While traveling on the highway, the 5th gear to the transmission went out. *ak it was discovered the nut which held the 5th gear into place became loose. Ph
1997 Dodge Ram: complete transmission failure
6 of the 396 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Ram describe complete transmission failure.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 15 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Complete transmission failure by model year
What owners say
Transmission failed due to transmission fluid not reaching overdrive mechanism. It started slipping as I was driving home late one night and it completely went out two days later. Mechanic says it started in the overdrive mechanism and went from there. He stated dodge knows about these problems with the transmissions and won't do anything about it as far as the customers expenses. My husbands dodge truck is having the same problem. It seems to be common in these trucks from 80,000 - 100,000 miles, and dodge refuses to pay for any of it, although they apparently made an upgrade kit for it. Manufacturers defect. Transmissions are extremely expensive to fix, and dodge should take responsibility for the defective parts. I have contacted dodge/chrysler, and was told they would not assist me in my transmission problems because my warranty was expired. The truck is only four years old, and we would have thought it to be more reliable. I have noticed on the complaint screen on the federal safety agency that there are several of these complaints regarding transmissions. I have documentation of dodge's declination, as well as my efforts to have them help me. At this time both our dodge trucks are unreliable, and becoming increasingly expensive to continue to fix. I have replaced the power steering pump and the u-joints also. Any amount of help would be appreciated. It's expensive enough to purchase the vehicles without continually putting money into them to keep them running, especially when the trucks are only 4 years old. Thank you so much for your help and your internet site. I was quite relieved to find it.
Transmission failure. Dealer replaced transmission once already, but problem still occurs. *ak
Transmission failed 6 months after purchase. Nlm
While driving at 60 MPH, transmission went out without any kind of warning. Truck was towed to the dealership. Transmission was replaced on feb 4, 2000, it failed on the next day, feb 5, 200o, with 46 miles. Please provide any further information.
Consumer experiencing problem with transmission failing to operate properly. Vehicle has had two transmission replacements, and problem appears to be unresolved at this time. Dealer notified.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Automatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4
- This bulletin explains the operation and application of the leak detection pump (LDP) monitor test
- Vehicles exhibiting buzz, whining, or moaning like noise from cold transmission when reverse gear is selected
- Driveline induced vehicle surge / vibration diagnosis
- Conditions with loss of fifth gear
- Transmission opertes normally through all ranges except fifth gear
- When servicing the release fork it is necesssary to insure that the fork is installed properly
- Subject on manual transmission gear rattle at operating temperatures
Related recalls
Power train: clutch assembly
- 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 lines
- 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 transmission failure
Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 1997 Dodge Ram?
6 of 396 owner complaints about the 1997 Dodge Ram (2%) mention complete transmission failure. The model year with the most reports is 1995.
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 7Fuel pump 5Jerking 5Won't shift 5
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