Dodge Ram wont shift into overdrive on cold winter days?

[Mark]

Well Ive had this problem ever since I purchased the truck new in the
winter of 1997. If it gets any colder than -25C I end up with no
overdrive.This has been on trips lasting over 2 hours. Today it is a
rare -40C...CRAZY COLD! I know Im not the only one complaining about
this problem.There is some improvement when the block heater is
plugged in. The colder it gets, the more likely there wont be any
overdrive.There is no shortange of cold temps in Canada unfortunately.
Has anyone come up with a solution?

[bowza]

I don't have a solution but I've got the same problem with my 2002 ram.
It seems as if the fluid has to reach a certain temp before the control
module will let overdrive function. So I let it warm up longer on the crazy
cold days before I leave home, but the temps in Tennessee stay a little
warmer than they do in Canada so that won't help any. I hope you find your
solution.

Post by Mark
Well Ive had this problem ever since I purchased the truck new in the
winter of 1997. If it gets any colder than -25C I end up with no
overdrive.This has been on trips lasting over 2 hours. Today it is a
rare -40C...CRAZY COLD! I know Im not the only one complaining about
this problem.There is some improvement when the block heater is
plugged in. The colder it gets, the more likely there wont be any
overdrive.There is no shortange of cold temps in Canada unfortunately.
Has anyone come up with a solution?

[Jerry]

Post by Mark
Well Ive had this problem ever since I purchased the truck new in the
winter of 1997. If it gets any colder than -25C I end up with no
overdrive.This has been on trips lasting over 2 hours. Today it is a
rare -40C...CRAZY COLD! I know Im not the only one complaining about
this problem.There is some improvement when the block heater is
plugged in. The colder it gets, the more likely there wont be any
overdrive.There is no shortange of cold temps in Canada unfortunately.
Has anyone come up with a solution?

Date: Jul. 7, 1995

Models: 1996 (BR) Ram Truck

1996 (AB) Ram Van/Wagon
1996 (AN) Dakota
1996 (BR) Ram Truck
1996 (ZJ) Grand Cherokee

NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RWD
TRANSMISSIONS 42RE, 44RE, 46RE, AND 47RE.

Discussion:

In ambient temperatures of minus 5 degrees F and below, the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) will electronically inhibit the transmission from
shifting into overdrive. This will protect the transmission from damage
if the automatic transmission fluid begins to freeze. This is a new
feature for the 1996 model year.

The PCM will allow overdrive operation once the ambient temperature has
risen approximately 7 degrees above the temperature the transmission
overdrive was inhibited at, or an ambient temperature of + 2 degrees F,
whichever occurs first.

NOTE: THE PCM USES A DIFFERENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR TO MONITOR THE
OVERDRIVE DISCONNECT THAN THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
MONITOR THE OVERDRIVE DISCONNECT WITH THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE.


Jerry

[blacky]

I have the same problem with my '99 Dakota. I was worried unitl I
read in the owners manual that the transmission is designed not to use
overdrive in the cold weather. But even after it warms up it still
wouldn't upshift. What I do is drive until the temp gauge reaches
normal, then pull over and stop. It seems the transmission wont
upshift until it has downshifted after it's warmed up. Hope that
works for you.

Post by Jerry

Post by Mark
Well Ive had this problem ever since I purchased the truck new in the
winter of 1997. If it gets any colder than -25C I end up with no
overdrive.This has been on trips lasting over 2 hours. Today it is a
rare -40C...CRAZY COLD! I know Im not the only one complaining about
this problem.There is some improvement when the block heater is
plugged in. The colder it gets, the more likely there wont be any
overdrive.There is no shortange of cold temps in Canada unfortunately.
Has anyone come up with a solution?

Date: Jul. 7, 1995
Models: 1996 (BR) Ram Truck
1996 (AB) Ram Van/Wagon
1996 (AN) Dakota
1996 (BR) Ram Truck
1996 (ZJ) Grand Cherokee
NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RWD
TRANSMISSIONS 42RE, 44RE, 46RE, AND 47RE.
In ambient temperatures of minus 5 degrees F and below, the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) will electronically inhibit the transmission from
shifting into overdrive. This will protect the transmission from damage
if the automatic transmission fluid begins to freeze. This is a new
feature for the 1996 model year.
The PCM will allow overdrive operation once the ambient temperature has
risen approximately 7 degrees above the temperature the transmission
overdrive was inhibited at, or an ambient temperature of + 2 degrees F,
whichever occurs first.
NOTE: THE PCM USES A DIFFERENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR TO MONITOR THE
OVERDRIVE DISCONNECT THAN THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
MONITOR THE OVERDRIVE DISCONNECT WITH THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE.
Jerry

[Mike Simmons]

Post by Jerry

Post by Mark
Well Ive had this problem ever since I purchased the truck new in the
winter of 1997. If it gets any colder than -25C I end up with no
overdrive.This has been on trips lasting over 2 hours. Today it is a
rare -40C...CRAZY COLD! I know Im not the only one complaining about
this problem.There is some improvement when the block heater is
plugged in. The colder it gets, the more likely there wont be any
overdrive.There is no shortange of cold temps in Canada unfortunately.
Has anyone come up with a solution?

Date: Jul. 7, 1995
Models: 1996 (BR) Ram Truck
1996 (AB) Ram Van/Wagon
1996 (AN) Dakota
1996 (BR) Ram Truck
1996 (ZJ) Grand Cherokee
NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RWD
TRANSMISSIONS 42RE, 44RE, 46RE, AND 47RE.
In ambient temperatures of minus 5 degrees F and below, the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) will electronically inhibit the transmission from
shifting into overdrive. This will protect the transmission from damage
if the automatic transmission fluid begins to freeze. This is a new
feature for the 1996 model year.
The PCM will allow overdrive operation once the ambient temperature has
risen approximately 7 degrees above the temperature the transmission
overdrive was inhibited at, or an ambient temperature of + 2 degrees F,
whichever occurs first.
NOTE: THE PCM USES A DIFFERENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR TO MONITOR THE
OVERDRIVE DISCONNECT THAN THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
MONITOR THE OVERDRIVE DISCONNECT WITH THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE.
Jerry

Thanks Jerry!

That info also appears in everyone's owner's manual. As a further point, it
is the transmission temp that is monitored, NOT the engine temp.

Chryco Service Manager
Member SAE

[Tom Lawrence]

Post by Mike Simmons
That info also appears in everyone's owner's manual. As a further point, it
is the transmission temp that is monitored, NOT the engine temp.

Another case of acute dermatitis cellophania?

[HSmith2078]

I have also experienced a similar situation. My 2000 Durango 5.9 insists on
locking out the O/D whenever ambient is below -20c.

After driving about 3 to 4 miles down the highway, at 80 kph, (following a
brief warm-up time of about a minute), I simply release the throttle, blip the
ignition key and O/D re-appears (No, it hasn't reached operating temp yet and
ambient is about -30c).

Incidently, I can already hear the hue and cry about: an unsafe pratice,
potential loss of vehicle control, etc., etc..... so in order to save time,
consider it already acknowledged. I'm not suggesting that ANYONE adopt the
same method but merely stating what works for ME, just as a matter of interest.

Post by Mike Simmons

Post by Jerry

Post by Mark
Well Ive had this problem ever since I purchased the truck new in the
winter of 1997. If it gets any colder than -25C I end up with no
overdrive.This has been on trips lasting over 2 hours. Today it is a
rare -40C...CRAZY COLD! I know Im not the only one complaining about
this problem.There is some improvement when the block heater is
plugged in. The colder it gets, the more likely there wont be any
overdrive.There is no shortange of cold temps in Canada unfortunately.
Has anyone come up with a solution?

Date: Jul. 7, 1995
Models: 1996 (BR) Ram Truck
1996 (AB) Ram Van/Wagon
1996 (AN) Dakota
1996 (BR) Ram Truck
1996 (ZJ) Grand Cherokee
NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RWD
TRANSMISSIONS 42RE, 44RE, 46RE, AND 47RE.
In ambient temperatures of minus 5 degrees F and below, the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) will electronically inhibit the transmission from
shifting into overdrive. This will protect the transmission from damage
if the automatic transmission fluid begins to freeze. This is a new
feature for the 1996 model year.
The PCM will allow overdrive operation once the ambient temperature has
risen approximately 7 degrees above the temperature the transmission
overdrive was inhibited at, or an ambient temperature of + 2 degrees F,
whichever occurs first.
NOTE: THE PCM USES A DIFFERENT TEMPERATURE SENSOR TO MONITOR THE
OVERDRIVE DISCONNECT THAN THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
MONITOR THE OVERDRIVE DISCONNECT WITH THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE.
Jerry

Thanks Jerry!
That info also appears in everyone's owner's manual. As a further point, it
is the transmission temp that is monitored, NOT the engine temp.
Chryco Service Manager
Member SAE

[Greg Surratt]

On Thu, 29 Jan 2004 19:16:09 -0600, "Mike Simmons"

Post by Mike Simmons
That info also appears in everyone's owner's manual. As a further point, it
is the transmission temp that is monitored, NOT the engine temp.
Chryco Service Manager
Member SAE

Mike, isn't there also some issue with transmission drain down (for
lack of a better term) that is best cured by sitting at idle in
neutral for about 30 seconds to a minute? Leaving the vehicle in
park doesn't cure the problem?

Symptoms are that the vehicle won't move for several seconds after
placing it into drive or reverse if the vehicle has been sitting for
several days.

Greg

[Mike Simmons]

Post by Greg Surratt
On Thu, 29 Jan 2004 19:16:09 -0600, "Mike Simmons"

Post by Mike Simmons
That info also appears in everyone's owner's manual. As a further point, it
is the transmission temp that is monitored, NOT the engine temp.
Chryco Service Manager
Member SAE

Mike, isn't there also some issue with transmission drain down (for
lack of a better term) that is best cured by sitting at idle in
neutral for about 30 seconds to a minute? Leaving the vehicle in
park doesn't cure the problem?
Symptoms are that the vehicle won't move for several seconds after
placing it into drive or reverse if the vehicle has been sitting for
several days.
Greg

Yes, this occurs infrequently especially after being parked a day or two.
Parking slightly nose up exacerbates this condition.

Mike

[mac davis]

On Fri, 30 Jan 2004 04:10:54 -0600, "Mike Simmons"

Post by Mike Simmons

Post by Greg Surratt
Mike, isn't there also some issue with transmission drain down (for
lack of a better term) that is best cured by sitting at idle in
neutral for about 30 seconds to a minute? Leaving the vehicle in
park doesn't cure the problem?
Symptoms are that the vehicle won't move for several seconds after
placing it into drive or reverse if the vehicle has been sitting for
several days.
Greg

Yes, this occurs infrequently especially after being parked a day or two.
Parking slightly nose up exacerbates this condition.
Mike

damn! did Mike really say "exacerbates"??
i'm impressed!!




Mac

[Mike Simmons]

Post by mac davis
On Fri, 30 Jan 2004 04:10:54 -0600, "Mike Simmons"

Post by Mike Simmons

Post by Greg Surratt
Mike, isn't there also some issue with transmission drain down (for
lack of a better term) that is best cured by sitting at idle in
neutral for about 30 seconds to a minute? Leaving the vehicle in
park doesn't cure the problem?
Symptoms are that the vehicle won't move for several seconds after
placing it into drive or reverse if the vehicle has been sitting for
several days.
Greg

Yes, this occurs infrequently especially after being parked a day or two.
Parking slightly nose up exacerbates this condition.
Mike

damn! did Mike really say "exacerbates"??
i'm impressed!!

I can spel reel gud too!

;^)

Mike

Post by mac davis
Mac

[RedNeck TookOver Hell]

Post by Mike Simmons
I can spel reel gud too!
;^)
Mike

Not bad for an "old" Leatherneck!!!!! <G>



Politics, the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from
the rich.

[Mike Simmons]

Post by RedNeck TookOver Hell

Post by Mike Simmons
I can spel reel gud too!
;^)
Mike

Not bad for an "old" Leatherneck!!!!! <G>

Ya' had to emphasize the "old" didn'tcha Red?

;^)

Mike

Post by RedNeck TookOver Hell
Politics, the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from
the rich.

[RedNeck TookOver Hell]

Post by RedNeck TookOver Hell
Not bad for an "old" Leatherneck!!!!! <G>
Ya' had to emphasize the "old" didn'tcha Red?

Lol, never miss an opportunity!!!!! <G>



Politics, the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from
the rich.

[Bryan Swadener]

Post by Mike Simmons

Post by Greg Surratt
On Thu, 29 Jan 2004 19:16:09 -0600, "Mike Simmons"

Post by Mike Simmons
That info also appears in everyone's owner's manual. As a further

point,

Post by Mike Simmons
it

Post by Greg Surratt

Post by Mike Simmons
is the transmission temp that is monitored, NOT the engine temp.
Chryco Service Manager
Member SAE

Mike, isn't there also some issue with transmission drain down (for
lack of a better term) that is best cured by sitting at idle in
neutral for about 30 seconds to a minute? Leaving the vehicle in
park doesn't cure the problem?
Symptoms are that the vehicle won't move for several seconds after
placing it into drive or reverse if the vehicle has been sitting for
several days.
Greg

Yes, this occurs infrequently especially after being parked a day or two.
Parking slightly nose up exacerbates this condition.
Mike

FWIW, my Torqueflite guru Pat Blais (206-365-1966) informed me that TFs fill
faster when in Neutral than when in Park. I've noticed that w/ my '77 D200.
Bryan

[charlie]

OK you guy's, here is what I did, dunb or knot!! I have a '94
2500. the trany temp sensor is on the trany cooler line by the trany. It
looks like a pres sensor screwed into about an 11/16" deep nut welded to the
cooler line. Just pull the wires off and insert a 6800 ohm 1 watt resistor
across the wires. This will tell the computer that the trany oil is about
130 deg. and it will shift into overdrive and lock-up. BUT you will loose
the over temp indicator for the trany 'cause you tricked it. You have NO
trany temp sensing now.I did this because mine would not shift for several
miles in the winter, and I have a real problem with spinning the shit out of
a cold engine. I would rather ease off and waite untill the water temp comes
up to the start of the normal arc befor i get on it than to run about 5
miles at 2200 rpm on a cold motor. I also will not pull ANYTHING until the
water temp is in the normal arc. This has to be putting some extra presures
in the system, or dodge would not have elected to lock it out until it is
warm. I have 189000 miles on the truck with over 160000 of them with this
mod done to it and still on the original trany. But I only pull a 35' 5er, a
30' 2 horse/living qrts gooseneck, and accasionally a case 450C dozer with
it, But it is a dodge not a ford.

[Mark]

Im not really all that handy when it comes to working on vehicles so
forgive me for asking dumb questions, here I go...... Is there a risk
of damage to the tranny if the fluid is a little cold and thick while
running in overdrive? It would seem to me that as long as its getting
lubed and kept cool it would be relatively safe.We are averaging
-30C/-22F in Dec-Jan.Running 2 months with no overdrive just seems
like ....some real dumb engineering. Regardless of the fact it
mentions it in the owners manual, that really doesnt justify the
headache. Im would tampering with the temp sensor be all that risky in
cold winter months?

P.S. I tried all sorts of trick to get it to run in overdrive once on
route, nothing worked. It seemes that once the trip started and I got
into overdrive early, it stayed there.If I stopped for gas on the
highway, I was screwed. Too bad you couldnt have a bypass switch in
the winter for that temp sensor.....or could you???

Post by charlie
OK you guy's, here is what I did, dunb or knot!! I have a '94
2500. the trany temp sensor is on the trany cooler line by the trany. It
looks like a pres sensor screwed into about an 11/16" deep nut welded to the
cooler line. Just pull the wires off and insert a 6800 ohm 1 watt resistor
across the wires. This will tell the computer that the trany oil is about
130 deg. and it will shift into overdrive and lock-up. BUT you will loose
the over temp indicator for the trany 'cause you tricked it. You have NO
trany temp sensing now.I did this because mine would not shift for several
miles in the winter, and I have a real problem with spinning the shit out of
a cold engine. I would rather ease off and waite untill the water temp comes
up to the start of the normal arc befor i get on it than to run about 5
miles at 2200 rpm on a cold motor. I also will not pull ANYTHING until the
water temp is in the normal arc. This has to be putting some extra presures
in the system, or dodge would not have elected to lock it out until it is
warm. I have 189000 miles on the truck with over 160000 of them with this
mod done to it and still on the original trany. But I only pull a 35' 5er, a
30' 2 horse/living qrts gooseneck, and accasionally a case 450C dozer with
it, But it is a dodge not a ford.