Shift problems Archives - Transmission Digest
Sonnax introduces Second Gear Servo Kit

Sonnax has introduced Second Gear Servo Kit (part no. 77701-02K), which is a direct replacement part for GM 4L70-E transmissions. Sonnax says this kit can improve shift feel without risk of harsh 1-2 shifts in GM 4L60-E and 4L65-E transmissions. This kit is also compatible with Sonnax Fourth Gear super hold dual servo kit 77767K.

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6F35: A classic bolt intrusion

I remember the first time I took a phone call from a shop that had a GM 4L60-E with a complaint that it felt like it was bound up in both reverse and drive. I you got into the throttle a bit, it would move but with a terrible noise. After the Park Pawl was

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An accidental solution: When an issue resolves itself, but you don’t know why

Today I found myself working on a 2008 Chevy Silverado with a 4L60E transmission that wasn’t shifting correctly and whose speedometer was jumping around. After a short drive I was able to confirm the customer’s concern that the transmission had an erratic shift. I have seen faulty alternators that cause erratic speedometers, so I did

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Troubleshooting Ford 6R80, 6R140 2-3 shift quality issues

We are all too familiar by now with the numerous band numbers on Ford 6R80 and 6R140 transmissions. We know that — unless you are programming in a new calibration code — it is best to replace a solenoid with the exact same band number as what was taken out of that position on the

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Ford 6R80 & 6R140: Troubleshooting timing-related shift issues

As the old saying goes: “timing is truly everything.” Or is it? Either way, we know for sure that this is extremely true in the world of transmissions. Timing problems with clutch apply or with combined clutch apply and clutch release can create all kinds of complaints from flared shifts to harsh shifts to a

Avoiding 4L60-E harsh shifts and engagements

The complaint The complaints are harsh engagements and shifts. The scan tool data reveals that there is no amperage command to the EPC solenoid therefor the line pressure is at maximum. There are no transmission codes stored, there are lean codes stored in the ECM. The ABS or the VSC (vehicle stability control) lights may

No forced throttle downshifts

Twenty-five years ago, Chrysler introduced a 0.187-in. (4.77mm) steel, #10 check ball (figure 1, above) in the 42RE valve body which continued to be used throughout the entire RE series of transmissions (42, 44, 46, 47 and 48RE) as they were launched. This small check ball is quite active, having several functions during the course

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A needle in a haystack: Finding and diagnosing intermittent problems

A customer brought in a 2013 Ram 3500 6.7L Diesel with the following issues: a CEL, a transmission temperature display on the instrument cluster reading incorrectly, and harsh shifting that would go into limp mode. This customer informed us that he just took delivery of the truck from a Dodge dealership. The dealership was aware of

You can’t learn everything from a manual: Ram ProMaster City test case

Today’s adventure starts with a customer coming into the shop with a 2015 Ram ProMaster City van with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine and a 948TE 9-speed transmission. The customer came to our shop because the battery went dead, and after the new battery was installed, a bunch of warning lights came on. The odometer was

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545RFE Transmission with Hard Forced 3-2 Shifts

A while back, one of our retail locations received a 2011 Dodge Ram 2500 equipped with the 545RFE transmission and the 5.7L engine with a neutral condition in higher gears. The customer stated that the transmission has had shifting issues for some time but did not elaborate on those issues.  As I began the verification and

Sensor signal? Nearly none, but unit still worked

The customer had multiple concerns: 30-40 mph is the top speed, drive modes won’t switch, neutrals out in reverse, stuck in low gear at times, can’t shift manually, only works in drive Stored DTC 2767, Component Y3/6n3 (speed sensor) is faulty.

Basic Test Solves Intermittent Issue

Those of us who worked on vehicles that predated mandated catalytic converters and gas shortages can remember a wonderful time when even the most-complex electrical systems could be diagnosed with a simple test light. Computers were just starting to transform from behemoths that took up entire rooms in buildings to something that could actually fit on your desk. And there were only four wires connected to the transmission. Yes, youngsters, I said four. Those were the days.