2003 Dodge Ram Slipping on start in first gear

Tiny
BRUSHTON
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
When I start my truck in the morning it doesn't engage first gear. If I start it and place in neutral while waiting 30 to 60 seconds it will move. This also happens after after the truck is warmed up. Its been this way since new and the dealer can never find a issue. The fluid is clean and isn't burnt. I also have changed the filter in the transmission repeatedly. So any help would be great
Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 AT 6:34 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Have they tried replacing the trans control module (TCM)?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 AT 9:59 PM
Tiny
BRUSHTON
  • MEMBER
  • 0 POST
Yes that has also been changed out.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 AT 12:29 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
The only thing left is a shift solenoid. Have they been replaced?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 AT 12:31 AM
Tiny
BRUSHTON
  • MEMBER
  • 0 POST
Yes they also replaced the solenoid after I complained they hadn't done anything. It acts as though the fluid bleeds down. Is there a check valve that maintains pressure in transmission on shut down?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 AT 8:35 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
THere is no check valve or anything like that. Does it ever work normally?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 AT 9:45 PM
Tiny
BRUSHTON
  • MEMBER
  • 0 POST
On random events it will work correctly but I am not able to duplicate the act.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 AT 11:00 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
From here, the only thing I can think of is something bad in the valve body or the TCM. They control what the trans does. I wish I had a better answer for you but that is it.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 AT 11:06 PM
Tiny
BRUSHTON
  • MEMBER
  • 0 POST
Thanks for you help. In the first 70,000 miles the truck was always in the shop for. I always got we can't duplicate the problem. Then they told me that Dodge allows 60 seconds to engage first gear.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 8:51 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
60 seconds? I never heard of that.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 11:10 PM
Tiny
BRUSHTON
  • MEMBER
  • 0 POST
Yes and I laughed in his face. My buddy had the same issues with his Dodge which he traded for a Chevy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 11:54 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
I never heard of that. There is an issue with the TCM or a shift solenoid.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, August 13th, 2010 AT 5:49 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links