Hi All

We have a 97 Dodge Cummings, 2500, AT, 88,000 miles. Most road miles and truck has been in the family all it's "life" (extremely well cared for). Before we inherited the truck, my Dad had noticed that after a period of non-use, upon shifting into gear, you had to "rev" it slightly to get the trans to pick up and go. We have had the same issue, not as frequently, as we use the truck nearly daily.

Lately, pulling the horse trailer (significant uphill with large horse or two) I have noticed a little inconsistency if not some slipping. Since I have never driven a diesel AT before, I am not positive what I am noticing is really a problem. "Coffee shop" suggestions from my dad's friends suggest a possible torque converter issue. My instinct is to start with a service/adjustment and see if there is a difference. Suggestion, opinions, recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks .... Mom whose daughter (16) needs that truck to be dependable...

 

Hi Watcher, welcome to the board!

(As a preliminary sidenote- it's Cummins- no G to be found)

For your slow to go problem there are several suggestions what to check first:
Fluid color and smell- it should not smell burnt and it should be transparent and red- some brownish tan is OK.
Fluid level- I find a lot of these symptoms are caused by a slightly low level of tranny fluid- so after a drive when the engine is at operating temperature set teh parking brake and move the gear selector through all positions, put it in N and check the fluid level- it should be right at max.
If it's lower add Chrysler ATF +3 or ATF+4- accept no substitute just because it's red
If the fluid level is OK try to let the truck idle for about 30 seconds in N before starting out instead of idling it in P- if it works well with N but not P it's an anti-drainback valve in the tranny, no real problem if it seeps back a bit, you will just have to idle it in neutral instead of park.
If it still does not work with N a standard transmission maintenance with a fluid and filter change plus band adjustment is in order.
At your mileage you are very close to the recommended oil change and adjustment for towing trailers so if it hasn't been done yet it should be done right away.

HTH

AlpineRAM

 

Here is what is going on.
The trans has a bushing that is loose- normal wear- it will usually last many more miles.
This extra clearance is allowing the torque converter to drain 1/2 way down when it sits.
The converter must be full to drive it, and it has to fill first. It cannot do this in park, as built from dodge. It can be fixed with a corrected valve body, but it really needs rebuilt be someone who knows how.

In the mean time, start it, put it into neutral for 30-45 seconds, this fills the converter.
The fix is really an easy to do thing, I am surprised the factory ignores this. Many get rebuilt early because of it.
Is the fluid clean and been changed recently?

 

Thanks for the info. Sorry about the G on Cummins. I do know it doesn't belong there ... it was all my fast fingers fault...or slow brain perhaps.

I will follow up on comments/recommendations regarding fluid levels, changes, adjustments. It is spring break so maybe I can wrestle it away from my daughter and get that work done... She DOES LOVE her truck...

Thanks again!!! The Mom