1995 Dodge Ram 1500 Transmission Shift Loss

DODGE TRUCK
Avatar
DUMBFOUNDED
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
1995 Dodge 1500 pickup 5.2 liter. 2-wheel dr. w/130,000 miles, 4 speed automatic (46 RH) transmission with 30,000 miles since o/h.

Transmission shifts normally first 10-15 miles then only low and reverse work. After the truck cools it shifts normally again for 10-5 miles then no top gears again.
The transmission oil is pink with no burnt smell. Could a sprag clutch failure be temperature related? Where is the problem?

Thanks
May 3, 2006 at 5:44 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
It sounds like you have a solonoid problem. Take it to a pro with a scanner that will allow a tranny reset. He can actuate the solonoids abd determine which one is bad. Not an unusual problem for that tranny.
May 3, 2006 at 10:38 AM
Avatar
JK581
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
In the 46RH the shift commands come from the governor located in the tail housing portion connected to the output shaft. Debris can get in there and after the unit warms up and things swell the debris can bind up the governor valves. In the hydraulically controlled units this can be the first sign you have metal debris building up from a possible internal failure or excessive wear. Generally, if you clean the governor valve and it works for a short time before failing again, it's time for an overhaul. To clean the valve, you need to remove the tail housing off the back of the transmission and unbolt the governor assembly from the output shaft. Disassemble the governor, clean, and blow out all components, reassemble and give it a try. On a 2wd it's a 30-40 min repair. On a 4wd the Tcase needs to come off making it a 90-120 min repair. (Roughly)
Also, if you haven't removed the anti-backflow valve from the trans cooler line remove it ASAP. They fail and cut off oil flow to the rear section (overdrive section) of the transmission. Was a major issue with dodge RWD vehicles for a long time.
I hope this helps.
Nov 18, 2023 at 6:22 AM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
Hi JK581, thanks for that information. The post is old, but I know it will help others in the future. Your knowledge is appreciated.

Take care and feel free to come back anytime.

Joe
Nov 18, 2023 at 2:05 PM

Suggested Repair

Clean the tail-housing governor assembly, since debris can bind the valves once the transmission warms up. Also remove the cooler-line anti-backflow valve, which can cut oil flow to the overdrive section. If cleaning only helps briefly, plan on an overhaul. A shop can also scan and actuate solenoids if electronic control is involved.

Conversation Summary

A 1995 Dodge 1500 with a 46RH shifts normally for the first 10-15 miles, then only low and reverse work until it cools. Fluid is pink and not burnt. One reply suggested a solenoid fault diagnosed with a scanner and reset. Another explained that the 46RH is governor-controlled and that warm debris can bind the governor valves, and also warned that a failed cooler anti-backflow valve can starve the overdrive section. An expert thanked the contributor and noted the advice would help others.

Related Repair Questions

Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle