Tranny loses its lockup

[Keyoop77]

I have 94 ram van 250 with a 318 engine. This van is a great vehicle for traveling in (custonmized). It sits most winters in storage. Last year (2006) when I pulled it out of storage, the tranny acted up. It is real slow to engage into any gear (3 speed automatic) including reverse. Even after it has engaged and I pull up to a stop sign, then try to pull away it is like the tranny went into nuetral. Also when I get it out on the raod and it tries to shift into passing gear it also acts like it goes into nuetral. Looking for some help. Cordially, frustraited owner P.S. if you respond please use my e-mail addy I view it daily thanx. [email protected]

[scarycary]

You probably want start with the less expensive stuff. I would change the fluid and filter first. I'll bet that will take care of it.

[Keyoop77]

I change the fluid, filter, and put in some additive about 500 miles ago, problem seems a little better. But not gwetting any better. Thanx for your info. Do these trannies have a soleniod in them, or perhaps a broken spring in the valve body? Looking for anything that will help. Keyopp

[Keyoop77]

I changed the fluid, filter, and put in some additive in about 500 miles ago, problem seems a little better. But not getting any better. Thanx for your info. Do these trannies have a soleniod in them, or perhaps a broken spring in the valve body? Looking for anything that will help. Keyoop

[jsinton]

A lockup solenoid is not your problem. My understanding is that the LS only works to DISENGAGE the clutch. The clutch is actually mechanical and engages when the transmission is spinning at a high enough speeds so that centrifugal force causes the trans to "lockup". The LS will disengage this electrically.

Sounds to me like you have more of a problem with the bands slipping. I have the same problem, but it goes away once the trans warms up. Does your transmission work better as it warms up?

[Keyoop77]

Yes, a little perhaps. When cold it slowly goes into gear and some time its like it is partially in gear and wants to lock up. Once it warms up it goes onto gear much faster and when it locks up it is a solid lock up, until I let up on the throttle or stop at a stop sign or it drops into passing gear. I was thinking about buying a manual, but I don't know what the tranny goes by. All I know is; it is a 3 speed automatc behind a 318. Thanx for the info. I will look into your suggestion about the bands. P.S. is this tranny difficult to rebuild? Thanx agian

[jsinton]

Rebuilding the transmission is not recommended for the home mechanic. In fact, most repair manuals (Haynes, Chiltons) don't even cover it. You need the genuine Chrysler manual if you want to rebuild the trans. If necessary, the recommended fix is to buy a whole new (or rebuilt) transmission. Other than that the only recommended procedure is to take it to a transmission shop to have it flushed and adjusted. It's probably worth trying this first.

[Keyoop77]

Thank you one and all for your help. I have talked with a certified mechanic and he is going to try adjusting the bands and check out the valve body. If this doesn't take of the problem the next step will be to pull and probable repace. Thanks agian