I have a 03 3500 SWD Auto trans TCD. No slip felt when starting from a dead stop, going into 2nd & 3rd gear just feels loose & sloppy plus some slight lurching felt. 120K on the truck, I bought the truck this past father's day weekend & have put maybe 1000-1200 miles on her since. No idea of the history of truck as far as recent fluid changes.

Any ideas what I shoud do first? I was thinking of changing the fluid just for ***** & grins, adding a drain plug while I was at it.

Thanks!!

 

Have it power flushed and fresh fluid. Not sure if there is filter if there is replace it. I have stick but have dealt with auto in the past and if neglected fresh will just break up some gunk and clog ports and by by tranny. from what i read 120k is alot of miles on the dodge automatics.

 

Change the fluid and filter first off. Do you know which transmission you have?, the 03's could have had either the 47re or 48re. The 48re is the newer model transmission, and with proper fluid changes both of them will be a reliable pieces.

 

Sounds like a fluid & filter change is in order. I have the window sticker / spec sheet at home so I can see which trans is in the truck. Do u agree about power flushing or can I get away with changing the fluid myself. Where is the filter located? external like an oil filter or under the pan like traditional auto transmissions?

 

What color is the fluid? If it's a pretty decent red color than a pan fluid change would probably be fine. But, if it is a pretty decent red color than that could also mean that the fluid isn't your problem. If the fluid has a darker, dirty, real nasty color to it, than I would have someone power flush it, that way all the fluid is replaced at once. After that than you can go to every 20 - 25k mile "pan fluid" changes.

The filter is located inside the transmission, attached to the valve body I believe. Whether you do the work yourself, or have a shop flush it, make sure you remove the pan and clean it, as well as replace the filter at the same time.