Truck won't go in reverse when cold

[xylia]

Our truck won't go in reverse when it is cold. After shutting the engine off and restarting it takes a while then pops in hard. We have been told everything from new sensors to overhaul. Did anyone have the same problem and fix it??

[LTJGWorth]

I had a similiar problem with mine. I was told it was a pressure problem, front pump problem, almost everything. My problem went a little further then yours. Like, past reverse. But recently the problem totally went away. I don't really know what was wrong with it.

[mprtech]

Hello, I'm a Dodge trans tech. You didn't specify a year and engine but I will assume you have a 4 speed auto. How cold is cold first off, next is how long does it sit before it acts up. I would make sure the fluid is at the correct level, a low fluid condition would act as you describe. Do you also have a delayed 2-3 shift after a cold start? If so it would be probable that the front clutch is leaking and a overhaul is due. Front clutch issues are pretty common on 42re and 46re trannys. Steve.

[LTJGWorth]

Hey mprtech... check out the post by me on the tranny. Explain that.

[xylia]

Hi Guys! It's a 96 Ram 4X4 V8. I remember someone wrote in another thread that fluids don't run in park or neutral, so I had my husband put it drive with the e-brake on and let it run for awhile then put it in reverse. It doesn't fix the problem but it helped a little this morning. Still need to find out why it hits hard in reverse!

[mprtech]

LTJGWorth it sure sounds like you need an O/H. The rev delay and inability to shift to 3rd are the same concern, related to the front clutch.

[mprtech]

The reverse check ball in the valve body has a tendency to hammer the plate it seals off. After a decent amount of use, this will cause a hard bang into rev. You would need to have the plate replaced.

[LTJGWorth]

Ok, thanks, but my truck stopped doing that stuff. It shifts fine now. And I have heard of the check ball. When my tranny was rebuilt, I had that ball changed.

[xylia]

either way you say, it doesn't sound good.
How much will it cost to fix to where there is some sort of guarantee on the work. Although we are both mechanically inclined, it's too much work. Especially since it's our only vehicle.

[mprtech]

An overhaul through a dealer, which would be a complete reseal, front clutch piston and retainer, reman front pump, separator plate and check ball, would be in the 1600 to 2200 dollar range. It would carry a 12 month 12000 mile warranty usually. If you were to purchace a Mopar reman trans assembly that would run around 2600 plus install of 500 to 600, and that would carry a 3 year 36000 mile warranty. Still cheaper than a new truck.

[xylia]

with what you're describing, something would be leaking and that is not the case. All fluids wer checked when we bought the truck and then checked again when it got a lube job.

[jordanjamiejessica]

i have over 200 k on my dodge trans no proplems had ur proplems though changed fluid to chrystler trans fluid these trucks are picky and yes i abuse my truck

[xylia]

We had to have a new/rebuilt tranny put in. Two days after bringing it to A***co, the truck didn't even want to go forward...never had that problem. It heated up real bad. So thinking that they caused that problem we took it somewhere else. It cost $1569.00 out the door with a three yr/30,000 warranty. We now have no more problems with the tranny. I just wish it all could have been avoided. Thanks for your help, it is appreciated.