Buzz

I wonder if I have a shifter/transmission problem? Today while going to work my shifter started to feel differently than it has since I bought the truck. When I shift (all gears) the transition isn't as smooth as it used to be. I'll try to describe the feeling:

Make two fists, interlock your knuckles and rub back and forth. That's what my shifter feels like...bumpy. There is no unusual noises and it goes into each gear just fine and seems to drive great. However, that "bumpy" feeling has me worried so I dropped it off at Dodge to have them take a look. I just wanted to know if anyone else has experience anything similar? If so, what was the diagnosis? I would like some ammo in case the dealer tries to give me a song and dance act about it being "normal". Thanks guys!

emjay

IMHO, the detent on the Chrysler automatics is pretty weak to begin with. Throw in all little binding in the linkage, and that may be what you're experiencing. The easy fix is, of course, lube the linkage. If it really bugs you, you might try putting a stiffer spring in the valve body for the manual valve detent ball.

Buzz

Thanks for the input but check out my signature...I've got a 6 speed. ;D

emjay

Sheet, my bad. :-[

Wilson

Many people have complained about the "notchy" shifting in the 6 speeds. I think that the short shifter some companies have developed is supposed to help, but I do not have any personal experience on it. Try a search using notchy and you will find some info.

JStull

Try changing your fluid. I am not worried about the warranty so I went with redline MTL in the NV5600. Works great but Dodge frowns on it. Royal Purple and Amsoil make great stuff as well. I just couldn't live with Castrol Syntorq anymore. I hear that the short shift does help also, but never tried one.
-Jason

Buzz

I just picked up my truck from the dealer. The service report reads as follows: "Test drove truck and shifting appears to be normal. Sometimes colder weather causes the transmission fluid to thicken which causes the detent action to have more resistance than in the Summer months."

What do you think? Sounds logical to me. Maybe I'm just a tad bit over cautious? ;D

emjay

My experience with Red Line MTL is that the shift action is improved and is more consistent over a wide temperature range.

Rattletrap1

I would've thought MT90 would be a better choice as it's a bit heavier (factory spec).

That said, I LOVE the MTL in my "Z". Went from not downshifting into 2nd to no more problems and better in all gears.

JStull

You can run MT90 or MT90 mixed with some MTL in the NV4500 but you should run full MTL in the NV5600.
-Jason

Rattletrap1

MT90 vs MTL

Jason...where does this spec come from???

JStull

rattletrap,
I heard that from Redline. They "recommended" a mix of MT-90 and MTL or straight MT-90 in the NV4500 and recommended straight MTL in the NV5600. I don't have any oil analysis or wear analysis from the internal parts to back that up. I am just repeating what I have learned. That said, I don't think straight MT-90 is "bad" for the NV5600, but I am going to stick with MTL.
-Jason

mic646

Buzz

What you have described sounds just like mine when it’s cold outside. After driving it a bit it shifts a lot smoother. I just think it’s the cold fluid and cold gears.

E Wagener

I vote for the MTL Redline. I was having more and more trouble shifting then went to the MTL and it went away.

OlBlue

[quote author=E Wagener link=board=4;threadid=22545;start=0#msg212890 date=1069549124]
I was having more and more trouble shifting then... it went away.
[/quote]

Hey Eric!
That's really 'cause you found the clutch! ;D

Redline MTL here also.