dodge ram transmission problems

[Donald_Hill]

I have a 1997 Dodge Ram 3500 5.9 Cummins Diesel 4X4 with a standard transmission. For the past year, I have been having an intermittant problem with shifting gears. The first time it occurred, I was shifting down and it would not go into any gear at all. I pulled over to the shoulder called a wrecker and had it checked. When it got to the dealer, it worked no problem. They kept it, test drove it, and could not find any problem. It was quite a while before it happened again. This time I was parked, came out to go, and the truck would not go into any gear. Just for the heck of it, I put it into four wheel drive, then shifted and it worked. Took it out of four wheel drive and it worked.... It is a mystery to me what could be causing the problem. It has only happened 3 times in the year, but it is a nuisance when it happens. I am not a "mechanical savy" and wonder if anyone out there has had similar problems or has any clue as to what is going on. Thanks

[bratt]

when was the last time you had the BANDS ADJUSTED and the fluid/filter changed. the manual says 30k intervals

[Donald_Hill]

thank you for your information. I take the truck in for regular oil changes, etc., but I have never heard anything regarding "bands". Don't even know what those are, but I will call my shop to find out. Thank you again. I don't know much about motors, etc, but I can build a mighty fine house. lol

[BleedDodge]

bratt thinks you have an automatic, I guess he never finished reading the first sentence.

Mr. Hill, that's quite a strange problem that you've got with your truck. It is interesting that it will take a gear with the transfer case engaged. I'm sorry I don't have any advice for you however.

[bratt]

Originally Posted by BleedDodge

bratt thinks you have an automatic, I guess he never finished reading the first sentence.

Mr. Hill, that's quite a strange problem that you've got with your truck. It is interesting that it will take a gear with the transfer case engaged. I'm sorry I don't have any advice for you however.

your right i got the STANDARD incorrect sir!

[rockwood84]

i have heard of the same thing but it was a 3/4 chevy 4x4 it would do it on the owner but when he took it to the dealer it would not act up. this went on for a year. finally the ole guy that owned it got hot and took it back to the dealer and told them if they could not fix it then he wanted a new truck at half price to make up for all the aggrivation of this one. one mechanic that had been there for 30 years was getting ready to retire in a couple of days had not worked on the truck for a couple of years as the boss always let the newer mechanics work on it told the old guy to give him a day to figure it out and come back it would be fixed. the old guy came back the day after and took it home and had no trouble at all for a whole month of hauling cows and hauling hay. he went back to the dealer one day and asked them what they did and the boss pulled up the record the old mechanic that had since retired had simply adjusted the clutch worth a try

[Chris Stewart]

You might change the gear oil, the lube does wear out and the sycronizers loose their "grab". Lots of 5spd. guys add an extra quart to keep the front input shaft bearing oiled. I put an extra pint in mine through the top PTO cover bolt hole.