Fixing a Dodge Transmission that won’t shift

So, my newer trusty rusty Dirty dodge in the fleet decided to have transmission failure on the way to work this morning. Lets see if we can tear into it and make it work again.

[@korn111685]

Love the 2nd gen content. Underrated trucks. Still a lot on the road.

[@MXguy95]

Your right! Cant go a mile without seeing one !

[@leecunha4442]

@@MXguy95 especially here in PA. Can't go a few blocks without seeing one parked or passing me. Literally

[@alcameron6071]

I have a 2001 dodge ram 1500 pick up and I had problems with my transmission not shifting. Everybody kept saying oh it's the solenoid it's this it's that, if you know there is nothing broken in your transmission let me save you a lot of time and money. if you have a drain plug installed in your transmission pan, go ahead and drain the fluid out. If you don't, get yourself one of those pumps from your auto store with the long hoses and suck it out through the filler tube in the engine compartment. You don't have to drop the pan and go through all that hassle putting in a new gasket and all that crap next, 3 quarts of ATF +4 transmission fluid, from the maker of your choice, and a bottle of Lucas transmission fix. This stuff is magic in a bottle. Put 1 quart of fresh transmission fluid in, and then the bottle of Lucas transmission fix. You're going to need a funnel to stick in that filler tube because this stuff is thicker than molasses and you have to start and stop because it's so thick it needs time to run down the tube. After that put in one more quart of transmission fluid. Before you add anymore, warm up your engine, and run it through each gear manually pausing in between shifts, and always ending up in neutral. Check your transmission fluid with your truck running if you're at the hole in the stick or just starting in the Cross hatch area, leave it alone and take it for a test ride. I'll tell you what happened in my truck. Within two minutes after that Lucas transmission fix mixed with all the transmission fluid, my truck is now shifting perfectly. I'm telling you Lucas transmission fix is magic in a bottle. I bought three bottles of transmission fluid and one bottle of Lucas transmission fixed to the tune of $62. It's a lot better than $1500. Do yourself a favor guys, try this before you let a dealer or a transmission shop get a hold of your truck and tell you it needs to be rebuilt.

[@SolidSnake4Ever2003]

thanks a ton, my truck still drives alright enough for my uses in-town as a backup vehicle and occasional hauler/grocery getter/fast food drive thru quick trip vehicle but I figure at 227k miles the trans is living on borrowed time, I did a fluid change, filter change and band adjustment about 2 years ago but the trans will randomly do this revving up thing before going into gear, really weird, I'll have to document exactly when it goes this, I believe trying to go from 2-3 but I could be wrong, and it's only randomly. There's not a ton of info on the older non electronic 46RH transmissions that I could find, no solenoid sensors to change at all I believe, I've heard some truly miracle stories about the lucas transmission fix stuff, I guess if the trans erodes anymore I don't have much to lose by pumping some fluid out and putting in a bottle. Truly and utterly kicking myself for not nabbing up one of a plethora of daily driver but reliable trucks in the past in my rural area that used to only go for $1500 all day long, sometimes cheaper, anything $2000 and up started being very nice. Those days are sadly long gone now with inflation, it's WAY cheaper for me to even drop another new trans in my 95 ram than take the risk getting a used lemon from somebody...anything that'll even run and drive these days shot up astronomically

[@bjlove259]

This is the first video that I ran across that truck is doing the same thing mine is doing. It does not slip the engine just roars and it does not go straight into gear. I notice it more when I try to floor the gas pedal and it does the same thing as if the pressure is not there. Thank you for this video.

[@traviscoleman4192]

She's different in good shape! You can always tell if someone takes care of there stuff and I see by the looks of the truck you do.

[@randyshaw3935]

Bless YOU for creating and posting this video! ( The work itself is irritating, so much more challenging with 1-hand filing! My 1999 Ram has 125,000 original miles and only in 2022 starting having sluggish shifting. You described my issue that points to the pressure solenoid.....thank you kind sir!

[@saveamerica8460]

Mine is a 99 also, just hit 143k slipping going into second gear. Try this band adjustment tomorrow.

[@handimanjim4378]

I like the way you explained what you did off camera and way edited the way you did. The majority of KZbinrs don't explain the cuts in footage. Great video and keep up the good work!

[@peterharms3639]

Informative and enjoyable, as always. Good work young Jay.

[@MXguy95]

Much appreciated

[@robmay3163]

Great video Jay! Simple direct and easy to understand step by step process. To complete the job from beginning to end. Informative and entertaining. Even for somebody like me, lacking in wrench turning experience.

[@MXguy95]

Glad you enjoyed it! Hoped it could help someone else out before they spend thousands at a trans shop. This is common on these trucks. And if you make the band adjustments and change those sensors, you can bring the transmissions back to life 9 times out of 10

[@jamesmcdonald3113]

Always enjoy your videos Jay.

[@jamesjames3525]

Jay's great car adventures. Well done young fella as always. Thanks for the video it was mighty fine.

[@MXguy95]

Thanks 👍 just getting it done

[@daniellee9015]

Brilliant video Jay 👍

[@davenay1645]

you did a very fine job narating your video keep up the great work Jay

[@Ka9radio_Mobile9]

You trunk is in good shape with over 2 grand on it, and I like the style of the Rams. Good luck with the transmission!

[@kylecotton4024]

Man, this was a great write up. I'm going to be doing this to my 98 Ram soon!

[@HODGEPODGEDODGEGARAGE]

I'm glad that seemed to fix your Dodge for the mean time 🙂👍

[@kevincasady8992]

Thank you for the video, adjusting the bands and replacing the control solenoid fixed my 01 with 200k, hasn't worked this well in years. It was to the point I had to manually shift it, but if was in low 4wd it shifted fine...

[@nickc7494]

Great informative video, adjusted many bands when I worked at Chrysler/ Dodge dealerships

[@missincredible6087]

Is this a common issue in these vehicles? I have a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 5.2 v8 2WD automatic. I was hauling some equipment and my truck 🛻 was pulling hard down the street from my house 🏡. I got it home but now it won’t go into gear ⚙️. Ex: I can put it R or D it just stays there……

[@eddunbar3403]

Great video. Got my new solenoid today and this vid was just what I needed. 92 Dakota with 90 k miles

[@Toothless69420]

did it work? just swapped transmissions in my truck and the pan and everything looked amazing but its stuck in first gear

[@BeardedCheif]

Never have been a dodge fan but this gen was by far the best looking IMO, awesome video Jay and hope all is well 👍

[@MXguy95]

Same for me honestly, but man they are some work horses! Just treat them right and they will return the favor! Thanks for watching !

[@bronzechicken4437]

Another adjustment I've found VERY important is the TV cable going to the throttle body. Mine had a BAD 3/4 flare and that's what it was. Then again I bought a 260K mile 98 a few weeks ago that was stuck in 1 and 2, and that's the result of 3 quarts low in fluid. It had a major leak and with fluid it shifts great.

[@luistorres2544]

I changed all of the stuff mentioned in the video and it still didn’t move BUT I did notice the throttle would get “stuck” when halfway pressing it. I’d have to press a bit harder and it would get unstuck. This may be the issue

[@willf5768]

Great video Jay 😁👍👍👍👍👍

[@valeriepickens2533]

Thank you so very much for posting this!! We just bought a 95 Dakota that does exactly the same thing! Hopefully, it won't cost to much to fix it. We are both working, but we live in our truck. So believe me, you helped far more, then you'll ever guess!! God loves the humane soul!

[@MXguy95]

Your very welcome! I like your MLP art! And I hope this works for your case too! If I can help in any way let me know !

[@valeriepickens2533]

@@MXguy95 thank you! I also do sharpie art on cars and trucks.

[@danielc3472]

Good work on the dirty Dodge! 👍🏼

[@MXguy95]

Thanks !

[@robertsmith987]

Never saw one of those without Rust

[@MXguy95]

This one is rusting out on the fenders and bed sides. But it’s not bad yet

[@Pierson116]

Lol I live in Ohio so seeing one that looks as clean as yours Is interesting. There's not one that exists in my area that doesn't have rusted out wheel arches and rocker panels. I saw one where the bed sides were so far gone that the fuel filler neck was just hanging out in the open being held up by a bungie cord and you could see the inside of the bed.

[@robertsmith987]

@@Pierson116 I live In Massachusetts same here when he put it in the air I was like 👍 I have a Swiss 🧀 Silverado myself full of holes

[@Pierson116]

@@robertsmith987 I know right, I've never seen a dodge with an underside that clean. I drive an '02 Grand Prix that is also Swiss cheese lol, rocker panels are pretty much non existant 😂

[@netrioter]

There's mint ones all over the southwest. I know a guy with a 94 V6 5 speed with 400k miles in Lubbock Texas. Extended Cab 4x4. The rear end and frame still has black paint on it.lol. he owned it since new

[@HumanzeeTamer]

Great presentation, thank you, now i will try to get my transmission serviced by myself.

[@jaredlyons3453]

She's clean for her age

[@MXguy95]

She’s got a few character dents, and some rust in the fenders and bed sides that’s hidden pretty well. But overall a good solid truck

[@jaredlyons3453]

That would be classified as clean up here in Western Massachusetts

[@paularcher4607]

That's what they all say. lol

[@Blindbat00721]

@@paularcher4607beat me to it

[@jimbiel4536]

Just the info I was looking for. Thank you

[@MattBrownbill]

My 42RE had a broken ring on the magnet. 😔 I am going to weld a sump drain onto the replacement gearbox's pan. Helpful video, thanks.

[@rockinrides]

Very informative, great vid Jay! Love seeing service jobs like this. Also, that underside is pretty darn clean.

[@MXguy95]

I wouldnt have made the video if the trans hadnt died on the way to work lol! Thought I would bring you guys along for the repair

[@ProlificInvention]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@jwarehouse1]

Yes! A how to vid from MR. Smart! Remember the good old days taking Civics apart in your garage!

[@MXguy95]

Man, that makes me feel old haha! Id much rather be fixing the big boy toys lol

[@anthonydierlam5560]

hey jay its nice seen your videos i miss them keep them coming happy thanksgiving

[@MXguy95]

Are you not seeing them? I literally posted like 5 videos in the past week? You need to hit the little notification bell!

[@MrShastamp]

Thank you for this video! My 96 ram has this EXACT same problem currently and I was looking for the right fix. I am going to try this and I pray it fixes my old girl. I will keep you posted and let you know if this helps mine as well!

[@missincredible6087]

Update???

[@ariansolano7561]

Update ?

[@darrylvohs5526]

Good looking truck!

[@MXguy95]

Thank you !

[@chadharmon5716]

excellent video well done jay

[@MXguy95]

Thanks 👍 I appreicate that!

[@jessestout8646]

Very good job!!!

[@bh2236]

Thank you so much for the information!

[@jewllake]

That fluid and transmission looked pretty clean for the mileage!

[@MXguy95]

Yes it was!

[@bamparsil]

I know this video is gonna be great, so close to 100k subs

[@MXguy95]

Thanks buddy! I appreciate it!

[@bamparsil]

@@MXguy95 youre welcome!

[@chuckfarley567]

Seafoam trans x.... Well done video !!

[@napadave100]

Cool Dodge. Learned a lot.

[@MXguy95]

Thank you!

[@robertmartin6099]

I'm getting ready to do the exact same repair. 1997 dodge with 470 K miles.

[@missincredible6087]

I have a 1999 Dodge 1500 2WD automatic not shifting at all. 330,000 I got a code from OReily’s saying transmission solenoid. Did this fix your issue?

[@donaldfranklin5391]

Great video

[@terrycummings7239]

Great job👍👍💯💯

[@ItsaRomethingeveryday]

Of course we enjoyed the vid, it was very helpful, Liked

[@MXguy95]

Awesome, thank you!

[@dwaynecollins4974]

That's a good looking truck most of them have the clear coat popped off of them or Rusty as all get out, and somehow the dashboard seems to crumble and disappear

[@Wolfiejohn]

thanks jay wish i had u here to fix my 99 camary lol

[@MXguy95]

I would if I could for ya!

[@netrioter]

Props to you knowing not to throw away the old fluid away. That's what destroys worn transmissions is doing a flush and filter. ESPECIALLY ON A 4L60-E . always save the old stuff if it's over 100k miles

[@MXguy95]

You never know! just might need that !

[@MrJeep75]

Ya right

[@blackwolf3302]

Good video I have a 2nd gen ram 1500 5.9 motor with 174000 miles I had that same part replaced on mine I purchased my dodge 11 years ago at 142000 miles good trucks

[@MXguy95]

Very nice!

[@jasonhauer7850]

Its really a good looking truck

[@MXguy95]

its been a good one

[@erniecollins929]

Thank you very much that was very educational

[@MXguy95]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Dmp241]

That truck is like mint! Don’t even see those in Massachusetts anymore they’ll rotted away

[@MXguy95]

This one has virtually no rust. But she did come from Virginia !

[@tommyhall2535]

Sorry about your truck good luck buddy hope y'all are doing fine

[@MXguy95]

Shes fixed and back to work no issues !

[@iBonnieYT]

Nice video Jay

[@MXguy95]

Thanks Queen

[@saveamerica8460]

Mine is slipping going into second. Hoping the band adjustment alone will fix it.

[@stephenbrown7815]

Those chrysler transmissions require you to check it idling in neutral, and only use atf+4. I'm definitely gonna use this video for my 96 42re if needed. Thanks

[@dwaynecollins4974]

I did that to a Chevy Blazer that was slipping between years and put some Lucas transfix in and that cured it. 2 years later it threw a rod LOL

[@applepoop10]

If you want that transmission to last longer, I’d advise installing aftermarket transmission cooler if you hauling a lot of stuff.

[@MXguy95]

Ive thought about that. Just hadnt got around to it.

[@user-vu4mu3uy5s]

Good informative video

[@pi1797]

Nice truck. Very clean. Just getting broke in good. Is that a 5.2 or 5.9 in the truck??

[@aloesecretinc]

Well done.

[@EduardoRodriguez-nh4cc]

Great video I try installing the solenoid to see if my ram trans gets back on its feet

[@dude-kz9yr]

Welp my 2000 model year truck just lost all its gears. Now ive got park and 4 neutrals. Off to the trans shop she goes.

[@AmadoHernandez-hk9ee]

Thanks BOSS for tha tip 🙏👍

[@hunterwaldroup6403]

I live in Kentucky and it’s nearly impossible to find one of these that’s not rotted out, and if they aren’t they got different color body panels all over them. 😂 I never realized how clean this old truck actually is.

[@MXguy95]

This truck came from Virginia ! And shes fairly clean all things considered!

[@johnnylarue2135]

That part fixed my 3rd Gen Ram 3500 Diesel automatic.

[@jacobkerr9836]

I”ll tell ya jay that puppy is clean in my eyes! You wanna see rust come see them 2nd gens up here in pa! My god got more holes than spongebob lol. They are all swiss cheese! Thanks for another video buddy

[@MXguy95]

Oh I know! And this truck is from West virgina !

[@kennethhuff7158]

Thanks for the info, wish you were my neighbor😉

[@jovanlopez90]

you probably all ready know this but i think your suppose to check the fluid in neutral with the engine running as what the dip stick says my 47re in my cummins has it stamped good video btw

[@MXguy95]

Yes, I checked it running as the dipstick said as well.

[@rileyhogan8248]

No wonder the transmission are infamous for going out on those trucks.

[@MXguy95]

All it takes is a little bit of maintenance, and they dont usually need a full rebuild, just do this, and put it all back together... and taaadaaa shes alive and well again

[@davida.p.9911]

Dodge had some earlier transmission problems with the 94-98 models. Mine started whining really bad at about 30,000 miles. It was covered under warranty. Some kind of nylon bushing they said had worn out prematurely. Then it happened again at 57,000 miles...only it was worse. Whine in every gear. It was out of warranty and I couldn't afford to fix it so I sold it. Chrysler never issued a recall, though it was a common problem for those years. ANYWHO. Glad you got yours repaired and driving again! 👍

[@MXguy95]

Yikes! I would have given up on that one too! With the miles and work I put on trucks, I dont expect them to last long. But they use to be cheap enough I could just snag another for a few bills. Now used truck prices are so high I think It will be a long time before I buy another one. As long as this one still runs or can be cheaply fixed

[@SolidSnake4Ever2003]

basically where I'm at these days, I am absolutely KICKING myself for not nabbing up the clean extended cab cheap dodge and chevy trucks that were available for years in the 2010s, it's way cheaper for me to even have the trans rebuilt in my old 95 ram whenever it floats up to heaven than to even take the risk looking at cheaper super junky used stuff these days, anything running and driving without problems shot astronomically up in price. You could fine running and driving vehicles for $1000 all day long(sometimes well under!), $1500 got a beater but reliable daily driver and usually extended cab which is considered a premium here vs the reg cabs, $2000 and up stuff started actually getting really nice at least in my rural area years ago, but those days are long gone sadly@@MXguy95

[@djs_projects_repairs]

Had an 01 intrepid with a 3.5 it started doing weird revs and missing gears ended up doing fluid and filter never had another issue out of it till the motor blew.

[@pod9363]

yay you did the thing!

[@MXguy95]

What thing

[@pod9363]

@@MXguy95 work-along video! Unintentionally but still!

[@isaac24]

I love 2nd gen Rams. Of course, the 1st gen is cooler, but the 2nd gen is awesome, especially with the Cummins.

[@SolidSnake4Ever2003]

I really like the 2nd gen vids, these truck despite little stuff here and there really truly have a fond spot in my heart, after a string of extremely bad luck with junky cars, the two 2nd gens I've had have been the most reliable vehicles I've owned. Is there anything that can be done on the earlier non electronic trans 2nd gen trucks using the 46RH trans? My 95 5.2 v8 truck is getting a little on up there, a bit over 227k miles on it now, and randomly the trans will do that rev up thing before going down and changing gears. It's just an occasional hauler and backup vehicle these days so as long as it goes down the road I'm not too picky. I've considered putting some of that lucas stop slip stuff in it as a shot in the dark. I did get the fluid and filter change done 2 years ago and bands adjusted

[@realtrucker9213]

Hi Jay, are you turning into the next Chrisfix? Nice video and keep up the great content you do.

[@MXguy95]

Negatory there ghost rider. I can pronounce the word "water" and you can see my face. Were all just having fun here ;)

[@raquanbigelow4529]

Was your trans shifting before at all? And did the governor pressure solenoid fix the problem

[@chadernest4399]

Love gen 2 dodges

[@terryl6706]

My brothers 2nd gen outlasted my 2015 F150 eco boost.

[@smarternu]

Nice. I never never use the old oil.

[@CupwakeRBLX]

If you drained it and there was a lot of clutch material it’s better to put the old fluid back in cause all of the shit in the old fluid could be what’s holding your transmission together so you just wanna keep using that.

[@billstreber5194]

I had trouble yrs ago on my dodge caravan took to a local trans shop they said trans is shot....quoted me some ridiculous price and I took it back home I was ready to. Just scrap it checked on the web for similar problems I found one....I said to myself why not..they had said the passing gear rod can be rusty causing it to stick...it was can of wd40 trans was fixed..thanks to the internet....not so much to that garage

[@thenhraguy4935]

i think there may be 1 more solonoid. but yes these trucks are ALWAYS coming in with this problem its mostly the sensor. the ECM's also take a shit and the trucks will stall out or misfire like a sivv

[@brianr9560]

I wouldn't be concerned about that wear. I had a 79 Chrysler with A904 and it had about a 1/4" of material in the bottom. Basically lost 3rd and reverse, but would still drive down the highway as long as the torque converter would lock up.

[@spartcrockerify]

Were you on Ashville Hwy in Spartanburg?

[@mccrackenphillip]

I use a ratchet to pull the pan & my hand to slowly drain the oil out let gravity do it or it would spill out real fast like that man

[@brianr9560]

For what reason would you want to adjust the transmission bands?

[@user-kg5gn5ge4w]

Silicone sealer is not good for an automatic transmission. The small pieces tend to stop up the lube holes in the mainshaft

[@ivanvasquez6496]

Im doing mine tomorrow, did you ever end up putting some of the old trans fluid back in, my trucks a 97

[@josematias1787]

If anyone is interested. I have an automatic transmission for sale. It belonged to a 97 Dodge Ram 3500 5.9 cummings. It only has 24,000 miles on it

[@alexanderharlow298]

Unfortunately a common problem. Looks good for the age though!

[@MXguy95]

Easy to fix though! And you can buy them cheap when people think the transmission is "bad"

[@mrdanger4851]

Hey all just fyi My 05 ram has an issue of the trans pickup filter( flat filter) dislodges ever so slightly allowing Air into trans fluid causing shift issues...Diagnose by check fluid with engine running in N you will very easily see the entrained air...there have been many dodge owners who were sold a trans rebuild when it was only a seal leak

[@edgelineaerialsolutionsllc7615]

Does the nut for the clutch cable tighten to 30 inch lb or 30 ft lb?

[@anthonystuber9619]

Hello Jay I I have a transmission question on an automatic 2003 4x4 1500 Dodge ram the question is does that solenoid that you're replacing in this video is it most likely the cause of the transmission not to ship from second to third or does that mean the transmission is no good please I would be grateful if you let me know the answer thank you

[@Brougham89]

Just listen to some Bachman-Turner Overdrive and hope it fixes it

[@fatboyhd1902]

Did you use the old fluid

[@dwaynecollins4974]

Hasn't lost any gears, this doesn't want to necessarily change from one to the next anymore LMAO

[@ryanravencaller]

Fluid and filter (if possible) change every 40-50k is a great preventative maintenance to keep the transmission working right in any vehicle and it ensures it will last a long time, people always say “i got my oil change” but uhhh what about coolant, transmission fluid, and other fluids? A good oiled engine is nothing without non acidic coolant and something reliable to power the wheels!

[@MXguy95]

yessir! You gotta check and change ALL the fluids!

[@ryanravencaller]

@@MXguy95 Needless to say, I won’t buy a car without adding it to my garage on my carfax car care reminder and checking the service history, without a transmission dipstick, If i can’t see the color of the fluid and its never been documented as done, pass.

[@user-bb6ry4ls7b]

I have an 01 dodge that only lets me go to 2000 RPM 45 max I have changed partnered every sensor in it including the speed sensor. Wondering if you might have any ideas why it doesn’t wanna rev up and shift properly feels like it’s in limp mode.

[@ericsarmiento5574]

I got one that doesn’t wanna go into reverse. Is that something that would need cause the transmission to be repaired or could it be a cheaper fix

[@mmiller1188]

People poke fun at the 4l60s but the Dodge and Ford 4 speed autos of that era were terrible.