2022 1500 Laramie hard shifting - especially when cold

[The Mandolorian]

Hey all - new Ram owner here and new to these forums. Pretty much from day one I noticed that when creeping along in 1st gear, when the RPMs are just about to the point where it should shift to 2nd, without pressing the pedal, the transmission will shift hard to 2nd. At other times, when decelerating, the transmission will downshift hard and the truck will lurch forward - again at slow speeds. Once the truck is warm, it appear to be less of an issue. I thought it might be a break in sort of thing but it hasn't gone away at 2500 miles. I've seen that this has been an issue in previous model years and I want to be armed with the best info before taking it in to the dealer. I can't find any recent TSB's for this issue. Any insight from all the RAM pros out there is greatly appreciated.

 

[Bpebler]

It sounds almost like how it normally behaves if it’s cold, in Tow/Haul mode, & has 3.92 gears. Any of those? Also what year, engine, etc.

 

[QuasarZ]

A

Hey all - new Ram owner here and new to these forums. Pretty much from day one I noticed that when creeping along in 1st gear, when the RPMs are just about to the point where it should shift to 2nd, without pressing the pedal, the transmission will shift hard to 2nd. At other times, when decelerating, the transmission will downshift hard and the truck will lurch forward - again at slow speeds. Once the truck is warm, it appear to be less of an issue. I thought it might be a break in sort of thing but it hasn't gone away at 2500 miles. I've seen that this has been an issue in previous model years and I want to be armed with the best info before taking it in to the dealer. I can't find any recent TSB's for this issue. Any insight from all the RAM pros out there is greatly appreciated.

Any resolution? Mine is doing this.

 

[6of36]

You guys need more info in your signatures. At least year, if 2 or 4 wheel drive, model, engine size, gear ratio doesn't hurt. These things help on many subjects.

 

[Ramrod2285]

My 2022 1500 Laramie 4x4 with 5.7 Hemi and 3.92 gear ratio behaves the exact same way, from the moment I drove it off the lot. Driving in low gears, stop and go traffic, or approaching stop signs is when it's most prevalent. Almost like it gets stuck before aggressively downshifting, causing an abrupt lurch like being lightly rear ended. Sounds like it's a common thing, just described a bit differently on this forum. Would love to know if its just a common thing with these transmissions, or if there is some fix.

 

[23RAM]

My 2022 1500 Laramie 4x4 with 5.7 Hemi and 3.92 gear ratio behaves the exact same way, from the moment I drove it off the lot. Driving in low gears, stop and go traffic, or approaching stop signs is when it's most prevalent. Almost like it gets stuck before aggressively downshifting, causing an abrupt lurch like being lightly rear ended. Sounds like it's a common thing, just described a bit differently on this forum. Would love to know if its just a common thing with these transmissions, or if there is some fix.

Sounds normal to me.
Every vehicle I have owned does something similar when cold - it's due to cold engine high idle. Warm up the vehicle more when it's cold outside and you shouldn't experience it. In summer weather, I don't warm up much, so I notice it until the idle comes down a few minutes later. In winter I don't notice it as the vehicle usually has had time to warm up and idle down before I drive off.

 

[Ramrod2285]

Sounds normal to me.
Every vehicle I have owned does something similar when cold - it's due to cold engine high idle. Warm up the vehicle more when it's cold outside and you shouldn't experience it. In summer weather, I don't warm up much, so I notice it until the idle comes down a few minutes later. In winter I don't notice it as the vehicle usually has had time to warm up and idle down before I drive off.

I live in South Texas and it's summer, happens pretty much every day that I drive it. It hasn't been "cold" or even "cool" for that matter a single day this summer. Ive owned a few vehicles and have never had a single one do what this one does, it literally lurches forward at times when slowing down in the lower gears.

 

[23RAM]

I live in South Texas and it's summer, happens pretty much every day that I drive it. It hasn't been "cold" or even "cool" for that matter a single day this summer. Ive owned a few vehicles and have never had a single one do what this one does, it literally lurches forward at times when slowing down in the lower gears.

I get what you're saying, however, cold to you and I is not the same to an engine that normally operates above 200'F.

It can be 100'F outside, but the engine is still "cold" and will high idle for a couple minutes or so until it reaches normal operating temps. The transmission also needs to warm up. During this time, you will experience surges and transmission changes that do not meet "normal" conditions. As an example, up here in Canaduh today it was 78'F when I had to make a pickup, warm and humid outside, but it took my truck several minutes to "settle down". I find the tranny is very "stout" and "aggressive" in managing gears, and can sometimes surge or lurch forward when it downshifts. Again, after driving many V8 vehicles with strong torque at low revs over the years, I think this is normal when the engine and tranny are "cold". Once warmed up, it runs smooth as butter.

Having said that, if your engine and tranny are fully up to normal operating temps, and it still behaves odd, you should contact your dealer to show them the issue and have them diagnose the cause. Then also let us know, please, as it may lead to technical issues.

 

[The Mandolorian]

Thanks for the replies and sorry for the late response. Finally took it to the dealer's truck specialist. Of course, they couldn't repeat the issue. They checked everything they could and looked through their knowledge base to find info on it but found nothing. They told me it might be due to the "thin" transmission fluid used on these vehicles and a "cold" engine. Since then, I have started to let the truck warm up a bit before driving and that seems to do the trick. Not ideal, but the driving experience is much improved.

 

[Montana_]

Thanks for the replies and sorry for the late response. Finally took it to the dealer's truck specialist. Of course, they couldn't repeat the issue. They checked everything they could and looked through their knowledge base to find info on it but found nothing. They told me it might be due to the "thin" transmission fluid used on these vehicles and a "cold" engine. Since then, I have started to let the truck warm up a bit before driving and that seems to do the trick. Not ideal, but the driving experience is much improved.

Make them ride with you.

Pretty sure a solenoid is sticking in 2nd on mine and it's dangerous to drive in the snow/ice because of its poor shifting. I made them ride with me and they instantly noticed it.

Starting with a fluid change and valve body "inspection" but I suspect it's going to need further breaking down. Let the slow process begin. I won't go into another winter with it behaving this way, I know that much. First service is scheduled for Monday and I'll update as needed.

*Edit
New transmission ordered. They found clutch material in chunks. Currently 02/15/25 and waiting.

 

[twam911]

A

Any resolution? Mine is doing this.

I am having same issue +it wont shift out of 6th until trans temp is over 130. I have 2022 1500 Laramie 5.7L 4x4 8 speed trans. I called dealer and they want $300 to diagnose the issue. its still under bumper to bumper warranty!

 

[twam911]

Sounds normal to me.
Every vehicle I have owned does something similar when cold - it's due to cold engine high idle. Warm up the vehicle more when it's cold outside and you shouldn't experience it. In summer weather, I don't warm up much, so I notice it until the idle comes down a few minutes later. In winter I don't notice it as the vehicle usually has had time to warm up and idle down before I drive off.

I hate to say but my truck does the same thing after warming up 15 minutes before driving it and continues until trans temp goes over 130. It wont shift out of 6th until then. Works fine after that then.

 

[twam911]

Make them ride with you.

Pretty sure a solenoid is sticking in 2nd on mine and it's dangerous to drive in the snow/ice because of its poor shifting. I made them ride with me and they instantly noticed it.

Starting with a fluid change and valve body "inspection" but I suspect it's going to need further breaking down. Let the slow process begin. I won't go into another winter with it behaving this way, I know that much. First service is scheduled for Monday and I'll update as needed.

*Edit
New transmission ordered. They found clutch material in chunks. Currently 02/15/25 and waiting.

Get what your saying I have a mechanic friend who said same with mine but Ram wont look at it unless I give them $300 for something still under bumper to bumper

 

[Montana_]

Get what your saying I have a mechanic friend who said same with mine but Ram wont look at it unless I give them $300 for something still under bumper to bumper

If you are under factory MOPAR warranty still and they won't look at it, you need to find another dealer and report that one to RAM Cares. They shouldn't be charging you anything for warranty stuff.

 

[Peter33]

I am having same issue +it wont shift out of 6th until trans temp is over 130. I have 2022 1500 Laramie 5.7L 4x4 8 speed trans. I called dealer and they want $300 to diagnose the issue. its still under bumper to bumper warranty!

I have the 2022 Laramie with the eco-diesel. I noticed at times in the morning it is 6th gear that won't change until after 2000 rpm. This is new started at about 40k miles.

 

[Peter33]

I have the 2022 Laramie with the eco-diesel. I noticed at times in the morning it is 6th gear that won't change until after 2000 rpm. This is new started at about 40k miles.

 

[Montana_]

Update on my transmission:

New one going in April 7th. Somewhat surprised on the quick turn around. It was either going to ship, or it wasn't