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1997 Dodge Ram: stuck in gear or won't shift

5 of the 396 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Ram describe stuck in gear or won't shift.

owner complaints
5
of this car's complaints
1%
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 15 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Stuck in gear or won't shift by model year

  • 2007
    1
  • 2005
    1
  • 2004
    1
  • 2002
    1
  • 2001
    3
  • 1999
    1
  • 1998
    3
  • 1997
    5
  • 1996
    12
  • 1995
    3
  • 1994
    1
  • 1992
    2
  • 1990
    1

What owners say

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Transmission · 77,000 miles · MI

Would not shift, shifting roughly, check engine light stays on, high rpms

Filed Apr 30, 2001 · Transmission · GA

Transmission started slipping, tried to take to the shop next day. Trans would not shift and it ground when put into reverse. Took truck to aamco and they said it was caused by a check vaulve that was in the transmission line that was replaced due to a recall. The repair costed over $2,000.00. The entire transmission needed to be rebuilt. I have a coppy of the repair bill with a listing of parts replaced. Thank you.

Filed Feb 13, 2001 · Transmission · PA

Transmission ceased to work while driving at 55 MPH. No forward movement. Had truck towed home. Drove the next day, but would not shift into 2nd. Gear. Scranton dodge performed diagnostic test (revealed code 37: overdrive lockup solenoid malfunction) , said trans. Was bad and wanted $2,456.00 for replacement. No warranty help because truck was over warranty coverage by 2,950 miles. Mechanic said fluid was burnt and there was "metal in the pan and it ruined the solenoids." (inspection later revealed no metal in pan or burnt fluid). Called chrysler (1‑800‑992‑1997) spoke to don griesbaum, ext. 7088 gave authorization no. 7934794. He said that chrysler would "help" with the cost, but would not give a hint as to what "help" might be. Scranton dodge would have to disassemble the trans. To determine the problem, and then chrysler would deem if it was "driver neglect" which would get no "help" from chrysler. Also once trans is disassembled, it cannot leave the dealer until it has been fully repaired. I would have ok'd the teardown but $2,456.00 for a trans with a 36k mile warranty seemed useless when mine failed at 38,950 and I put 22k miles on in 19mos. I asked don griesbaum if the transmission is defective with no fault on my part, how much is this going to cost me. He replied that he could not disclose any information to me until my truck was disassembled at a chrysler dealership. I have been making payments on a truck that has been sitting in my driveway since november . I have spoken to many people who have had problems with chrysler's auto trans. Aamco transmissions (scranton) said that if dodge had to recall every faulty trans. They built, they would be bankrupt. Caravans and rams are notorious for early trans. Failure. The newsgroups on the net are filled with complaints and people requesting info on class action lawsuits. I feel that chrysler should take a closer look at this problem and take some action to correct it. Thank you for your time, william r. Moore.

Filed Oct 13, 1999 · Electrical, Steering · KS

1. Transmission would not shift into overdrive. After keeping the truck for 34 days, dealership finally put in a rebuilt tranny. 2. Driver's side mirror vibrates at highway speeds, rendering it useless. Dealer blamed it on the bug shield. 3. Battery completely died right after warranty expired. 4. Front wheels make constant clicking noise...suspect failed bearings. 5. Steering wheel made cracking sound when turning to left or right...took several attempts to fix it. Truck is total piece of junk!

Filed Feb 20, 1997 · Transmission · IL

Transmission overdrive does not shift properly in cold temperatures.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Power train: clutch assemblyReported May 6, 1999 · 8,883 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: pickup trucks equipped with manual transmission, v10 engines and four-wheel-drive transfer cases. Under sustained maximum rated vehicle load, while driving up a steep grade in four-wheel-drive low range in hot ambient conditions, the local exhaust temperature proximate to the hydraulic clutch line can generate line temperatures that exceed the temperature limit of the clutch line material. If this condition occurs and the clutch is depressed, the line could rupture.
Risk
The fluid could ignite on the hot exhaust possibly resulting in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the hydraulic clutch assembly.

Recall number 99V115000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and linesReported May 5, 1997 · 960,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Under certain high load operating conditions, the transmission fluid temperature can exceed the melting point of the material used in the connector to retain the fluid line to the transmission.
Risk
When these temperatures occur, the fluid line will not stay connected with the transmission and fluid can spray onto the exhaust manifold, resulting in smoke or fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the high temperature side of the transmission fluid cooler line connector fittings with connectors that incorporate a stainless steel retainer.

Recall number 97V084000 · Recall details

Questions about the 1997 Dodge Ram won't shift

Is stuck in gear or won't shift a common problem on the 1997 Dodge Ram?

5 of 396 owner complaints about the 1997 Dodge Ram (1%) mention stuck in gear or won't shift. The model year with the most reports is 1996.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Dodge Ram?

There are 2 recalls and 15 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 1997 Dodge Ram

No deployment 18Pulling 14Grinding brakes 13Fire or smoke 13Headlights 11Tire blowout 11Brake failure 10Slipping 10ABS 8Adaptive cruise 7Transmission failure 6Fuel pump 5Jerking 5

All model years of the Dodge Ram

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