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Hard Shifting on 2016 Ram 3500 with 6.4L Hemi

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 2:27 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2016 Ram 3500 Tradesman

Hi everyone,

I'm experiencing some concerning transmission issues with my 2016 Ram 3500 Tradesman, equipped with the 6.4L Hemi engine. The truck has about 90,000 miles on it, and recently, the transmission has started shifting very harshly, especially from 2nd to 3rd and sometimes 3rd to 4th gear.

It feels like a jolt, and sometimes there's a noticeable delay before it finally engages the next gear. It's not consistent, but it's happening more frequently now. I haven't noticed any leaks under the truck.

Could this be a fluid issue, or something more serious? Any advice from other 6.4L Ram 3500 owners about common transmission problems around this mileage would be greatly appreciated.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 2:27 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

Hard shifting and delayed engagement on your 2016 Ram 3500's transmission can be indicative of several issues, ranging from simple maintenance to more complex internal problems. Given the mileage, it's important to address this promptly.

  1. Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid: This is always the first thing to check. Low fluid levels can cause erratic shifting and overheating. Contaminated or old fluid loses its lubricating and hydraulic properties, leading to poor performance. Check the fluid level according to your owner's manual (often requires the engine to be at operating temperature and in neutral/park). Note the color and smell – dark, burnt-smelling fluid is a bad sign.
  2. Faulty Solenoid Pack: The transmission's solenoid pack controls the flow of fluid to engage different gears. If one or more solenoids are failing, it can lead to harsh or delayed shifts in specific gears.
  3. Valve Body Issues: The valve body directs transmission fluid to the clutches and bands. Wear or blockages within the valve body can cause pressure issues and affect shifting quality.
  4. Transmission Control Module (TCM) Software: Sometimes, a simple software update for the TCM can resolve shifting anomalies. Dealers often have updates that address known issues.
  5. Internal Wear: Less commonly, but still possible, internal components like clutch packs or bands could be wearing out, especially if the truck has seen heavy towing or abuse.

Common OBD-II Codes:

  • P0700: Transmission Control System Malfunction (General)
  • P073X: Incorrect Gear Ratio (e.g., P0732 for 2nd gear, P0733 for 3rd gear)
  • P0750 - P0770: Shift Solenoid Malfunction codes

When to See a Shop:

If checking and topping off the fluid doesn't resolve the issue, or if the fluid appears dark and burnt, you should take your truck to a reputable transmission specialist or a Ram dealership. They can perform a diagnostic scan to check for codes, inspect the fluid condition, and perform pressure tests to accurately diagnose the problem. Continuing to drive with harsh shifts can accelerate wear on other transmission components, leading to a more expensive repair.

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