Transmission acts like it slips out of gear?

DANIELR

MEMBER
2001 DODGE RAM
180,000 MILES

So, my buddy has the truck listed above with six-cylinder engine. When he starts it puts it into gear, it goes just fine. But not for very long. It acts like it slips out of gear and just won't go. Until he turns it off. Immediately re-start it and it works again. For just a second. I checked the check valve and I dropped the transmission pan, unbolted the filter and the 1st thing I noticed was nothing was red or had a red tint to it. The second thing it looked like something was in the fluid. Like water or something. I'm going to change the fluid and filter and see if that doesn't help. But could old dirty fluid stop it from shifting.

11 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,256 POSTS

Yep, this can be a sign the seals inside transmission have worn out. Does the truck have any codes? This guide will help us gather any codes that are stored:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

I have seen the pressure regulating solenoid go out and cause this issue. Here is the location so you can test it, which is a simple 12-volt power and ground, you should hear a click. Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.

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Wednesday, August 7th, 2024 AT 2:13 PM

DANIELR

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25 POSTS

The first picture is what you wanted me to test correct? In the second picture I was just curious what that is. It's like a plunger mechanism and it's got a purple spring-like objective inside of it. It works easily with my hand. I didn't know if that was supposed to be like that. Or what I tested the deal. You told me to test that thing in the second picture. I just didn't know if I was supposed to do it with the truck on or what? The way I did it was only reading like point 25 millivolts and I did the resistance across the Solenoid itself right there. And it gave me a 4.2 I don't know what my thing was set on so I don't know if that's ohms or kili ohms or what. I'm going to get a better probe. The one I have is broken on the end so I couldn't really stab Into the wire.

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Friday, August 9th, 2024 AT 3:53 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,256 POSTS

Yes, in the first image I need you to remove the solenoid and put 12 volts to it to see if it clicks, ground one terminal and power the other, on the second image that is a servo plugger that works the band which helps the transmission shift and it is hydraulicly operated. Let me know how it goes.

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Friday, August 9th, 2024 AT 8:31 AM

DANIELR

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25 POSTS

So, I need a power probe to test that solenoid? I've got one. I was just using a multi meter. So, I need to remove the solenoid completely. Ok will do. Now the servo plunger that works the band should I be able to move it by hand.

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Friday, August 9th, 2024 AT 9:24 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,256 POSTS

Yes, you can use a power probe, but you will need to ground one side of the terminals of the solenoid. I don't think you should be able to move the servo arm, but I am not sure. It may have a broken retainer spring.

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Friday, August 9th, 2024 AT 9:48 AM

DANIELR