I was told the transmission was bad

JENNIFER ZACHOW

MEMBER
1999 DODGE RAM
5.9L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
114,000 MILES

I bought the vehicle listed above 1500 magnum force. I was told the transmission was bad. Was told can drive to 10 MPH then it won't go and shut off turn back on and will go again. Well, that was not the case when picking it up and we had to pull it onto the trailer. Got it home and backed off trailer no issues but never tried anything else. Decided to move it so got my Ram 2500 out to pull it forward where I wanted it since reverse worked. Backed up and drove in no problem and no tow needed. Make a loud noise when not in gear but in gear goes away. 4x4 was in N coasted to put in 2H like the book says. So is my transmission shot? Or can it be rebuilt? With this heat I would hate to pull one at junkyard but with my 2500 transmission on the fritz and unsure what is wrong with it and my car on the fritz needs pretty much whole new front end lower stuff I would love to have this truck fixed. As it will be for my business once repaired and of course off road fun.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,355 POSTS

Hi,

Does it work normally in reverse? What happens when you place it in drive? Have you checked the fluid level and condition? If you haven't, start there. I attached the directions for testing below. Do this and let me know what you find.

If the fluid is clean and full, then we will need to scan the computer for codes. This vehicle has a final drive module which may be causing issues. The module should have codes identifying if there is an issue.

Here is a quick video showing how it's done:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

If you don't have a scan tool, most parts stores will lend one to you. Do this if the fluid is full and in good condition.

If there are no codes, we will need to check line pressure. We will cross that bridge if we need to.

Let me know the results of what I suggested.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Saturday, July 10th, 2021 AT 9:46 PM

JENNIFER ZACHOW

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Fluid is very clean and exactly where it should be. Works perfectly in reverse. No issues no sounds. In park it vibrates but in gear doesn't. But still only moves a bit then have to shut off restart and will move a little more. No jolt or anything. It is weird. I'm trying to find my obd2 machine. Just moved and haven't unpacked yet sorry. Will let you know what code it gives. Check engine light is on. Did put in neutral and husband pushed backwards a bit to put in 2H like book said because is was in N. Not sure if we had to do this going forward or if backward would work. If not do I put the 4x4 back in N and push forward? Unsure where final drive module is even located. And can't go to parts store because it barely moves forward.

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Monday, July 12th, 2021 AT 4:50 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,355 POSTS

Hi,

You can move it in either direction to shift to 4 hi. Once you get the scanner, let me know what codes are found. Hopefully, it will something simple.

Take care of yourself.

Joe

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Monday, July 12th, 2021 AT 8:21 PM

JENNIFER ZACHOW

MEMBER
3 POSTS

It only pulled one code. P1764 governor position sensor. So I ordered a whole kit but I don't see how this going bad would cause it to make a grinding noise. And how do I know if it went into 2h from neutral? I coasted backward to lock it in. I had it in neutral on the column and my husband pushed it. Could this be the problem also? As for reverse it does reverse just fine except at first it pauses. It's weird.

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Sunday, July 18th, 2021 AT 10:53 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,355 POSTS

Hi,

If there is a delay, there is a good chance the governor is related. However, the code you have is likely a wiring issue rather than the sensor. I attached all the diagnostics below related to the code. It is extensive.

Also, if you are questioning if you are in neutral or 2wd, place the transmission in park. If it holds, you are engaged. If it doesn't, the transfer case is likely in neutral.

Let me know if the diagnostics are something you are comfortable doing. That is the way to determine the exact issue.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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