E40D Issues
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 324
Likes: 1
From: VA BEACH
i would definitely try and change the fluid or go for a rebuilt trans which is most likely going to be needed over a new truck, 1895 is really good for a 3yr warranty with unlimited miles. the rams are nice interior and accessory wise though like a Cadillac compared to my truck, 2013 is all redone even though the 2500 and 3500 are not available and probably wont be for a couple more months i would never own on and have to deal with all the emissions and problems from the emissions equipment, they are adding DEF to the 2013 model year.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 400
Likes: 1
From: Richland, WA
This is crazy. PJ1961-I had the same problems with my last truck when I bought it at 215K. MY friend (who is a Ford Diesel Mechanic) came with me to buy the truck, a 1995 extended cab. It was in awesome shape except for the trans and I got it at $4500 (instead of $6200) because of that problem. I bought it because my friend told me there was no problem, the fluid was brown and all I would need to do is replace it.
We had to rev it to get into reverse and it would drop out of Drive. Same problem you're having.
We took it to his place, dropped the trans pan, replaced the filter and fluid. Drove like a brand new truck. Drove it for 60,000 miles. Only sold it to get a 1997 Powerstroke crew cab because I was getting married and gaining two awesome step daughters at the same time.
Just change the fluid and filter. You'll be happy you did. Personally I wouldn't waste my money on a 6.7L Dodge. Maybe an older 5.9L with a manual trans. But then the truck will still literally fall apart around you. Plus you're now driving a Fiat.
We had to rev it to get into reverse and it would drop out of Drive. Same problem you're having.
We took it to his place, dropped the trans pan, replaced the filter and fluid. Drove like a brand new truck. Drove it for 60,000 miles. Only sold it to get a 1997 Powerstroke crew cab because I was getting married and gaining two awesome step daughters at the same time.
Just change the fluid and filter. You'll be happy you did. Personally I wouldn't waste my money on a 6.7L Dodge. Maybe an older 5.9L with a manual trans. But then the truck will still literally fall apart around you. Plus you're now driving a Fiat.
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Yeah , that my next step. Flush the transmission fluid, and change the oil in it. I went and looked at new Ford F 250 this morning, and they are about $5000 higher than the Dodge. Looks like Keillor keep the 1997 and fix it.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Can you disconnect the return transmission line coming out of the cooler. Put a fitting into it and drain the fluid there. And if so, what is the location of the cooler line. Also is the transmission pan accessable, or do you have to remove a cross member or something.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 400
Likes: 1
From: Richland, WA
The trans pan is easily accessible. If it has a drain plug on the bottom I would remove that first. Mine did not so I had to undo the 10 bolts under it and very freaking carefully bring the pan down. Let's just say I got a trans fluid bath, lol. Next time I will try to get the fluid to fall to one side or just put replace my pan with a pan off a 1999-2003 trans pan which have the drain plug.
After getting the pan off, you can easily pull the black filter down. Make sure the o-ring is still on it when you pull it down. Then you can drain the torque converter.
Then do the reverse and button it all up. Remember to put a new trans filter on there. Takes a lot of trans fluid to fill it back up. Think gallons not quarts, lol. What I did was not even a true trans fluid flush. I just drained it all, filled it, and drove it.
I got my trans filter and trans fluid all at Napa.
After getting the pan off, you can easily pull the black filter down. Make sure the o-ring is still on it when you pull it down. Then you can drain the torque converter.
Then do the reverse and button it all up. Remember to put a new trans filter on there. Takes a lot of trans fluid to fill it back up. Think gallons not quarts, lol. What I did was not even a true trans fluid flush. I just drained it all, filled it, and drove it.
I got my trans filter and trans fluid all at Napa.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,731
Likes: 2,658
From: SE Florida