I have a 2001 with an auto tranny. The truck is 2WD. A few months ago it started slipping when i would take off in first gear. It only did it about 50% of the time. Then it would go through the gears just fine. Seemed like it was worse when it was cold. I decided to change the fluid and flter. After I did that it seemed to help for a while but then started to do it again fairly soon. Now it sticks in first gear and won't continue throught the rest of the gears. Needless to say I could not continue to drive it like that so i parked it. Every couple of weeks or so I start it to keep the battery in good shape and run it up to temp. I drive it around the block sometimes it stays in first gear, and sometimes it shifts smoothly through all the gears like it is fine. Has anyone had this happen to them? Is it shot or could it be a simple adjustment/electrical problem. I have a Smarty and it shows no DTC codes.

Thanks

 

Two separate problems!
Slipping is sign of maybe needing a rebuild.... but the not shifting out of first is probably the 'Govenor Soleniod'... and may need a 'Pressure Sensor' (or transducer) as well.
These are an easy do it yourself replacement, requiring just dropping the pan, and about $200.00 in parts for both.

RJ

 

Would the Governor Solenoid or Pressure Sensor throw a code?

 

Mine didn't. My symtoms were it would start out in 2nd or 3rd and stay in those gears. FYI, if you do it yourself be prepared for an ATF bath. I tried letting one side of the pan down to drain it but still had it everywhere. Like Row said, it's a pretty straight forward job and even a Caveman could do it.

 

Where can I find some good info on how to replace them?

Thanks

 

No codes here either.

Just drop pan the night before and remove filter. Let it drip all night.

Both are on passenger side, bottom, front of valve body. Takes 4 bolts and 2 hex screws (T-25).... if I remember correctly. Very straight forward. If you can't see them clearly and easily figure out how to R&R them.... rebolt pan and take it to tranny shop. But a beginning mechanic could do it very easily.

RJ

 

Thanks,

If that doesn't work, what is the best aftermarket tranny. They all look good NADP,BD, ATS,DUNRITE, DTT?

 

Send a question off to John at www.coperacingtrans.com, look on his web site and ask him what he thinks, or call him around 5PM central time at 219-374-0100. He does nothing but Mopar transmissions, mostly racing stuff, but he did my '01 and it has been fine since. Todd

 

Do a search and be prepared for a lot of reading. The only one I can comment on is the HTS cause that's what I have. A stock tranny was $2800 and the HTS with all the goodies was $3400 (plus $250 shipping). Well worth the extra $$$. Anyway, go with a trusted tranny and you won't have any problems.

 

I'm not going there. We've had too many 'Tranny Wars' over questions like that.

But I would stay with the big three.... DTT, HTS or Goerand. All seem to have very few complaints. JMO

RJ

 

Thanks for the input, very helpful.

 

Because of your location, I will say this.
One of the most reliable tranny rebuilders on this web site is about 2 hrs from you .... and well worth talking to.
TIMinVA....HERE

Good Luck!

RJ

 

Back to orginal. When you replaced fluid, was there any stuff in pan? Did the magnet look like a chocolate Krispy Kreem donut? If there was material on magnet or fllter then the clutch was slipping. The 1st gear clutch only slips a few seconds and is history. Either burn out or welded together. Won't pull at all or stays in low gear. This does not seem to be your case. Works correctlly occasionally, correct!! From what have read from your description, you need the governor pressure solenoid. It is sticking open occasionally, hence no upshift. Decides to work and all is well on shifting, right!! Suggest the transducer at same time as dificult to determine which. JMHO

 

Thanks Dozer, i am going to try the solinoid and transducer. Where is the best place to get these two items? NAPA or is it a dealer item? Part#'s?

 

Dealer item so take your checkbook. You might try wholesalemopar.com. I've some $$$ in the past on parts from them.