I started my 97 2500 this morning, the idle was real low, stalled a couple of times. I was wiggling out of my parking space when it just stopped. At first I thought maybe I bumped the shifter, but it was still in drive. I tried reverse, no go. I shifted to neutral then back to drive and it was fine. I'm hoping it dropped out of gear maybe because of the low idle causing the trans pressure to be to low. What does everyone think?

 

Low speed loss of drive generally is due to the bands being way too loose. Cooler weather will make this more noticable, and a low idle will aggrevate the situation.

However, also check your throttle valve cable to be sure it has not dropped an end or snapped the plastic housing lock off either end. That is the cable that runs to the transmission from your linkage on the injection pump.

You likely also have another issue to deal with that is not transmission related. If your idle is below the specification set out on the CPL plate, and your filters are clean, it is likely your injection pump timing has slipped. This is a common problem with the P pumped engines, as the OEM torque specification was too low for the nut that secures the drive gear to the injection pump. Once properly set and the nut torqued, the timing will likely never change again, so it is a one time fix.

 

Thanx

I just bought the truck a month ago. It was in the 30's this morning.
I had the dealer service the trans along with the state inspection so eveything should be adjusted. I do need to bump up the idle, I'll check the cable/linkage as well.


John F