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Dodge Ram: Problems & Solutions ![]()

3275 messages, Last post on Oct 18, 2006 at 8:20 PM
You are in the Dodge Ram Forum. Your Host is kcram
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Haven't had any gear grind, but haven't put it in reverse when the RPM's are low. I do not have the tow package. Made in Saltillo, Mexico, in Aug 01. I'm a little confused with the tow package option. I know the book states it has a ClassIV hitch receiver, Engine and Automatic transmission cooling, 7 pin wiring harness with 7-4pin adapter, and a 750 amp battery. I agree with everything except the Engine and Transmission cooling. Looked at several trucks on the lot and all radiators (the 5.9l included) are the same. Did find a bigger tranny cooler on the 5.9l with tow package. Went to the parts department and the radiators are the SAME whether you have the 4.7l or 5.9l with or without the tow package. The tranny cooler was the same on the 4.7l with or without the tow package, although the 5.9l with tow package was almost twice the size! Don't know if dodge is pulling a fast one with the engine/tranny cooling on the 4.7l but can't find any differences! |
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I had my 5.9L automatic transmission serviced at 67K miles. I had no problems prior to that other than annoying torque converter lock up sometimes hunts. Within 1000 miles of the service the trans completely self destructed. The dealer says this is conincidental with the service. Anyone have any thoughts.
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What year is your truck? Chrysler trannies are VERY PARTICULAR about their fluid! Had a 1996 and used ATF+3. My 2002 uses ATF+4. Did Dodge do your service? If it was another quick lube I'd be very cautious. They love to put the Dexron/Mercon in them. Different fluid will cause problems, I had a 1990 Plymouth that had the same, changed the tranny fluid back to chrysler ATF and it fixed the problem. Hope your's is this easy. Steve |
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I've done some research regarding the reports of Dodge transmission failures. I have counted vehicles at transmission repair shops for just over 10 months, talked to transmission repair techs, and about 55 owners. My suspicions are that the 45RE coupled to the 360 engine will probably be the most susceptible to failure. Of course, how the vehicle has been used and maintained will have a significant effect on reliability. 02ram is correct about the transmission fluid used by Chrysler. The specified fluid is Chrysler 7176. This ATF contains anti-friction modifiers and the transmission is designed around this fluid. I know that some transmission shops and auto mechanics will tell you that Mercon 4 will work just fine, but I don't believe it. One shop here told me that they use the Chrysler 7176 exclusively in Chrysler products and have never had one come back. They even stated that they use it in Ford transmissions to cure torque converter shudder problems. The drain back valve which is located in the cooling return line are known to be a problem, especially in cold weather and with transmissions that contain contaminated fluid. These valves are easily clogged, apparently, and that can lead to loss of pump pressure and resulting failure. I have talked to people who have 360 engines in 4x4s that have never had a problem, even after 150,000 miles. This makes me believe that there IS NOT an inherent design or component problem with these transmissions. However, these same people have been religious about transmission fluid and filter changes. The use of overdrive when towing heavy loads is another cause of premature transmission failures. Good luck, Dusty |
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Had the Tranny Guy listen to the gear grind. He said it was normal and coming from the rear end, I think not but he is the "expert" so against my better judgment will only keep a eye on the "problem". Decided not to push the low RPM issue until later. So all seems to be fine. Did anyone get paper work for the 7/100,000 from the dealer or in the mail after buying your truck. |
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I am not sure - but think I heard a radio ad that said the 7/100K coverage was non-transferable. Is this right - or are my ears full of wax? So if you buy a used Ram - what is the coverage? |
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| The Dodge truck automatic transmission is a great product but it is not designed to hold up to the torque produced by the ZCummins diesel and/or the V-10 engines. Heat is the primary enemy! Big, big auxilary coolers may help prolong the failure, but it will happen. The new upgrades that Cummins and Chrysler have proposed for the 2003 models will challenge this transmission even more. Lets hope they can cut a deal with Allison to use the 1000 series transmission in this new truck. If they were able to do that it would be an awesome performer. | |
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It's been announced that Dodge will offer three new automatic transmissions in 2003, rated at 700, 800 and one rated at 900 ft. lbs of torque. One will be a 700-rated version of the new generation RFE. This might go with the V-10. The 48RE will replace the 47RE used on current diesels. The 49RE will be used with the new diesel. Dodge has already made the decision not to take the Allison. Dodge instead decided to manufacture their own, which is why the automatic will be delayed for the new deisel. Dusty |
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| Great job highlighting the flaws in Consumer Reports methodology. You should transfer that over to the minivan and Intrepid discussions where our "non owners" bash at every opportunity but hate it when you bring in factual information.. | |
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Well, my critique is valid for all vehicles, but with pick-up trucks I think there is a greater chance of deviation in the CR "data." This is due to the fact that you cannot assume a mean average level of use or severity of use. Light-duty trucks run the full gamut of purpose, from pure civilian to severe commercial use. Automobiles do not with the same degree. Of course, it is fairly easy to see, if not immediately obvious to some, that Consumers' Reports have established a moral based system for judging cars and other items. The result is the 'good,' 'bad,' 'very bad' method of conveying reliability data instead of a data-point number. This is expressive of a philosophy that contains a high degree of contempt for ordinary people, who without the "expert advice" from a consumer advocate would not be able to make a wise decision. This, I think, is the result of the often zealous, religious-like collectivist, anti-commercialist view indelibly established by CU's founders, and an organization that goes beyond mere product evaluation and advocates political positions, for example with respect to the environment or health coverage. Best regards, Dusty |
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