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
  • 109,755 POSTS
Have they tried replacing the trans control module (TCM)?
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Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 AT 9:59 PM
Tiny
BRUSHTON
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Yes that has also been changed out.
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Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 AT 12:29 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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The only thing left is a shift solenoid. Have they been replaced?
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Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 AT 12:31 AM
Tiny
BRUSHTON
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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?
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Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 AT 8:35 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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THere is no check valve or anything like that. Does it ever work normally?
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Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 AT 9:45 PM
Tiny
BRUSHTON
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On random events it will work correctly but I am not able to duplicate the act.
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Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 AT 11:00 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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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.
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Wednesday, August 11th, 2010 AT 11:06 PM
Tiny
BRUSHTON
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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.
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 8:51 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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60 seconds? I never heard of that.
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 11:10 PM
Tiny
BRUSHTON
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  • 0 POST
Yes and I laughed in his face. My buddy had the same issues with his Dodge which he traded for a Chevy
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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 11:54 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I never heard of that. There is an issue with the TCM or a shift solenoid.
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Friday, August 13th, 2010 AT 5:49 PM

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