Shudder when shifting - 2011 Ram 1500 5 speed

I bought a used 2011 1500 Ram 5.7 hemi with the 5 speed mode select transmission with the tow package. Pulled my 27 foot trailer with NO problems except for the gas mileage. It had only 33,000 KMS (about 20,500) miles on it when I bought it - it now has 37,500 KMS so it only towed the trailer 4500 KMS (2,800 miles). The trailer weights under 5,500 LBS loaded so it's well under the 8,800 LBS it's rated for. By the time I got over the Rogers Pass (abut 400 KMS (250 miles) from Calgary) the transmission was starting to shudder when doing the 4-5 shift (Yes I was in tow haul mode), and by the time I got back home it is now shuddering for the 3-4 shift also. I thought maybe changing the fluid would help but the manual says even if used for towing I don't change the tranny fluid till 84,000 KMS (52,000 miles) so the fluid should be fine - especially since the tranny fluid never went about 80 degrees. Is this 'normal' for the 5 speed?
pjd

Well, over 86 views so far and no help. Try going to the dealership and warrenty whatever is the problem. Most likely it is the torque converter, but could be tranny. either way you have drivetrain coverage. Good Luck.........

Originally Posted by pjd

I bought a used 2011 1500 Ram 5.7 hemi with the 5 speed mode select transmission with the tow package. Pulled my 27 foot trailer with NO problems except for the gas mileage. It had only 33,000 KMS (about 20,500) miles on it when I bought it - it now has 37,500 KMS so it only towed the trailer 4500 KMS (2,800 miles). The trailer weights under 5,500 LBS loaded so it's well under the 8,800 LBS it's rated for. By the time I got over the Rogers Pass (abut 400 KMS (250 miles) from Calgary) the transmission was starting to shudder when doing the 4-5 shift (Yes I was in tow haul mode), and by the time I got back home it is now shuddering for the 3-4 shift also. I thought maybe changing the fluid would help but the manual says even if used for towing I don't change the tranny fluid till 84,000 KMS (52,000 miles) so the fluid should be fine - especially since the tranny fluid never went about 80 degrees. Is this 'normal' for the 5 speed?
pjd

PJD,

I agree with Gopackgo, a 2011 with 37,500km should have the full factory warranty still on the vehicle. If you feel like there is an issue I'd recommend getting it diagnosed at a Dodge dealer. They'll be able to assist you with any powertrain issues.

I've added a link below to help you locate your closest Dodge dealer. If there is anything else you need or any other questions feel free to PM me.

http://www.ramtruck.ca/en/LocateRetailer/?Ram1500

any updates?

Nope - haven't had time to take it in. Maybe the week of Sept 10
Pjd

I may be having a similar problem. Something seems a little weird when my truck shifts gears usually during hard driving (i.e. merging on to interstate or similar). 3-4 or 4-5. I am wondering if there is somthing wrong with my torque converter or something not tight in drive line. It is kinda of a rough vibration that quickly goes away, but just does not feel good for the truck. Any information on this is appreciated. I have a 2011 4X4 Hemi Sport with 17K miles on it so it is still covered. No other problems.

I know that I'm beating a dead horse but I bought a 09 dodge ram 1500, big horn, used with 46,000 miles on it. but in first gear if i stomp on the gas there is a shutter and funky noise when it shift's into second I've looked everywhere on-line with no solid answer but could this be torque converter? anyone?

I had an issue with both my 2010's. You would kick it down around 40-45mph and it would shudder like all hell. They had to replace the clutch packs and the retainer for the plungers because something was obstructing it. Defect from factory they said. My 1500 did it and my 2500. My 2500 I traded in after them having the trans out 2 times. so far no issues with my 2011

what is the differential ratio?

3.55 in my 2010 1500 with the issue and 4.10's in my 2500 same issue.... MY 2011 is 3.92. No issues.

Originally Posted by Ramjoe

I had an issue with both my 2010's. You would kick it down around 40-45mph and it would shudder like all hell. They had to replace the clutch packs and the retainer for the plungers because something was obstructing it. Defect from factory they said. My 1500 did it and my 2500. My 2500 I traded in after them having the trans out 2 times. so far no issues with my 2011

I've got less than 20k on my 10' Ram 4x4 and it does the same thing, (down shift only)
pretty sure it's the frictions (clutch packs) as well, real weakness in the 545rfe's.
look for carbon type deposits (friction material) in your transmission fluid
Wipe your dip stick with a white paper towel and it shows up pretty good.

I know its not my converter, I have a custom Edge Racing converter
and it did the shutter before and after the TC swap.

I just noticed the youtube video links in my post in the
"Operation of the 2009-2011 545RFE Transmission" thread are dead.
(sticky at the top of this page)

Here's the new links:

Shows how modern automatic transmissions operate,
it's not a bunch of gears, just a set of planetary gears/housings with a series of bands(brakes) and clutches....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szu-0IqMygA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBJB2LKe29o

I cant edit my original post because the thread is locked.


and here's a juicy little tidbit on the new 8 Speed ZF

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXrHDjcQIIU

Originally Posted by BlackRamHemi

I've got less than 20k on my 10' Ram 4x4 and it does the same thing, (down shift only)
pretty sure it's the frictions (clutch packs) as well, real weakness in the 545rfe's.
look for carbon type deposits (friction material) in your transmission fluid
Wipe your dip stick with a white paper towel and it shows up pretty good.

I know its not my converter, I have a custom Edge Racing converter
and it did the shutter before and after the TC swap.

Yeah, mine did it on downshift only as well. They replaced the clutch packs and it still did it, so the replaced the retainer for the plungers I believe and the problem was gone. My 1500 and 2500 both did it. They were 2010's. My 2500 was the one they replaced all the parts on. I traded the 1500 in for the 2500. I got tired of the issue so now I have my 11' 1500 and no issues so far....knock on wood.