truck wont shift out of 3rd gear

Asked by Angelo Jan 15, 2015 at 05:32 PM about the 1997 Dodge RAM 1500 Laramie SLT Club Cab 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

4 Answers

13,735

hi so what your saying is that it is stuck in third gear or it won't shift to forth and stays in third ......//here is the shift sequence for third to fourth ........//The overdrive clutch is applied in fourth gear only. The direct clutch is applied in all ranges except fourth gear. Fourth gear overdrive range is electronically controlled and hydraulically activated. Various sensor inputs are supplied to the powertrain control module to operate the overdrive solenoid on the valve body. The solenoid contains a check ball that opens and closes a vent port in the 3-4 shift valve feed passage. The overdrive solenoid (and check ball) are not energized in first, second, third, or reverse gear. The vent port remains open, diverting line pressure from the 2-3 shift valve away from the 3-4 shift valve. The overdrive control switch must be in the ON position to transmit overdrive status to the PCM. A 3-4 upshift occurs only when the overdrive solenoid is energized by the PCM. The PCM energizes the overdrive solenoid during the 3-4 upshift. This causes the solenoid check ball to close the vent port allowing line pressure from the 2-3 shift valve to act directly on the 3-4 upshift valve. Line pressure on the 3-4 shift valve overcomes valve spring pressure moving the valve to the upshift position. This action exposes the feed passages to the 3-4 timing valve, 3-4 quick fill valve, 3-4 accumulator, and ultimately to the overdrive piston. Line pressure through the timing valve moves the overdrive piston into contact with the overdrive clutch. The direct clutch is disengaged before the overdrive clutch is engaged. The boost valve provides increased fluid apply pressure to the overdrive clutch during 3- 4 upshifts, and when accelerating in fourth gear. The 3-4 accumulator cushions overdrive clutch engagement to smooth 3-4 upshifts. The accumulator is charged at the same time as apply pressure acts against the overdrive piston.

7 people found this helpful.
80

So what part needs to be changed,because I've changed the Torque converter clutch solenoid, speed sensor, shift solenoid, filter and fluid? Still won't shift from 3-4

8 people found this helpful.
20

Shift solenoids are pretty common issues with these trucks. A quality scanner from a shop would put you in the right direction with the least effort and money.

2 people found this helpful.

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