w32514

I have a 1997 Dodge 2wd diesel auto. It has a aftermarket torque converter, modified valve body and has the resistor. I was just on a 2000 mile trip in the eastern snowstorm. Transmission worked great for the first half. Drove all day at 45 to 50 mph so I had it locked out of overdrive and worked fine.

First indication of bad things to come was when I was in small town going slowly and I could feel the transmission holding back. At first I though one of the trailer wheel had locked up. Stopped, checked fluid, etc and everything was normal. It did it two or three times at low speed but when I went faster everything was fine. Drove another two hours and everything was fine. Finally drove out of snow and went to overdrive and transmission slipped and then stopped pulling altogether. Coasted to a stop and tried all gears and no movement. Great, I thought I broke another input shaft.

Called for a tow. Started the truck 5 minutes later and transmission seemed fine. Did a brake stand it it seemed to pull good. Decided I didn't need a tow and started to pull into traffic. Transmission slipped and then went to absolutely nothing again. Got a tow of truck and trailer to motel.

My brother drove down with his truck and another trailer to haul it home. Started it the next morning in 0 degree weather and transmission pulled and drove up on tiltbed trailer. While we were balancing trailer transmission quits pulling anything again. Not even a wiggle. Shut it off and five minutes later it pulls again.

So the question is is this an electrical problem or mechanical problem. I haven't put any gauges on it yet. It seems to pull real good for a minute or so and then it doesn't pull anything, like it is in neutral.

badme

If I had to guess, I would say the direct clutch apply piston cracked or you broke a planetary.