We tow a horse trailer with our 2005 Ram 3500 dually auto. When towing in the mountains the trans temp will get up to 230 deg. as this year does not have the abililty to lock out the overdrive(both the 04 and 06 DOES have this option) its difficult to keep the temps down. Does anyone else tow with this model and, if so, what has been your solution.ThanksFred

Do you pull in the tow haul mode?

freddmc wrote:We tow a horse trailer with our 2005 Ram 3500 dually auto. When towing in the mountains the trans temp will get up to 230 deg. as this year does not have the abililty to lock out the overdrive(both the 04 and 06 DOES have this option) its difficult to keep the temps down. Does anyone else tow with this model and, if so, what has been your solution.ThanksFredUp to 230? How long does it stay at that temp? Under what conditions does it get to that temp? How do you get this measurement?

I would look into adding an additional trans fluid cooler in front of the radiator. You should also have a tow-haul switch there also which keeps it out of OD when it starts pulling hard.

Part of my job is towing testing and 230F is not too hot when towing up grades. What makes you think it is?

Normal temperature is considered to be 190*-225*. 230* is not too hot. I have experienced temps in excess of 285*, ( the limit of my gauge ), without any ill effects or damage, confirmed by my dealer's transmission tech.The 2005 48re has a option/TSB out that can change the programing for the transmission. You can have the original programming with the tow/haul mode, that modifies the shift pattern and torque convertor lock up, or, have the TSB flash that will eliminate the tow/haul feature and turn it into a overdrive lockout feature. I elected not to have the TSB flash in my 05, I preferred the modified shift pattern.

Trans running hot on 2005Ram 3500 Auto | Good Sam Community

25 Replies

bigg-limo
Explorer
Feb 15, 2014
I just keep trucking as long as none of those gauges are in the RED.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jan 31, 2014
transamz9 wrote:
No, I haven't had a hill yet that will "slow" me to 35. Remember , I'm not stock. When I'm running that speed it is because that is the safe speed for the road I'm on at the time.

Got it!

I was mixing you up with the op. Sounds like you have it handled.
transamz9
Explorer
Jan 31, 2014
No, I haven't had a hill yet that will "slow" me to 35. Remember , I'm not stock. When I'm running that speed it is because that is the safe speed for the road I'm on at the time.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jan 31, 2014
transamz9 wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:
transamz9 wrote:
I have no problem holding in the mid 30 mph range in some pretty steep grades if the speed allows. I just can't select third on the shifter.

At that speed you should be in second gear. If that is the case you probably are unlocked and yes the trans will heat up then.

On the second gen trucks we used to run a mystery switch. It would keep the trans locked in all gears. Bad part was if you forgot to turn it off coming to s stop it would stall the engine.

No, I can run 35 in third with the TC locked and still pull pretty hard. Unloaded or light load, it will hold OD with the TC lock as low as 42 but still pulls pretty good at 45.

Now, I'm not talking about foot on the floor, just enough power to do the job.

You said some steep grades in the mid 30 mph range.

Your call but if you are down to that speed and you have a real load and a steep grade IMHO you should be in 2nd gear.

Things will heat up fast if you are not.
transamz9
Explorer
Jan 31, 2014
Cummins12V98 wrote:
transamz9 wrote:
I have no problem holding in the mid 30 mph range in some pretty steep grades if the speed allows. I just can't select third on the shifter.

At that speed you should be in second gear. If that is the case you probably are unlocked and yes the trans will heat up then.

On the second gen trucks we used to run a mystery switch. It would keep the trans locked in all gears. Bad part was if you forgot to turn it off coming to s stop it would stall the engine.

No, I can run 35 in third with the TC locked and still pull pretty hard. Unloaded or light load, it will hold OD with the TC lock as low as 42 but still pulls pretty good at 45.

Now, I'm not talking about foot on the floor, just enough power to do the job.
maxwell11
Explorer
Jan 31, 2014
freddmc wrote:
We tow a horse trailer with our 2005 Ram 3500 dually auto. When towing in the mountains the trans temp will get up to 230 deg. as this year does not have the abililty to lock out the overdrive(both the 04 and 06 DOES have this option) its difficult to keep the temps down. Does anyone else tow with this model and, if so, what has been your solution.

Thanks

Fred

look at this option:
BD Diesel 2005 Dodge OverDrive LockOut
BD Diesel Performance offers you the new OverDrive LockOut for the 2005 Dodge, It gives a control of the overdrive back to the driver allowing and disabling the 4th gear when needed for exhaust brake use or pulling up a hill.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jan 31, 2014
transamz9 wrote:
I have no problem holding in the mid 30 mph range in some pretty steep grades if the speed allows. I just can't select third on the shifter.

At that speed you should be in second gear. If that is the case you probably are unlocked and yes the trans will heat up then.

On the second gen trucks we used to run a mystery switch. It would keep the trans locked in all gears. Bad part was if you forgot to turn it off coming to s stop it would stall the engine.
transamz9
Explorer
Jan 31, 2014
I have no problem holding in the mid 30 mph range in some pretty steep grades if the speed allows. I just can't select third on the shifter.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jan 31, 2014
transamz9 wrote:
There is no third on the selector. 1-2-od. The more you can keep the TC locked the cooler it will run.

True on staying locked.

I don't understand the 05's I guess. If you can't hold 3rd I would correct that if possible.
FishOnOne
Nomad
Jan 31, 2014
Maybe the bands needs adjusting.... I can't believe I said that! :R

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Trans running hot on 2005Ram 3500 Auto

25 Replies

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