Trans running hot on 2005Ram 3500 Auto

[freddmc]

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

[bigg-limo]

I just keep trucking as long as none of those gauges are in the RED.

[Cummins12V98]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Maybe the bands needs adjusting.... I can't believe I said that! :R

[transamz9]

There is no third on the selector. 1-2-od. The more you can keep the TC locked the cooler it will run.

[john_bet]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Run 3rd gear when climbing. RPM's higher is better with the 48 trans if you are towing very heavy.

That's what I do. My Daddy always told me that's what they put a transmission in a truck for. Auto transmission selector lever works wonderfully for me.

[Cummins12V98]

Run 3rd gear when climbing. RPM's higher is better with the 48 trans if you are towing very heavy.

[smooth1]

I believe your truck will go into limp mode with tranny temps around 265 degrees F. My 2006 diesel RAM w/auto tranny had an Edge monitor on it that would alarm at 230 degrees F. I have hit the 230's a couple times and 240 once. Used to make me worry until I found out the limp mode number of 265.