Automatic transmission

HERBERT MARTIN

MEMBER
1988 DODGE
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
52,000 MILES

88 dodge ram was low on fluid, I put fluid to the proper level but it wont go backwards, forwards but not backwards. Van has been converted to a class b motor home and has been sitting for years. Someone told me it needed a flux copacitor replaced. Ive never heard of one, and can't find it on the internet. Is there such a thing and would that cause my problem?

2 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

A flux capacitor is next to the muffler bearing, right under the thermothrockle. They don't exist.

Try driving forward in manual low. It should stay in first gear. If it shifts to second gear at the normal speed, the low / reverse band is broken. When an automatic transmission sits for a long time, the clutch plates, drums, and rubber seals dry out. Fluid could be leaking past the piston seal for the low / reverse band actuator. That might start to work after a while but more likely internal repairs will be needed. With the pan removed, there are test ports where the mechanic will apply compressed air to see which items are working and which ones have leakage.

Caradiodoc