Transmission going bad?

[30-30]

I've got a 1999 Dodge ram 1500 that I bought from a friend a few months ago. The truck was in great shape, with just under 100,000 miles, and was well taken care of for it's whole "life." The it was rear ended and totaled. I bought it from my friend for $2200. I drove it for a while and even made a weekend trip up to Amarillo with no problems. But just a couple of weeks ago the transmission acted up and wouldn't shift out of first gear (auto). I was told that it needed a new solenoid? I drove it around a little more, filled up the gas tank and topped off the coolant/antifreeze.

Now it shifts just fine. Any thoughts? I've never heard of a transmission solenoid. What is it? If the truck needs a new transmission I'll probably have to scrap it. Thanks for the help!

[HandiKap Bowhunter]

Dodge has a problem with its Autos on light duty trucks and fuel systems on heavy duty diesels in the older models. That is something we have delt with for years but will only drive a CUMMINS so I deal with it. All the halftons we have had the transmissions all seamed to be the weak link on the truck. Not sure on the solenoid but the tranny should only ever be your problem when it comes to regular use and matinance.

[Randy]

Yep Ive heard of that problem and a $20 sensor will fix it. check around on teh dodge forums. I had a buddy with teh same problem.

[bwssr]

Wildman had some issues a while back also...an electrical thing....

[deerplanter]

There is a solenoid for shift points but I don't have any experience with them. Check out www.automotiveforums.com I find a lot of answers there.

[Bill]

Those Dodges are notorious for tranny problems. My 01 has 170k on the original tranny, and I'm lucky. If the problem 'went away', I'd start by having a tranny shop or you drop the pan, change the filter, adjust the bands (you may not be able to do it, I have never and always paid for that to be done but I understand it's not rocket science) and put in new, good fluid and see what happens. Yes there are solenoids and a whole bunch of other stuff inside there that can go bad, too.

[Leemo]

just got mine out of the shop, $593.00, Dodge trucks have tons of sensors on them, I neglected to change the tran. fluid and filters, I had two solenoids go out, a pressure sensor, and a govenor sensor, you gotta' drop the tranny to get to em', my truck had trouble shifting from 1-2, 2-3.........

[crazycuben]

freddies transmition shop did my ford i priced every were else wainted 2700. to toally rebuild mine they did it for 1150. including tork converter if it is a bord or selinoid they can do it cheeper. contact is steve phone number is 214/365-3733 good luck with it

[30-30]

Yep Ive heard of that problem and a $20 sensor will fix it. check around on teh dodge forums. I had a buddy with teh same problem.

I believe this is the issue. The check engine light came on and it was because the speed sensor needed to be replaced. Going to pick it up later today and see what happens. Thanks!

[flurryoftexas]

freddies transmition shop did my ford i priced every were else wainted 2700. to toally rebuild mine they did it for 1150. including tork converter if it is a bord or selinoid they can do it cheeper. contact is steve phone number is 214/365-3733 good luck with it

freedie is a great guy and he does thing right....steve has worked with freddie for over 20 years.......

[mavrick]

Make sure the fluid is topped off if it is just a bit low it will shift funny. I had a '98 that wouldn't shift sometimes, it was just a low fluid level.

[grizzlyman]

I had a 97 Dodge Dakota that had tranny problems. Mechanic originally thought it was the solenoid when the check engine light came on. It came on again after the stock market crashed and I need a new tranny instead according to him.

I reset the check engine light manually and drove it another six months without a problem. Then someone totalled it out while trying to paralell park and I took the money and ran. About that time, I inherited a 95 F-150 XL so I just decided to drive that.