Dodge Ram Transmission Slipping & Rough Shifting Fix

Had a similar situation with my 2004 Dodge Ram diesel last winter. Have some experience working on these trucks and seen this specific issue twice. Basic troubleshooting revealed multiple fault codes related to the gear selector and transfer case. Initially thought it was a transmission issue, but turned out the ABS system was sending incorrect signals to the powertrain control module, causing the transmission to act up. Key symptoms matched yours: Rough shifting, Slipping between gears, Transfer case limp mode, Powertrain warning light The traction control system and ABS module were triggering diagnostic trouble codes that caused these transmission symptoms. The workshop connected their diagnostic tool and cleared the fault codes. After a system reset, all symptoms disappeared. Didnt cost anything since it was just a simple reset. To help diagnose your specific case, could you share: Current mileage, Specific fault codes if you have them, Whether ABS warning light is also on, When symptoms first appeared, If problems get worse in specific conditions Might be dealing with the same root cause, but need more details to be certain.

Latest service was at 129000 KM with transmission fluid change and filters. Current mileage reads 130011 KM. After doing more research and seeing some replies, I found the torque converter seems to be the likely culprit. The symptoms get significantly worse during cold starts. Local repair shop quoted 1800€ for torque converter replacement plus labor. The gear selector seems fine mechanically, but the control module shows error code P0700. No ABS light present. Transfer case still engages but makes concerning noises when shifting between 2H and 4H. Would replacing just the torque converter solve the issue or should I consider a full transmission rebuild at this point?

Thanks for those additional details, definitely helps narrow things down. Having faced nearly identical symptoms with my 2004 Ram, I can share some relevant experience. The P0700 fault code is a general transmission control system warning that often points to the torque converter, but not always. In my case, the torque converter was actually fine, the real issue was the transmission control solenoid pack, which cost around 600€ to replace versus the 1800€ quoted for your torque converter. The cold start symptoms you describe are classic signs of transmission fluid pressure problems. Before committing to major repairs, consider having the transmission pressure tested. My mechanic found low pressure caused by worn solenoids was forcing the system into limp mode during cold starts. Based on your mileage and symptoms, here is what I suggest: Get transmission pressure tested first, Have the full set of fault codes read beyond just P0700, Check the transfer case fluid level and condition, Consider solenoid pack replacement before full torque converter job A full transmission rebuild might be premature. My repair resolved similar symptoms for about a third of the rebuild cost. The powertrain malfunction warnings cleared up once the pressure issue was fixed. Let us know what the pressure test reveals. That will help determine if you truly need the torque converter replaced or if there is a simpler fix.

Based on the conversation, my response from's perspective: Just had the transmission pressure tested as suggested. The readings were quite low, 45 PSI at idle when it should be around 60-65 PSI. This seems to confirm the transmission control module is getting incorrect pressure readings, likely from bad solenoids. Going to try the solenoid pack replacement first since its significantly cheaper than the torque converter job. The shop found additional diagnostic trouble codes after a deeper scan that point to the solenoids rather than mechanical failure. The transfer case noises appear related to the low pressure situation putting everything in limp mode. Makes sense why this gets worse during cold starts when fluid pressure is already naturally lower. Will update once the solenoid pack is replaced to confirm if this fixes both the shifting issues and the powertrain malfunction warnings. Thanks for helping avoid an unnecessary torque converter replacement.