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Transmission wont engage I have had no recent problems

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Hi garfieldshome,

You mean the gear shift is now not able to move or it moves but the gear shift indicator light is showing R?

1. If gearshift moves freely but indicator is not moving accordingly, it should be due to a dislodged/broken linkage along the gearshift to trans shift lever.

2. Another possibility is a faulty inhibiitor (PNP) switch.
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Saturday, May 1st, 2021 AT 6:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GARFIELDSHOME
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The gear is in rear, the shift part on the steering wheel is movable in every gear and shows then which one, but it won't shift, instead it stays in rear
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Saturday, May 1st, 2021 AT 6:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Hi garfieldshome,

If you shift to P or N and are able to start and the linkages to the trans from the gear shift is ok, then the trans is faulty and you need a rebuild/replacement. The forward clutches are defective.
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Saturday, May 1st, 2021 AT 6:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GARFIELDSHOME
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I can not shift to P or N, thats the problem
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Saturday, May 1st, 2021 AT 6:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVES97DODGERAM
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 DODGE RAM
  • 5.2L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 333,330 MILES
I just replaced the transmission because the transmission was no good. So I went to pick N pool and pulled The transmission out of the same exact truck, the only difference was that it was a 1996 not 1997. But everything is the same on it. So I got it to drive now but will only drive when its in 4Low but have to rev it up until a certain rpm's before it engages and then starts driving. And when I put it into 2High and try to drive it, it just sits there and does nothing. And usually you are supposed to feel a jerk when you take it out of (P)park an go into (R)reverse or (D)drive but I do not feel any jerk at all. And then if I try to put it into (P)park then it sounds like grinding and wont go into (P)park. But when I am in 4Low it will go into (P)park with no problem and it will Drive and Reverse no problem. But only in 4Low. Have any idea's? Please let me know. Thank you!
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Saturday, May 1st, 2021 AT 6:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Since the gear lever is stuck, you need to check the linkages and shift column.
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Saturday, May 1st, 2021 AT 6:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
If it is a used transmission that one can be bad as well. Scan for codes and make sure that the transmission is full of fluid. You might also try adjusting the shift linkage and throttle cable linkage. See pictures.
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Saturday, May 1st, 2021 AT 6:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MISYK
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1996 DODGE RAM
  • 5.2L
  • 5 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 261,000 MILES
About a year ago thought my transmission went out. Was told to put new hose on and fill it up and try it. I did that and it started out in first gear then could go up to second then drive. Now it wont come out of first. It will go up to drive but wont engage. I replaced the sensor solenoid and governor and the filter but that didn't help at all. What else can I do that will fix it? Thank you, Missy
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Saturday, May 1st, 2021 AT 6:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
If the fluid is low it will cause this issue. However, I suspect you have a cut seal inside the unit. I would suggest monitoring the transmission pressure and see what it is doing when this is put into gear.

Unfortunately, it sounds like it needs to be overhauled or replaced.

Without going into the unit I don't think there is a way we will know for sure what this is. Basically on these older units we need to check for codes, then fluid level, then monitor pressure. However, if it doesn't engage we can pretty much jump to removing the pan and looking for metal and then going further depending on the results.
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Saturday, May 1st, 2021 AT 6:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TOUGHDIVER
  • MECHANIC
  • 224 POSTS
Hi,

From what it sounds like is the transmission cooling hose was leaking and all the fluid leaked out and you replaced the hose and filled it backup with fluid, Make sure the fluid level is correct. When the transmission was ran without fluid it done some internal damage. You can drop the transmission pan and check how much debris and metal is in the bottom of the pan and check the filter to see it if it is dirty, You can try changing the fluid and filter but It sounds like the third gear clutch is slipping it will need replaced with an overhaul kit, torque converter and new fluid to make it right. I am attaching a link below on servicing transmission. Please let us know if this information was helpful.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Thank you
Joe Terwilliger
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Saturday, May 1st, 2021 AT 6:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MISYK
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
When putting on replacement filter it did not have any type of grommet or any type of gasket that would mate up with the valve body. What mean filter material is held against valve body with only pressure from 3 mounting screws. With filter material just pressing against the valve body this seems like a potential fault and could create fluid loss. Should there have not been some kind of grommet against valve body?
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Saturday, May 1st, 2021 AT 6:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TOUGHDIVER
  • MECHANIC
  • 224 POSTS
Hi,

The transmission filter on the side that goes to the valve there should be a small cork flat gasket this will seal to the valve body, Note If this gasket is missing take it back and exchange it, Make sure not to over tighten the screws, I'm attaching a pic, filter replacement and transmission fill procedure. Let us know if this information was helpful and what your results is.

Thank you
Joe Terwilliger
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Saturday, May 1st, 2021 AT 6:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRUNER1969
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 DODGE RAM
  • 5.2L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 197,000 MILES
I can drive it a couple of miles and then all of a sudden it's just like it's not in gear anymore. I pull over turn it off and wait a few minutes and start it back up and go another few miles and then it does it again. Can you tell me what causes that?
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Saturday, May 1st, 2021 AT 6:17 PM (Merged)
Tiny
94 TRANSAM
  • MECHANIC
  • 680 POSTS
Hi, it sounds like your filter is plugged. There is probably a lot of junk in the pan and when you drive it the filter sucks it up until it plugs and when you shut down and wait it all settles back in the pan.
Do not drive it like this or you will burn it up!

Let me know what you find.

Rich
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Saturday, May 1st, 2021 AT 6:17 PM (Merged)

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