I have searched the forums and could not find anything with the same problem.

I just got a '96 Dodge Diesel 4x4 that has a transmission issue. It will not shift out of first gear. It will shift in reverse and the transmission feels strong. The previous owner said that sometimes it will upshift if you shift it manually 1,2,3. I have tried to manually upshift it without success. It will do 25mph and when you let off the throttle it will just coast and when you reapply the throttle 25mph again.

The trans fluid is full and red. The only other issue the truck has is the fuel gauge doesn't work and is showing dead empty.

any help is appreciated

Thanks,
Mike

 

I know it isn't much help but I think that all of the governing mechanism for shifting from 1-2 and so on is in the valve body. The cable on the shifter should push a rotating mechanism that has grooves cut in it in the valve body. It is called the "rooster comb". First thing to check, would probably be to disconnect the cable and put the truck on a lift if possible and make sure that the rooster comb is making a distinct click for each shift from P-R-N-D etc... and make sure you don't have a cable issue other then that I would think that the problem would most likely be in the valve body. You could probably drop the pan and remove the valve body. You can then check that both bands are in place, and probably the actuating pistons. You could then opt to buy a rebuilt valve body from someone like ATS or Goerend, or buy shift kit and go through yours. Hopefully you will spot the problem, put an updated valve body and other then the sloppy torque converter be better off for it. Hope this points you in the right direction.

 

I had a similar result a few years back- there is a spring in the VB that holds a gov diaphragm - the spring has a metal u shaped clip holding it in- the clips can break. When mine broke the clip came to rest right across the contacts of the lockup solenoid shorting them. A blown maxi fuse was the 1st tip and the truck would not get out of 1st gear. check the Maxi fuses- if yours is blown DROP THE PAN AND VB before replacing it- it cost me a small fire and a nightmare trying to repair the main engine wiring harness that melted from the dead short (and the sol assy)

 

Pretty sure that is an RH, if so they use a mechanical govoner.
These things are known to stick w/ the slightest bit of debris stuck in them.

 

Where is it located?

 

96 was the first year for the 47RE trans.
first thing I would do is to clean or replace the speed sensor in the bottm of the OD housing. Quick and easy. You will loose about a coffee cup of fluid doing it.
Check it for codes too.
Get back to us.

 

Yea get the thing scanned

 

I will definitely keep everyone posted until it is fixed.

I took a picture of the transmission to make sure I work on the correct one. I think it is B in the picture. Is this a part I can buy at autozone or is it a dealer part?

Also how do you check for codes?

Thanks,
Mike
[IMG][/IMG]

 

Yes, part 'b'.
I think it was 15-18 dollars last time I bought one.
You may want to just remove it and clean it as it will have metal frags on it. A cheap try if you will.

 

I ordered a governor today and should get it in next week. I will let you guys know how it turns out. I am going to replace the speed sensor at the same time.

 

I installed a new governor and governor speed sensor today. I took it for a test ride and no difference. As soon as it shifts into second it shift right back into first.

What would be next to do/look for.

thanks,
Mike

 

Have you scanned it for codes yet?

 

No, I don't have a scanner and the drive to autozone at 25 mph to have it scanned would be hard on the truck.

Are there cheap scanners I could buy?

 

Yes there is. I mean if your not looking for something fancy, just something to pull the DTCs, look at the ones autozone carrys.

I wouldn't go no further before you can properly diagnose it.

Do you have any friends who have a scanner, or have access to one?

What did the pan look like?

 

The pan was very clean with only some gray matter around the magnet.

Is the scanner a OBDII Reader?

I don't have any friends that have one.

Also there are no "check engine" lights on. If there was a problem with a code for the transmission would it trip the "check engine" light?