My 2009 MC with 68RFE and 7000 miles is behaving strangely (I think). On initial start up after sitting overnight, when I put the gear shift into Drive the transmission won't engage for 1-5 seconds. I've conditioned myself to wait for it, but the first time this happened I attempted to shift and go and got a CEL (P0700). The CEL went out after awhile and has not reoccurred. Transmission runs fine otherwise.

I've had four Dodge automatic transmissions of various types (including another 68RFE), but have not experienced this behavior before. Anyone else have one doing this? Any ideas what is going on?

 

I was told by the fleet mechanic where I used to work (retired now), that Chrysler transmission fluid pumps do not start building pressure until the transmission is in gear. He said that the transmissions do not build pressure in Park or neutral. What you described happened in several of the fleet vehicles (which were Dodge) that I drove. I have not experienced it in my 08 Ram 2500. He said that other manufacturers transmissions build pressure in park & neutral, but Chrysler transmissions do not.

 

Mine will move right away although after start-up. I have been shifting from park to neutral while briefly warming up. Good luck.

 

Most chrysler tranny's build pressure when they are in neutral but not in park as I remember...correct me if I'm wrong...I know my roadrunner does atleast

 

and when all else fails, check your transmission fluid level.

 

I have learned to start the truck and shift into N for about a minute while the engine oil gets reaquainted with all the internals when the temps drop before shifting to D and pulling away from the curb.

 

I used to place my trans in "N" in my 2nd GEN and then start up the truck and let it run for a bit.......always worked great when it hadn't been driven for a few days.

Greg

 

Typical Dodge junk. Take it to the dealer and he'll tell you he has NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM.

The trans doesn't flow fluid in park. How stupid is that? You can modify the trans to do this by installing a shift kit, or do what we all have learned to do, just start it in neutral and let it idle a few seconds (10-30) and then go.

 

Neutral....for at least 30 sec... problem will disappear; if your fluid is at right level.
Your symptoms are classic "slightly low" on fluid type reaction. Checking it 'by the book'?

RJ

 

because I can get in, start up, go to "d" or "r" and go. I don't have to wait for anything, and I don't have to idle in "n" at all. I think something is wrong w/ your trans, maybe low fluid or maybe something electronic. I would pester the dealer until they fix it.

jeff.

 

The 68RFE's circulate fluid in park and build pressure by default. Don't have to fix them like the older RE's.

It should engage immediately if everything is tight, but, thats OEM specs and they may not be perfect.

Check the fluid and make sure it is correct then give it 20-30 seconds idling in park before you drop it in gear and go. If that works it is probably the TC draining back for a any number of reasons.

If it has to be in gear for a bit to work correctly there is a problem developing internally. Could be serious could just be the clearances are not on the tight side.

Most of the problems with RFE have been around the OD clutches and the OD apply circuit in the VB. Its possible the wear in the VB may be effecting pressure at startup. If you take it to the delaer mention the excessive VB bore wear as problem and see if they will do something.

 

This condition is usually caused by a leaking check valve in the return line from the cooler. The fluid is draining out of the cooler and back into the transmission pan. This will cause no harm but as you have experienced, requires a wait. It could be the valve is just stuck. I'd have it checked by the dealer.

 

No 6 oh no, is correct. The 68rfe's are totally different than the old trannies. The older tranny rules do not apply.