1996 Dodge RAM 1500: complete transmission failure

Filed Mar 30, 2006 · Transmission · CA

Truck purchased used at dealership in 2000. Transmission rebuilt in 2002. Transmission failed in 2006.

Filed Nov 24, 2004 · Engine · 121,000 miles · NC

Sludge build up in engine stopping up the oil pan pick up,causing truck to loose oil pressure. Now at 121000 miles the transmission blew. The truck has been losing oil pressure from the sludge since I bought it new in 1996, I was told several times by the dealer,this was caused by the lacquer that the engine builder used to ship the engine to the USA, 318cui built in japan. The dealer cleaned the engine several times, the last time was in july 2003 costing about $1000 to me. I have been getting the run around from dodge and the dealer, since the truck was under warranty when this first started and now at 121000 miles the transmission blew up. The sludge build up has happened 4 times over the past years, seems like about every 30000 miles, instead of fixing truck all they did was cleanup the mess afterward. When the transmission blew the motor lost oil pressure again, so this make 5 times the truck has done this, this has been reported to dodge several times but no help from them, they don,t want to stand by their truck and it don,t look like I can do anything about it. Thanks james c. Rose.

Filed Jan 28, 2004 · Electrical, Steering · 96,000 miles · PA

S,bar link ,replaced twice within 3 weeks ,no good.transmission failure took to transmission shop ,replaced pressure sol,governor,gov switch,switchand seleriond,still acting the same.left controlarmandboltkit , also say needs right side .will not alligne .light under hood comes on when driving ,and horn does not work no one can fig out why ..?dodge should cover all tranny and frount sup on these trucks ,found out after purchaced all the things that go wrong with this yr of tk.96 dodge ram 4x4 1500 also the 4x4 is hard to shift into and take out and sometimes doesn not come out ,even when light indcates it is out of four wheel.never again dodge!! Numerous dates of work to this vehicle.

Filed Nov 12, 2001 · Engine, Transmission · LA

This is twice the first gear has gone out, both times after a radiator flush, I was informed by a referral from a dodge dealership that the radiators are getting clogged and causing the tranmission to over heat and by the time the problem is figured out a new transmission in needed as well as a new radiator, approximate cost to the consumer, in the range of $3500.00. The recall for the clamps that were changed on the coolant lines to prevent them from melting was a good idea but they forgot one thing, a blow out valve for the tranmission so when it gets hot it can releive pressure and heat before it burns the transmission.

Filed Jan 24, 2001 · Transmission · FL

Transmission failed to go from 2nd to 3rd gear. Dealer notified. Please feel free to provide any further detail on this matter.

Filed Dec 10, 2000 · Transmission · OK

Dealer replaced transmission quick cooler connect per notification. Dealer left fitting loose, resulting in fluid leak at 15720 miles. I complained to chrysler headquarters. Chrysler said they would consider goodwill assistance if problem develops after warranty. In june 2000, at 49898 miles, trans failed. I paid $100 deductible on trans overhaul per goodwill assistance file 7360750. A few days later, seal failed and pumped out trans fluid. Dealer replaced seal. In sept 2000, dealer couldn't find reason for trans overheating at 54480 miles. In nov 2000, trans failed at 57426 miles. Dealer finally agreed to replace with remanufactured trans. In dec 2000, trans failed again, at 57492. I have been out tow bills and not lender vehicle.

Filed Jun 27, 2000 · Transmission · CA

Poor/loss of acceleration, shifting at high RPM's, hot floor boards. The generic transmission fluid used by dodge (1996) deteriorated the bands in the "transmission causing them to slip and fail is my opioion of why the transmission failed.

Filed May 3, 2000 · Engine, Transmission · GA

When driving at 35mph transmission went out/locked up, causing loss of all acceleration. Consumer contacted the dealer, dealer linked the problem to the radiator which backed up fluid, causing the transmission to go bad. Please provide any further details.

Filed Apr 3, 2000 · Transmission · WV

Transmission failure 1/00 ; original eq chrome rims bent, dealer says metal in rim was inferior. Did not offer to replace it.

Filed Jan 4, 2000 · Transmission · CA

Transmission failed after making knocking noise which got progressively louder over a period of several months. A new transmission was installed and now that transmission is making the same noise after only a few days. I believe that this model of transmission may be defective as it failed after only 58,000 miles and now the new one is making the same noise that the old one started out making.

Filed Sep 15, 1998 · Brakes, Transmission · CA

Transmission failure. Also premature wear of brakes and always pull to the left.

Filed Feb 18, 1998 · Transmission · GA · 2 injuries

Manufacturer identified problem as cold engine hesitation and installed a new transmission with a controller reflash. The new transmission hesitated and caused a crash.