I got a 98 dodge 1500 360.... Issue I'm having ( just started about month ago) it will shift in all gears just find but coming to a stop it won't shift down and starts off slow like in 2nd or 3rd gear

Asked by Twistedcane Sep 16, 2012 at 11:55 AM about the 1998 Dodge RAM 1500 ST Quad Cab LB 4WD

Question type: General

I got a 98 dodge 1500 360.... Issue I'm having ( just started about month ago) it will shift in all gears just find but
coming to a stop it won't shift down and starts off slow like in 2nd or 3rd gear.... When pulling a trailer I got to
manual shift up then after while my tranny temp light comes on.....is it a sensor bad ?

2 Answers

135

Probably not a bad sensor. Could be a clutch pack slipping, which would explain the extra torque causing the transmission to heat up. I would check the simple things first, like oil level. Low oil level (or high oil level for that matter) can cause overheating for a number of reasons. If the oil is low, the torque converter will not get enough fluid to facilitate smooth shifting up and down all the time. If the fluid level is too high, the oil will actually froth, or foam, up and when this happens, there is air throughout the hydraulic circuits of the transmission which inhibits the cooling ability of the oil and increases friction. Under load, this would definitely cause an overheating situation. My suggestion would be check that when you cycle the key on, your gauge needle moves up and down again during the gauge sweep, then check your oil level. If you don't have issues with those things, then you could try something like Transmission Medic or some additive that claims to stop slipping transmissions. If you'd rather tackle the job the best way, take it to a transmission shop. They would likely be able to diagnose it fairly quickly and fix it for you. Hopefully this helps a little bit at least.

4,885

Dodge trucks are notorious for not working properly when the fluid is old. (I have a 99 360 and own a shop) I would try changing the fluid. If it's fresh already then you have rebuild coming very soon I'm afraid. However I have had a sensor cause this problem too. Is the check engine light on? The sensor should trigger it if it is a sensor. Believe if or not even the speed sensor in the rear differential can also cause this issue. (The check engine light should be on if it's not burned out.)

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