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Rough Shifting and Delayed Engagement on 2020 Ram 1500 3.6L

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Kim L. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:31 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn 3.6L Pentastar

Hello Ram owners,

I'm experiencing some concerning transmission issues with my 2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn, equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar engine and the 8-speed automatic. Lately, I've noticed rough shifts, particularly between 2nd and 3rd gear, and sometimes a delayed engagement when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse.

The truck has about 60,000 miles on it. It's not throwing any check engine lights yet, but the shifting feels clunky and not as smooth as it used to be. I'm worried about potential long-term damage.

Has anyone with a similar setup experienced these kinds of symptoms? What was the cause, and what was the fix? Could it be a software issue, or something more mechanical?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 3:31 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Rough shifting and delayed engagement in the 8-speed automatic transmission (ZF 8HP) on your 2020 Ram 1500 can stem from several issues, ranging from simple to complex. Here's what to consider:

  1. Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid: The most basic check. While the 8HP is considered 'sealed for life' by some, fluid levels can still drop due to leaks, and fluid can degrade over time. Low fluid can cause slipping and harsh shifts. Contaminated fluid can also affect valve body operation.
  2. Transmission Control Module (TCM) Software: Often, manufacturers release software updates to address shifting anomalies. A reflash or update of the TCM software at a dealership can resolve many common shifting complaints.
  3. Valve Body Issues: The valve body directs hydraulic fluid to engage clutches and bands. Wear or debris in the valve body can lead to inconsistent fluid pressure and thus, rough or delayed shifts.
  4. Solenoid Problems: The transmission uses solenoids to control fluid flow. A faulty solenoid can cause specific gear engagement issues.
  5. Internal Wear: Less common at 60,000 miles but possible, internal components like clutch packs or the torque converter could be showing wear.

Diagnostics:

  • Even without a Check Engine Light, a professional scan tool can often pull 'pending' or 'history' codes from the TCM (e.g., P0700 for TCM request MIL, or specific gear ratio error codes like P0731-P0738).
  • Check transmission fluid level and condition (though this often requires specialized tools for the 8HP).

When to See a Shop: It's highly recommended to have your Ram inspected by a dealership or a transmission specialist. They can perform a diagnostic scan, check fluid levels correctly, and determine if a software update is needed. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to accelerated wear and potentially more costly repairs down the line. If you notice any slipping, grinding, or a sudden loss of drive, stop driving immediately and have the vehicle towed.

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