8 speed Transmission starting in 2nd gear

[TruckDriver]

...Problem is worse when cold, but when you come up to a stop, and do a quick stop and go. Transmission starts in 2nd gear lags and doesn't accelerate well then abruptly downshifts into 1st gear. Only happens on quick stop and goes...

Just throwing my hat in the ring here - my '19 Rebel with 3.92 gears does the same thing; the 2-1 Downshift handoff is sloppy at best. I haven't visited a dealer for my first oil change / recalls yet, so this will be on the list of things to get updated

The amount of time for a downshift I would say is a solid 'One-Mississippi" and change before I see the '2' gear indicator show '1'. If I wait to see it shift, it takes off without hesitation, but otherwise it slams from 2-1.

The TCM update is supposed to work hand-in-hand with an ECM update from what I've been able to tell so far. There's also an eTorque update that requires both the TCM and ECM updates.

I'm assuming this eTorque update is in the TSB thread? I'll head over there next to see what's what, didn't know there was an update out there. Thanks!

 

[Rockstar]

I noticed that same thing as well. The first few times it happened it took me by surprise, but I know it happens if you don't come to a complete stop for 1 second. Sad to say this didn't happen to my 2016.
Just another nail in the coffin. RAM continues to disappoint.

 

[maddog49]

This behaviour appears to be resolved with the Feb 15th trans software update. Mine has not done it since the update was applied.

 

[HKP7PSP]

My 2015 Grand Cherokee had the WORST 2-1 downshift at stops in the cold. It was so bad that you could come to a complete stop, let off the brake, and still take off and have a horrible downshift clunk.

The RAM has been far better, but the 3.92's probably ease that bogging sensation from it some.

 

[securityguy]

I am not experiencing this behavior at all. This is one of the smoothest trannys I have ever had in a truck...or car for that matter. Hopefully it is just a simple update to the TCM.

 

[Jmajercz18]

Figured I would add to this thread and see if anyone has seen some relief. Picked up the Truck 2 weeks ago. 5.7 Hemi E-Torque 1000 miles and the tranny does not feel right. Acceleration wise everything seems fine except for the occasional 1-2 bump at acceleration( happens when driving normal, step on it and when I hit 2500 RPMs harsh shift doesn't happen) but braking especially in stop and go traffic is the worst. Transmission is completely lost and has no clue what gear to shift to. Downshifts aggressively, and then 2-1 harsh bump almost every time. Already took it in last week, was told there was a software update. Got the update drove off and seemed fine till I got closer to home and same problem. Seems to have actually made the problem worse after driving it today. Heading back to a different dealer this week. Will keep you guys posted on any relief.

 

[Livinfast85]

Just one more of many many problems with this new 19 Ram 1500. Problem is worse when cold, but when you come up to a stop, and do a quick stop and go. Transmission starts in 2nd gear lags and doesn't accelerate well then abruptly downshifts into 1st gear. Only happens on quick stop and goes. The dealership updated the TCM with a software update,... SURPRISE problem still exist. anyone else experience this ?? Thanks

I have 7300 miles and mine has just started doing this. Ive noticed several times over the last week that the transmission has been starting off in 2nd gear.

 

[GeoRam]

I am having a similar issue with my 2019 Ram Laramie Sport. Transmission started acting bizarre at around 2500 miles. Sometimes, when I come to a complete stop at a stop sign, I'll gently ease into the gas and the engine revs, then the transmission catches and goes. It is especially noticeable on an uphill stop while turning right and easing into the gas. It will rev...keep revving (while not moving)…give it a little more gas...and tires spin as it takes off. It's not a violent downshift or anything, it's just lazy. All other upshifts and downshifts while at cruising speeds are EXTREMELY smooth. It's just weird that the take off lag just started a couple hundred miles ago. Like many on this forum, this just adds to the list of other issues I've had...wind noise from rear cab, sub rattling...etc. But, this is definitely the most concerning. I don't buy brand new luxury vehicles to not have peace of mind for reliability, when it comes to major mechanical systems, such as engines and transmissions. If I thought I could get a good deal on another make that also included an additional chunk of money off to cover sales tax, I would probably jump on it. Just the thought of haggling with a salesman again, is nauseating, though.

 

[Ewiz]

After going to 4 dealers in 2 states. Boulder Co dealer fixed my trans in 1 day. Its unbelievable what was going on, I cant prove it but it looks like fraud. Seems Fort Collins CO got paid to update my TCM but never did it, so when I brought it back in the never even checked to see if had the right update, neither did Greeley CO neither did Cowboy Dodge in WY. All 3 dealers drove it and said 'nothing wrong with it" when I come to find out by going to a 4th dealer that The update was NEVER done! Boulder CO Dodge updated it correctly and fixed the transmission problem. Those other dealers are completely incompetent and or lazy and or liars!

Make sure you get the update in the attached photo. SO LAME how we have to do their re search

 

[Jmajercz18]

After going to 4 dealers in 2 states. Boulder Co dealer fixed my trans in 1 day. Its unbelievable what was going on, I cant prove it but it looks like fraud. Seems Fort Collins CO got paid to update my TCM but never did it, so when I brought it back in the never even checked to see if had the right update, neither did Greeley CO neither did Cowboy Dodge in WY. All 3 dealers drove it and said 'nothing wrong with it" when I come to find out by going to a 4th dealer that The update was NEVER done! Boulder CO Dodge updated it correctly and fixed the transmission problem. Those other dealers are completely incompetent and or lazy and or liars!

Make sure you get the update in the attached photo. SO LAME how we have to do their re search

Well this is interesting. Checked my paperwork from the first dealership and it states UPDATE from PN68360081AK to PN68360081AL. Reading your above it states PN68360085AL. Am I really 4 versions behind and they didn't catch this??? Unless the numbers mean something different but I highly doubt that if its the same software for each transmission. Gonna take it in tomorrow and request the software you got and see what happens. Thanks for the info!

 

[riccnick]

Well this is interesting. Checked my paperwork from the first dealership and it states UPDATE from PN68360081AK to PN68360081AL. Reading your above it states PN68360085AL. Am I really 4 versions behind and they didn't catch this??? Unless the numbers mean something different but I highly doubt that if its the same software for each transmission. Gonna take it in tomorrow and request the software you got and see what happens. Thanks for the info!

The last letter is most likely the revision, not the number. The number is most likely the powertrain and / or configuration code. I know you have the eTorque, but not sure @Ewiz does, as it's not specified in his sig info.

 

[Jmajercz18]

The last letter is most likely the revision, not the number. The number is most likely the powertrain and / or configuration code. I know you have the eTorque, but not sure @Ewiz does, as it's not specified in his sig info.

I get the letter is the REV letter but being as the transmission should be one version software( assumptions here) then the versions should match. I mean the 8 speed transmission is an 8 Speed. E-Torque maybe has something to do it with but that I am not sure of. I look at it as if version 1.0A vs version 1.5A. Although just talked to the dealer the code and they say it refers to the work performed?? Not sure gonna take it in tomorrow and get to show the foreman and go from there. Fingers crossed cause I love this truck overall just need the transmission to co-operate.

 

[riccnick]

I get the letter is the REV letter but being as the transmission should be one version software( assumptions here) then the versions should match. I mean the 8 speed transmission is an 8 Speed. E-Torque maybe has something to do it with but that I am not sure of. I look at it as if version 1.0A vs version 1.5A. Although just talked to the dealer the code and they say it refers to the work performed?? Not sure gonna take it in tomorrow and get to show the foreman and go from there. Fingers crossed cause I love this truck overall just need the transmission to co-operate.

The 8spd in eTorque trucks is actually a little different (there's an added electric pump to keep pressure during start / stop events), and also has different programming.

 

[Denny Crane]

This behaviour appears to be resolved with the Feb 15th trans software update. Mine has not done it since the update was applied.

Can you point me to the trans update ..l can’t find it in the recalls and bulletins listing.

Thanks

 

[Ewiz]

The last letter is most likely the revision, not the number. The number is most likely the powertrain and / or configuration code. I know you have the eTorque, but not sure @Ewiz does, as it's not specified in his sig info.

Sorry it's NON etorque

 

[jmr]

Mine shifts fine with 8500 miles on it and always starts in 1st from a stop but maybe applying this software update wouldn't hurt.

What is the TSB # for non-e torque 5.7L ?

 

[rparth139]

Just one more of many many problems with this new 19 Ram 1500. Problem is worse when cold, but when you come up to a stop, and do a quick stop and go. Transmission starts in 2nd gear lags and doesn't accelerate well then abruptly downshifts into 1st gear. Only happens on quick stop and goes. The dealership updated the TCM with a software update,... SURPRISE problem still exist. anyone else experience this ?? Thanks

Did you ever get this fixed ?

 

[RamCares]

Hi All,

We're sorry to hear that you're experiencing these transmission concerns. If you are in need of additional assistance while at the dealer, please send our team a private message. We are happy to provide another layer of support.

Darlene
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[Jmajercz18]

Did you ever get this fixed ?

Was told to drive the truck till 4000 miles and that the transmission would learn. Unfortunately it seems to be getting worse and not better. I am going to keep pursuing this issue until I get answers. Only 2700 miles and this cant be correct.

 

[Jmajercz18]

Hi All,

We're sorry to hear that you're experiencing these transmission concerns. If you are in need of additional assistance while at the dealer, please send our team a private message. We are happy to provide another layer of support.

Darlene
Ram Social Care Specialist

I will be returning to the dealership this weekend. I was told there is a relearn that I can still try. If I don't get the support you will be my first contact.