2004 Dodge Ram transmission will not shift?
I was riding at normal speed and something sounded like a pop, transmission down shifted to 3rd gear, just as if you had changed to tow mode. Rpms went up and trans would not shift, stayed in 3rd gear. What could this be and how can it be fixed?
"If the check engine light came on, your engine's ECU computer is registering 1 or more error codes. If you have an OBD-II scanner you can read them yourself, otherwise you'll have to take the truck to the dealership to clear them even if you fix the mechanical failure on your own.
I'm assuming it's an automatic transmission, which may or may not be owner-serviceable (I know Fords require a trip to the dealership for transmission service). However, if you're experienced in working on your truck, you may just want to look underneath to see if the driveshaft, u-joints, rear end differential, and transmission box seem to be lined up and fastened properly. The pop you heard was most likely a mechanical failure in which a mount or internal gear may have broken or seized. If nothing seems broken, twisted, bent, or leaking underneath your truck, your best bet is to get the error codes causing your check engine light scanned asap.
Good luck, transmission failures are never fun and rarely cheap. I do believe they are covered in Dodge's extended powertrain warranty, so there may be some salvation."
"Just to reiterate of what Derek Halman is pointing out correctly. Here are just a few of the things that could be wrong with your transmission. Best to get it scanned and narrowed down:
NO LOW GEAR (MOVES IN 2ND OR 3RD GEAR ONLY)
Possible cause
Cause 1. Governor Circuit Electrical Fault.
Solution 1. Test with DRBT scan tool and repair as required.
Cause 2. Valve Body Malfunction.
Solution 2. Remove, clean and inspect. Look for sticking 1-2 shift valve, 2-3 shift valve,governor plug or broken springs.
Cause 3. Front Servo Piston Cocked in Bore.
Solution 3. Inspect servo and repair as required.
Cause 4. Front Band Linkage Malfunction
Solution 4. Inspect linkage and look for bind in linkage.
STUCK IN LOW GEAR (WILL NOT UPSHIFT)
Cause 1. Throttle Linkage Mis-adjusted/Stuck.
Correction 1. Adjust linkage and repair linkage if worn or damaged. Check for binding cable or missing return spring.
Cause 2. Gearshift Linkage Mis-adjusted.
Solution 2. Adjust linkage and repair linkage if worn or damaged.
Cause 3. Governor Component Electrical Fault.
Solution 3. Check operating pressures and test with DRBT scan tool, repair faulty component.
Cause 4. Front Band Out of Adjustment.
Solution 4. Adjust Band.
Cause 5. Clutch or Servo Malfunction.
Solution 5. Air pressure check operation of clutches and bands. Repair faulty component.
NO 3-4 UPSHIFT
Cause 1. O/D Switch In OFF Position.
Solution 1. Turn control switch to ON position.
Cause 2. Overdrive Circuit Fuse Blown.
Solution 2. Replace fuse. Determine why fuse failed and repair as necessary (i.e., shorts or grounds in circuit).
Cause 3. O/D Switch Wire Shorted/Open Cut.
Solution 3. Check wires/connections with 12V test lamp and voltmeter. Repair damaged or loose wire/connection as necessary.
Cause 4. Distance or Coolant Sensor Malfunction.
Solution 4. Check with DRBT scan tool and repair orreplace as necessary.
Cause 5. TPS Malfunction.
Solution 5. Check with DRBT scan tool and replace if necessary.
Cause 6. Neutral Sense to PCM Wire Shorted/Cut.
Solution 6. Test switch/sensor as described in service section and replace if necessary.
Cause 7. PCM Malfunction.
Solution 7. Check with DRBT scan tool and replace if necessary.
Cause 8. Overdrive Solenoid Shorted/Open.
solution 8. Replace solenoid if shorted or open and repair loose or damaged wires (DRBT scan tool).
Cause 9. Solenoid Feed Orifice in Valve Body Blocked.
Solution 9. Remove, disassemble, and clean valve body thoroughly. Check feed orifice.
Cause 10. Overdrive Clutch Failed.
Solution 10. Disassemble overdrive and repair as needed.
Cause 11. Hydraulic Pressure Low.
Solution 11. Pressure test transmission to determine cause.
Solution 13. Remove unit, check end play and install correct spacer.
Cause 14. Overdrive Piston Seal Failure.
Solution 14. Replace both seals.
Cause 15. O/D Check Valve/Orifice Failed.
Solution 15. Check for free movement and secure assembly (in piston retainer). Check ball bleed orifice.
Does not look like a good job for a DIY'er unless you have the proper tools and knowledge. Again this is just to reenforce Derek's answer :-) best of luck to you."
John, As a first step, have a good Technician scan for trouble codes, diagnose and estimate repair. Takes a lot of guess work out of transmission fault diagnosing if there are codes set.
I had the same thing happen 3 weeks ago. Cruising speed. 'Pop' (a jerky, kick-down, really). Check Engine Light came on. Now in 3rd gear. Wouldn't downshift at stop sign. I turned off engine. Restarted. Transmission shifted right, but R-N-D shifts with a sloppy 'bang' (like a bad u-joint). I disconnected the battery. Waited 2 minutes. Reconnected Battery. Ck Eng light gone and truck back to normal. After 1200 miles of my regular driving, its fine. Good Luck.
Make sure fluid is at right level because most probably it is caused by improper fluid level or thickness of fluid. Also check your clutch linkage or shift cable and adjust them if necessary. One more problem that causes gear shift problem is vehicle’s computer system that controls the automatic transmission as you see at buyusedengine(.)com. You need to reset it. Resetting takes most likely 30 minutes but if even after resetting, it doesn’t work, time to go for a mechanic.
