Help Me figure Out My Transmission Issues, Ram 1500

[BigblueC]

The truck is a 2005 Ram 1500 5.7 AWD

I'm hoping someone here will be able to help me troubleshoot my problem. I was driving home and everything was fine. I turned onto my road, got on it, then out of nowhere while still in the throttle, a pop/jolt and I lost all gears forward and reverse. She was running fine before and the engine runs fine now. But when idling there is now a growling noise (it sounds like a 6/71 blower, there is fluid in the pan). I was thinking I blew a line, but there are no external leaks and everything external seems intact.

The transmission should be a 545rfe. Any ideas?

 

[traintech55]

Sounds like you need to find a good transmission shop.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Sounds like pump **** the bed.
Any codes? You need a reader, it will give you a generic 700 code on Odometer readout.

 

[BigblueC]

Sounds like pump **** the bed.
Any codes? You need a reader, it will give you a generic 700 code on Odometer readout.

No codes. Maybe not enough run time? I shut it down quickly but it did run on the flat tow home which was about a mile and maybe 2 minutes.

I do have a basic reader if it would throw a code.

A better description of the "growling" sound would be the sound of a 6/71 roots blower. It's almost identical and changes with RPM.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

No codes probably means sensors are all good./working, it could be a solenoid, but those will throw a codes and usually render limp mode (2 nd gear only). I'm at my limit here so best to consult a professional.

 

[1970FuryConv]

If you say it "runs fine", does that mean it is still immobile, but the engine runs OK?

 

[Davea Lux]

No codes. Maybe not enough run time? I shut it down quickly but it did run on the flat tow home which was about a mile and maybe 2 minutes.

I do have a basic reader if it would throw a code.

A better description of the "growling" sound would be the sound of a 6/71 roots blower. It's almost identical and changes with RPM.

If it is changing with engine RPM, that suggests something with the pump or convertor. Just for fun you might want to check that the starter drive is not hung up on the flex plate, that will make a lot of noise, but that would not drop the forward gears; otherwise I think you are headed for a transmission rebuild. Does it make the same noise in neutral?

Dave

 

[my5thmopar]

Wait a minute. Does it make noise in park while the engine is running? The AWD won’t move with a bad transfer case chain or spun coupler on the prop shaft. Lock it in 4WD and very carefully see if it try’s s to move. Report back.

 

[BigblueC]

If you say it "runs fine", does that mean it is still immobile, but the engine runs OK?

Yes, the engine runs like normal.

 

[BigblueC]

If it is changing with engine RPM, that suggests something with the pump or convertor. Just for fun you might want to check that the starter drive is not hung up on the flex plate, that will make a lot of noise, but that would not drop the forward gears; otherwise I think you are headed for a transmission rebuild. Does it make the same noise in neutral?

Dave

Yeah, it makes the same noise in P,R,N,D,2,1. It really sounds like a 6/71 blower whine wile ideling. I found an old thread online where someone describes pretty much what happened to me, and then says the torque converted sheered splines. I've never dealt with anything like that so I don't know how to go about checking without removing.
As I pushed it in the garage tonight I did hear something rattling around (rolling in neutral), but I'm not sure from where yet. I'm planning on dropping the pan in the morning to see what I see.

...

 

[BigblueC]

Wait a minute. Does it make noise in park while the engine is running? The AWD won’t move with a bad transfer case chain or spun coupler on the prop shaft. Lock it in 4WD and very carefully see if it try’s s to move. Report back.

I had thought about doing that. I'll see what happens in the a.m. before I drop the pan.

 

[my5thmopar]

I had thought about doing that. I'll see what happens in the a.m. before I drop the pan.

Try putting the transfer case in neutral and see what noise you get. I had an 2002 AWD that transmission made a similar noise but, I don’t remember what the shop said happened to it. It couldn’t be rebuilt and had to be replaced. Also had a AWD case chain jumped and stripped gears.

 

[Fury Man Van]

Sounds like the Torque Converter or transfer cases

 

[BigblueC]

Here's what I've found:

First thing I did was start it and cycle to 4x4. I can hear the transfer case engaging and disengaging like normal. No movement. (I recorded the whine sound too but can't seem to upload the vid clip here)

Second, I lifted it off the ground in normal AWD mode and neutral and spun a back tire which cause all tires to rotate (limited slip rear, open front). No unusual noises so I feel the transfer case is fine.

Third I dropped the pan. Everything looks clean and in its place. (I drop fluid & filters every 25K on this truck) No metal or excessive material in the pan. I'm going to strain the fluid next but eyeballing, it doesn't look out of the ordinary.

This has not been wiped, just drained.

I'm about at the end of my ability here, but I'd like to know the basic problem before someone looks at fixing it. Any way to check the torque converter without removing anything ?

 

[my5thmopar]

You could have sheared the pump tabs when you got in to it. I think at this point with no movement, its time to come out for a rebuild. You could pull the VB and do an air test to see if the clutches are engaging and check the accumulator valve/spring. I'm guessing you checked the fluid level before all this, but it is probably coming out.

 

[BigblueC]

I hooked up my reader and found some codes, I guess she hasn't run long enough to trigger the light. I have 3 codes; 700 - Trans controller requesting light, 715 - Input speed; 720 - Output speed.

So putting all of the pieces together I'm 95% confident that my primary damage is in the torque converter, hopefully localized to the torque converter, and no other real damage has been done. I didn't find any shavings in the fluid so I don't think it was pumped around. Hopefully the input shaft is fine. Still not going to be cheap as it looks like a torque converter and pump, and various seals, are typically replaced. I assume the engine and trans will be coming out as I see no other way with this setup. (I didn't find an access panel, but I haven't worked on an automatic made since the 80's)

I've found a few videos of people having the exact same situation and noises. Anyone heard of this being a common problem?

 

[BigblueC]

Well, I might be getting lucky. Good transmissions shops around here are few and far between, and I've been dreading finding one. But a trusted friend of mine (with a shop) just happens to know an old Mopar transmission specialist and put me in touch with him.

I just talked to the guy. He's familiar with the 545rfe and he's confident that my converter died. Said that if we get it out, he will go through it. Said that if it's clean and everything specs out there is a chance that I might get away with just a new converter, clean and reseal everything (new seal throughout).

My new choice is what converter to go with. He said that he typically goes with a trans depot unit, which is a reman unit for about $250. I'm typically not a fan of reman stuff, especially if it's mine and I plan to keep it, which I do. A new MoPar unit is not available. MoPar reman is $377 + tax. Or TCI has their "Maximizer Street" torque converter with a 1600-2000 stall range for $520. Anyone have input one way or the other?
Maximizer Street Torque Converter, 2005 & later Dodge Hemi Truck 545RFE

This is a stock truck used as a driver/hauler. Online info says the stock TC has a stall range of 2000-2300. I will likely throw a mild "towing" cam and better exhaust in it some time in the future, but she will stay pretty much stock.

(updated for price)

 

[my5thmopar]

If you plan on a cam and higher stall TC then you better rebuild. Have him get at least better clutches and a shift kit. Both are minimum upgrades and worth the small cost while it is apart. My 2 cents.

 

[BigblueC]

If you plan on a cam and higher stall TC then you better rebuild.

I'm not specifically looking for a higher stall, the TCI is just offered with that 1600-2000 range choice. The trans is coming out today so I'm rolling along.

Funny thing, it was a ***** getting my truck towed. The tow company refused to believe me when I said the truck is AWD, and then acted surprised when they saw it on the dash. It took 3 hours to get the truck towed 10 minutes down the road.

BTW, I've never seen another AWD '05 and info online is very limited. Seems this truck was special/custom order only and is loaded with options.