2003 Durango tranny doesn't have 1st gear anymore?

Posted By: MN-ScatPack

2003 Durango tranny doesn't have 1st gear anymore? - 11/26/14 12:27 AM

So the vehicle has 113k, I changed the tranny fluid/filters about 3 weeks ago and today the transmission started to slip when I give it gas. It barely moves until it gets into 2nd gear and I don't thing overdrive is working either. Any suggestions? What transmission would be in this thing?

Much appreciated!

Posted By: HotRodDave

Re: 2003 Durango tranny doesn't have 1st gear anymore? - 11/26/14 12:30 AM

Witch engine/trans?

If it is a 5.9 then it is a 46re and may need the rear band adjusted or replaced or something to do with actuating it is bad.

If it is a 4.7 buy a JY trans they are cheap because the engines are so terrible and the trannys are pretty reliable.

Posted By: HotRodDave

Re: 2003 Durango tranny doesn't have 1st gear anymore? - 11/26/14 12:31 AM

I have also seen the OD unit itself go bad and cause no reverse or OD.

Posted By: MN-ScatPack

Re: 2003 Durango tranny doesn't have 1st gear anymore? - 11/26/14 12:36 AM

It has the 4.7L and reverse works, just not 1st or O/D.

Posted By: HotRodDave

Re: 2003 Durango tranny doesn't have 1st gear anymore? - 11/26/14 12:49 AM

Sorry, nothing I said applies to that trans. I have never been into one of them because they are so cheap and plentiful to just replace. Been into tons of the 46RE though.

Posted By: ademon

Re: 2003 Durango tranny doesn't have 1st gear anymore? - 11/26/14 03:48 AM

You might as well not even change the trans that's how bad the 4.7 is. How does the fluid look and smell?

Posted By: gtx6970

Re: 2003 Durango tranny doesn't have 1st gear anymore? - 11/26/14 04:08 AM

that will be a 45rfe . drop the pan and see if the side cover plate blew off the side of the valve body ( common issue )

Posted By: denfireguy

Re: 2003 Durango tranny doesn't have 1st gear anymore? - 11/26/14 04:29 AM

Quote:

You might as well not even change the trans that's how bad the 4.7 is. How does the fluid look and smell?

Sorry, my 2003 4.7L Durango AWD is still going strong at 190,000. Other than plugs (twice) and oil changes, the engine has never been touched.
Thanks,
Craig

Posted By: ademon

Re: 2003 Durango tranny doesn't have 1st gear anymore? - 11/26/14 04:39 AM

Quote:

Quote:

You might as well not even change the trans that's how bad the 4.7 is. How does the fluid look and smell?

Sorry, my 2003 4.7L Durango AWD is still going strong at 190,000. Other than plugs (twice) and oil changes, the engine has never been touched.
Thanks,
Craig

Just being a rascal! My 03 Dakota has 216k, these engines were in a LOT of Dakota, Durango, Rams, jeeps etc.. My local CL right now has 4 running 4,7's for sale from JY's with warranty.

Posted By: 383man

Re: 2003 Durango tranny doesn't have 1st gear anymore? - 11/26/14 05:35 AM

Quote:

that will be a 45rfe . drop the pan and see if the side cover plate blew off the side of the valve body ( common issue )

Yes I would do this first as I saw that happen alot at the Dodge dealer I worked at. Ron

Posted By: Evil Spirit

Re: 2003 Durango tranny doesn't have 1st gear anymore? - 11/26/14 09:20 AM

Quote:

Witch engine/trans?

If it is a 5.9 then it is a 46re and may need the rear band adjusted or replaced or something to do with actuating it is bad.

The rear band isn't even applied for first gear when the shifter is in drive and wouldn't have anything to do with the trans slipping on takeoff. In a 46RE, in DRIVE, 1ST gear is the rear clutch is applied, the over-running clutch (sprag) holds, and the direct clutch is applied. In MANUAL LOW the rear band is also applied to provide engine braking.

Slipping on take-off in a 46RE (in drive) is usually the rear clutch or the O/D direct clutch. If it only slips in drive, but NOT reverse, it's usually the rear clutch. Slips in both, probably the O/D direct clutch.

Posted By: MN-ScatPack

Re: 2003 Durango tranny doesn't have 1st gear anymore? - 11/26/14 05:54 PM

I thought it went out because I changed the fluid & filter about 3 weeks ago and I was thinking "watch it go out now with the new fluid". Well I checked the fluid last night and it was WAY low, as in not even registering on the dipstick. I had put in 4 quarts when I did the replacement 3 weeks ago but guess it needed more. After adding one quart at a time it ended up needing 3 more quarts to register on the dipstick. Runs fine now! WHEW!!!!

Posted By: 383man

Re: 2003 Durango tranny doesn't have 1st gear anymore? - 11/27/14 01:51 AM

Quote:

Quote:

Witch engine/trans?

If it is a 5.9 then it is a 46re and may need the rear band adjusted or replaced or something to do with actuating it is bad.

The rear band isn't even applied for first gear when the shifter is in drive and wouldn't have anything to do with the trans slipping on takeoff. In a 46RE, in DRIVE, 1ST gear is the rear clutch is applied, the over-running clutch (sprag) holds, and the direct clutch is applied. In MANUAL LOW the rear band is also applied to provide engine braking.

Slipping on take-off in a 46RE (in drive) is usually the rear clutch or the O/D direct clutch. If it only slips in drive, but NOT reverse, it's usually the rear clutch. Slips in both, probably the O/D direct clutch.

From what I remember you could have the O/D clutch slip in the O/D unit in reverse but not in drive as I had this once. The O/D unit has an overrunning clutch that will hold in drive if the O/D clutches are worn. It will slip in reverse since of course the overrunning clutch will not work in reverse. I was told the reason for the overrunning clutch in the O/D unit is so there is no rpm flare when it shifts from drive (3rd gear) to overdrive as it holds the shaft as the direct clutches release and the O/D clutches apply. I had a tech have this happen when he put the wrong number of clutches in the direct clutch pack as it would slip in reverse if on a slight hill but no problem in drive. He forgot to read a TSB about when they made changes and added a clutch plate to the direct clutch and he did not count how many were in it when he took it apart. Ron