1995 Dodge Ram No Park

TXHOTROD

MEMBER
1995 DODGE RAM
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

My transmission will not go into park and hold the vehickle still, I have to use the parking brake. Trasmission shifts fine no problems, no late shifts or erradic shifting. Is there a parking pawl in this type of transmission? I was told by a reputable trans mechanic that it could be the second gear band was loose, or broke, but the symtoms would be no second gear shift which mine does have so I am stumped, anybody got any ideas!

3 Replies

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,548 POSTS

Either the pawl is broke or the shift cable is out of adjustment/loose.

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Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 AT 6:23 AM

TXHOTROD

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Where is the pawl located? Under the valve body? I will check the shift cable today and see if its out of adjustment. But if it was not adjusted properly would not the shifting into gear be affected also?

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Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 AT 7:51 AM

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,548 POSTS

The adjustment would be very small for the pawl not to engage.
The tip of the pawl could also be broken. You can try removing the pan (change the fluid and filter) looking for any metal pieces stuck to the magnets in the bottom of the pan.
I was thinking the shift cable may be loose at the point where it connects to the transmission, usually held in place by a bracket and stamped steel clip.
I would disconnect the cable and move the lever on the trans. All the way to park, if the pawl still will not engage, then it is more than likely broken. Generally you would have to remove the valve body and a few steel hydraulic lines to get to it.
I would probably check with a transmission shop for cost, since unless you are a transmission expert, you can cause more damage.

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Thursday, June 12th, 2008 AT 7:42 AM