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Dodge Ram: Problems & Solutions - READ ONLY

3275 messages,  Last post on Oct 18, 2006 at 9:20 PM

You are in the Dodge Ram-2010 and older Forum.

What is this discussion about? Dodge Ram Pickup 1500, Dodge Ram Pickup 2500, Dodge Ram Pickup 3500, Truck

Messages Page 297 of 328

#2956 of 3275 Re: dodge transmissions [schmedly] by dustyk

Mar 22, 2006 (5:30 pm)

Replying to: schmedly (Mar 22, 2006 7:46 am)
Hi Schmedly,
 
Thanks for the reply. Appreciate your comments.
 
First, we need to clarify the subject. The TorqueShift transmission I believe your referring to is the five-speed 5R110. That transmission was introduced in the Super Duty line in 2004. Like the 545RFE was for Chrysler, this model is a new transmission design and I believe only available on the F350, or it might be an option on the F250. I'm not sure.
 
Today and since '97, the F250 gets the four-speed 4R100 as standard equipment. Before 1997 the F250 & F350 transmission was the E4OD. Until the introduction two years ago of the 5R110, the 4R100 was also the transmission found in the F350.
 
So, if we are talking about the 5R110, this transmission is too new to have established anything but a good record, so far. I have not heard of one incident of complaint regarding this new model. I believe there was at least one TSB issued for 2-3 flare, but I also think that was computer related and not a problem with the hardware. From what little I know it is a heavy duty transmission that bears respect. Time will tell.
 
The 4R100 is a different story. While I agree it's a very heavy design, there is a one problem that is not uncommon and extremely debilitating. The torque converter clutches on this model are prone to over heating. When they get hot enough they come apart and flood the front pump with debris. The front pump shuts down and within a minute the clutches are destroyed. Of course, without a front pump there is not enough line pressure to operate forward motion.
 
While the basic archetecture of the transmission is solid, this one weakness in the 4R100 design makes for catastophic failures that are common enough. For this reason I see a number of failures and rebuilds of 4R100s.
 
Comparatively the 545RFE, which is used on RAM 2500/3500s, have seen hardly any failures or even problems for that matter. Is the 545RFE as beefy as the 4R100? Probably not quite, but used behind their current gas engines in the RAM series they have proven to be far more than adequate and far more reliable. (The 545RFE is 70% overrated behind the 4.7 motor.) The maximum torque handling capability transmission in Dodge trucks is currently the 48RE, which is only used behind the Cummins motor.
 
Chrysler halted work on a high torque 545RFE variant a while ago, their plan was to use that behind the Cummins which today does not have a five-speed automatic in a Dodge LD pickup. However, I have reason to believe they shifted gears (pun intended) to design a six-speed heavy duty series based on the 545RFE that could be used across the entire RAM line, gas or diesel, as well as their new line of medium trucks that will be introduced in the near future.
 
Best regards,
Dusty

#2957 of 3275 Re: dodge transmissions [dustyk] by schmedly

Mar 22, 2006 (7:07 pm)

Replying to: dustyk (Mar 22, 2006 5:30 pm)
As usual, good info Dusty, but in 2005 Ford made the Torqueshift the only automatic available with any power plant in the Super Duty lineup. I believe that would be 3 model years with the diesel and 2 with all the engines. It's rock-solid. That does not mean that I am saying that the Dodge tranny is a poor product by any means. It simply means that this is one area that the competition really shines. Much the same as i fel that the [powerstroke can't hold a candle to the Cummins.
 
The 545RFE HAS a dependable track record. I simple feel that it hasn't the beef to handle serious towing loads in the heavy duty lineup. The G56 manual with an aluminum housing is 50# heavier than the 545RFE. Normally the manual in any powertrain configuration is lighter than the automatic. Like I said, I'm not knockin' the 545RFE reliability at all

#2958 of 3275 Re: dodge transmissions [schmedly] by dustyk

Mar 22, 2006 (7:58 pm)

Replying to: schmedly (Mar 22, 2006 7:07 pm)
Thanks again for the follow-up.
 
I think you'll find the 4R100 four-speed is still available in the F250. Just saw one in a 2006 yesterday.
 
Bests,
Dusty

#2959 of 3275 Dodge 1500 2nd gear Problem by pcarter2

Mar 23, 2006 (11:03 am)

Hi,
My truck shifts into second and then goes right into 3rd.
I does not want to stay in Second. It downshifts into first way too easy and also if you put the truck manualy into second gear whether upshifting or downshifting, It stays in first gear with the exception being that it coasts. it doesn't downshift. it coasts untill you step on the gas and the revs come up to where you would be in first gear. So manualy
there is no second gear. Letting it shift by itself there is second gear, but it won't stay there long before it goes into third. It shifts into third like its sliding into third, but it does not slip if I floor it.
Anyone run into this weird problem. Just bought the truck last year. and it just started doing this.
I could not get any error code, but I may not be doing it right.
If someone can tell me the correct way, that may help also.
 
Thanks
Paul

#2960 of 3275 Re: Dodge 1500 2nd gear Problem [pcarter2] by pcarter2

Mar 23, 2006 (12:47 pm)

Replying to: pcarter2 (Mar 23, 2006 11:03 am)
In regards to my Hasty Message, This Year 2000 short box Half ton,4 wheel drive, Automatic with overdrive. (Overdrive is working fine)
Thanks,
Paul

#2961 of 3275 Re: Dodge 1500 2nd gear Problem [pcarter2] by laswamprat

Mar 23, 2006 (6:27 pm)

Replying to: pcarter2 (Mar 23, 2006 11:03 am)
Say pal, I think you sent me this message in mistake, I'm the guy with the Ram V10 with the ICM problem. Hope you can get your trany working right real soon.

#2962 of 3275 Re: Dodge 1500 2nd gear Problem [laswamprat] by mac24

Mar 23, 2006 (6:43 pm)

Replying to: laswamprat (Mar 23, 2006 6:27 pm)

#2963 of 3275 Re: Suspension Problem (bouncing) [angels3] by kcorsi

Mar 24, 2006 (9:09 pm)

Replying to: angels3 (Mar 18, 2003 1:11 pm)
Hey Bernie
I also have a 2003 2500quad cab 4x4 CTD long bed, I am also having this problem usualy between 50 mph and 80 mph but only happens once in a while the shaking from side to side is so violent the only way to stop it is to pull over and stop. I also am looking for a solution.

#2964 of 3275 Re: LAMP OUT LIGHT [bubbalanie] by kcorsi

Mar 24, 2006 (10:30 pm)

Replying to: bubbalanie (Mar 16, 2006 10:00 am)
Did you change both light bars or just bulbs?Ihave the same problem and the chimes are too much

#2965 of 3275 Bad Clutch by johnr6

Mar 25, 2006 (8:51 am)

I have a RAM-3500 (2003) 34000 miles and the clutch is gone. Has anyone else had a problem???

Messages Page 297 of 328

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