14th Aug 2007, 21:25

Dodge Ram 2500 Transmission overheating (automatic)

The o/d off light and transmission temperature warning lights both starting coming on about a week ago. A few mechanics said the transmission had to be rebuilt. I found an "old school" mechanic who recommended blowing out the transmission cooling lines with compressed air, since sometimes the lines become plugged with debris. The warning lights haven't come back on since. Hopefully this will save someone a lot of money, since it cost me nothing.

21st Aug 2007, 21:39

I have a '98 Ram 1500 2wd, Water pump replaced at 80k miles, replaced again at 110k miles, rear-end howls horribly, engine has a weird vibration, I lose A/C controls under acceleration, now at 118k miles the trans won't shift and then begins to slip at about 3500 rmp. I dropped the trans pan and replaced the filter, but no luck with that. Not sure if that would be the torque converter or the trans any suggestions? I have heard a whole lot about how crappy Dodge's trans were, now I know first hand. Chevy or Ford here I come...

25th Aug 2007, 19:14

I have a 01 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 5.2l 4x4, and in the last two months I've dumped money into an entirely new cooling system, because everything pretty much needed to be replaced; rear drive shaft u joint, driver and passenger side axle shaft u joints, passenger side hub assembly, and now I think my torque converter is heading south; at 45 mph I usually run at 11-1200 rpms, and now at 45 mph I'm running at 15-1600 rpms. Gas mileage has gone down hill lately. I think it's the torque converter, or could it be anything else?

I'm currently in the fire academy full time, and cannot spend all the extra cash on this truck. I have literally dumped most of my money into this piece of crap DODGE just to keep it running like it should run. Seriously considering trading her in for a Ford.

If you're in the market for a truck, don't buy a Dodge.

1st Sep 2007, 13:27

I live in the UK and arranged to have a RAM 1500 quad cab Laramie (5.7 Hemi) imported after seeing them in Montauk NY to where I make an annual pilgrimage to fish for striped bass. Generally very pleased with vehicle until last week when at 40000 miles the front diff blew up. I've done no hard work with this truck, had it serviced as per manual and really thought it would be good for 200,000 miles if I looked after it. Arranging to get the parts imported and fitted is going to cost serious bucks. The mechanic reckons a bearing collapsed and that's what did the damage - even the casing needs replacing and the constant velocity joint on the front prop shaft exploded.

Disappointed - confidence evaporated.

Malcolm Gilbert.

6th Sep 2007, 10:16

I have a 1997 dodge ram laramie 4x4 5.9 which has over 200,000 miles on it and it drives good since I bought it, never fix anything on it,thank god.

Good luck.

31st Dec 2007, 08:38

Bought my 2000 Ram 1500 in 03 at 70k miles; the dude said the tranny had been replaced at 50k under warranty.

Lots of small repairs over the years, but the major ones are what are making me irate.

80k - A\C won't hold coolant, still refilling in summer.

95k - had rear differential rebuilt.

102k - replaced rear axle (on my own) previous mechanic said I must have been doing reverse slams... or maybe he didn't do a good job, thanks local mechanic.

130k - won't shift, replaced filter, metal shavings in pan, got about 150 miles out of that, pulled pan, more shavings.

All the trans shops that I talk to just say it needs a rebuild. I can save $ by removing the trans and bringing them a bench job. Also they say it could be the torque converter coming apart.

Any tips on removal or what could be wrong are GREATLY appreciated.

My only phrase when people ask why I'm not driving my tough looking truck "I'll never buy another Dodge"

Email rfjskipper@yahoo.com

4th Mar 2008, 15:33

I have 98 Quad Cab, and it has 145k and the rear diff is now whinning very loud. Has anyone else had this problem? If so what was the cost to fix? Thanks.

7th Apr 2008, 21:20

I own a 1999 Ram 1500 Club cab 5.2 automatic trans 127,000 miles and still ticking. I love my truck, and it looks better than the new trucks around my area. With custom paint, wheels, interior, sound system, and engine mods it is in show condition. But there is a price to pay for driving this truck.

1. Intake belly pan gasket changed. (Bad spark knock and a quart of oil every week) I ported the intake while it was out. And changed the plugs, rotor, cap, installed hot accel coil and upgraded to 10mm accel wires.

2. Water pump, radiator, and heater core changed. I know it was due to my engine running hot at 210-215 degees. (This is not normal) You have to remove the dash to change the heater core too... STUPID DESIGN! I also went to a 180 degree thermostat to run cooler, more power!

3. ABS lights on, no speedometer (changed the ABS sensor in front, and speed sensor on rear end) Pushing 300hp with no speedometer was not fun.

4. Changed front pittman arm and all ball joints (I couldn't keep my truck between the lines) Ball joints were completely worn out at 80,000 miles. I couldn't have a beer with the guys after work... without being paranoid!

5. Catalytic converter rattled soooo bad and was plugged, it was updated with a Magna flow cat along with three inch duals with Flowmaster mufflers and stainless tips behind the rear wheels. Nice sound too!

6. Changed front and rear brakes. (rear cylinders were busted stock calipers are crap stock pads left black dust all over my wheels.) updated entire brake system.

7. Transmission started to slip and shift funny. (Seafoam transfix and clean ATF-4 fluid after dropping the pan and changing the filter. (I will do it again and blow the lines out with air next time.) Don't forget to put the magnets back after cleaning the pan.

8. Fan clutch started whining. It would stay locked up at highway speeds. Sounded pretty cool though, I upgraded to dual electric fans. Gained about 12 hp there.

9. Front plastics on front bumper fell apart, it looked stupid till I installed an entire new aftermarket front grille and bumper cover. Looks better color matched with my new hood w/scoops. gotta love it!

I love my Dodge Ram, it was some work, but everything on my truck is new again. I would do it all over again too. You might call me crazy but so what, I get to drive this truck everyday...

Thanks to GOD! And the mechanical abilities he's given me.