back my truck out of the garage and it did it again quickly checked the transmission temperature and it said it was about 30 degrees. ended up doing the same thing rocking to switch back and forth back, and gave it a little gas. After a couple minutes I felt it catch on one of my back and forth motions.
Sigh.

 

[Dodge 1500 4X4]

Hay, why don't you put the OEM dial shifter back in, and what ever that did to the transfer case, sometimes Mods aren't good sometimes, and your trans level may be low.

 

[Falcon1772]

Just checking in. Put the truck back in the garage and cranked the heat to 80 and left it for a day and a half. Crawled under and found my T-case was leaking a bit out,b the driveshaft. Popped the fill bolt and it hissed(pressurized). Checked the vent cap and it was plugged. So I replaced that and filled it back up. Still haven't checked the transmission level, it's kind of a pain and a lengthy procedure to do. But so far it's been working fine. Knock on wood.

 

[Falcon1772]

Havent had another issue. Knock on wood