RAM RHO Transmission Issue

[RAM-Ranch-MT]

My transmission just doesn’t feel smooth. Primarily when slowing down, the shift from 3rd to 2nd clunks often. And in slow/creeping traffic if I tap the gas it clunks. When driving at 20+mph it’s smooth. It seems to not like when it’s not under load.

In the Trx, the clunk was a widespread issue . I was hoping it was addressed in the rho but apparently not. Funny because the raptors also notoriously do this as well. Wtf

 

[Scottie2Hottie]

It is crazy to see how many issues all the brands are having. I personally think it is because of Covid and the effects that had on manufacturers. Everyone had to scramble to source parts and things were rushed, components were used that were not properly vetted, etc. Now it just seems like, because the manufacturers got away with it then, they have carried over these bad habits.

You nailed it. Speaking as an engineer from a renowned company with elite products, Covid absolutely wrecked the normal supply chains where companies had to pivot to suppliers new or seldomly used. Techniques in labor had to reassessed and altered to continue production. That is just mechanical. These modern vehicles are super computers on 4 wheels. A number of small components can cause havoc. At some point we have to accept this to meet our demands or buy a Series 70 Land Cruiser.

 

[Deange2001]

My transmission just doesn’t feel smooth. Primarily when slowing down, the shift from 3rd to 2nd clunks often. And in slow/creeping traffic if I tap the gas it clunks. When

You nailed it. Speaking as an engineer from a renowned company with elite products, Covid absolutely wrecked the normal supply chains where companies had to pivot to suppliers new or seldomly used. Techniques in labor had to reassessed and altered to continue production. That is just mechanical. These modern vehicles are super computers on 4 wheels. A number of small components can cause havoc. At some point we have to accept this to meet our demands or buy a Series 70 Land Cruiser.

exactly - I am coming from a similar background. the shit my company had to do to keep our manufacturing lines going was not fun and we ran into a lot of issues where we would buy a replacement component and the parts were absolutely janky as shit. many times the products wouldn't even live up to their spec sheets. I am glad it is all behind us and we found ways to get back to where we were but I can't imagine these large companies having as much flexibility, having to meet certain numbers for their stock holders.

 

[Gassywizard22]

In the Trx, the clunk was a widespread issue . I was hoping it was addressed in the rho but apparently not. Funny because the raptors also notoriously do this as well. Wtf

So it’s the driveshaft is what I’m seeing on the TRX forum and no permanent fix either . Not a huge deal, but it is mildly annoying and I can’t imagine that being good for the transmission.

 

[Scottie2Hottie]

So it’s the driveshaft is what I’m seeing on the TRX forum and no permanent fix either . Not a huge deal, but it is mildly annoying and I can’t imagine that being good for the transmission.

Seriously? Clunk from the bottom of the truck has never been remedied within the past 4 years? Out of spec driveshaft. Bad transmission mount, diff mount or motor mount. Generally when I hear a clink from the drivetrain it, I find an issue with one of these components. If it’s the driveshaft, surely a competent shop could inspect the splines, joints and balance. Either that or the angle of the driveshaft between the trans and diff is beyond spec.

 

[Gassywizard22]

Seriously? Clunk from the bottom of the truck has never been remedied within the past 4 years? Out of spec driveshaft. Bad transmission mount, diff mount or motor mount. Generally when I hear a clink from the drivetrain it, I find an issue with one of these components. If it’s the driveshaft, surely a competent shop could inspect the splines, joints and balance. Either that or the angle of the driveshaft between the trans and diff is beyond spec.

I haven’t dug too deeply into it. But it looks like they did recall the TRX driveshaft sometime in 2024, and the clunk went away for those that had it replaced (at least temporarily)

 

[Elonmsk]

So, quick update for everyone. The Service Tech was incredibly dismissive, proceeded to explain to me how a "performance" transmission operates, it was baffling as I immediately realized these folks didn't have a clue and likely didn't actually drive the vehicle. After some back and forth they acknowledged that since the RHO wasn't throwing a CEL, they had nothing to go on - plus it's the first RHO at their dealership. They said they could open a STAR (?) case but they would need more time with the vehicle. Again, it's baffling to me that they had possession of my vehicle to diagnose the issue, but were ready to hand the keys back to me instead of just proactively opening a case. If anyone in Central Texas has a dealership to recommend, please let me know - I don't want to waste time with these folks.

 

[frogjbm]

So, quick update for everyone. The Service Tech was incredibly dismissive, proceeded to explain to me how a "performance" transmission operates, it was baffling as I immediately realized these folks didn't have a clue and likely didn't actually drive the vehicle. After some back and forth they acknowledged that since the RHO wasn't throwing a CEL, they had nothing to go on - plus it's the first RHO at their dealership. They said they could open a STAR (?) case but they would need more time with the vehicle. Again, it's baffling to me that they had possession of my vehicle to diagnose the issue, but were ready to hand the keys back to me instead of just proactively opening a case. If anyone in Central Texas has a dealership to recommend, please let me know - I don't want to waste time with these folks.

What dealer, call them out so the rest of us can steer clear. I’m in Fort Worth.

 

[Elonmsk]

Here's a quick video for reference. Any ideas?

 

[frogjbm]

Here's a quick video for reference. Any ideas?

Curiosity…?’s...

Has this only occurred once and done?
Did you “trick the truck” and place it in manual mode and then back to auto mode to see if that resolved it?
Did you disconnect the batteries to reset the PCM?

Trying to understand DIY path of troubleshooting and resolution process.

 

[gram10]

Here's a quick video for reference. Any ideas?

does it do that when you're not in sport too?

 

[frogjbm]

Wait a minute…I see the drive gear you’re in, I believe that only shows when you’re in sport mode (manual mode), am I right or wrong everyone? Look on the left bottom showing D1. If you’re in manual mode, it won’t shift for you and will hit redline everytime.

 

[gram10]

Wait a minute…I see the drive gear you’re in, I believe that only shows when you’re in sport mode (manual mode), am I right or wrong everyone? Look on the left bottom showing D1

Does it in all modes

 

[frogjbm]

Does it in all modes

Ok so it still shows gear placement regardless of auto or manual mode? Meaning if you move your gear shift left into manual mode it displays the gear placement on the screen and by moving the shift back to the right the gear placement is still visible on the screen? I think he’s in manual mode.

In my V’s, M3, and Range Rover, it would ONLY show gear placement in manual mode, that’s why I’m asking.

 

[Elonmsk]

Curiosity…?’s...

Has this only occurred once and done?
Did you “trick the truck” and place it in manual mode and then back to auto mode to see if that resolved it?
Did you disconnect the batteries to reset the PCM?

Trying to understand DIY path of troubleshooting and resolution process.

This occurs every time I drive the RHO, in both normal and sport mode. However, the issue didn’t start until recently, around 2k miles. The truck drives fine under normal conditions, no issues with shifting. This only occurs at WOT or close to 85-90% throttle.

As for troubleshooting, I haven’t tried to trick the truck but these are great suggestions and I will give them a go this afternoon.

 

[Elonmsk]

What dealer, call them out so the rest of us can steer clear. I’m in Fort Worth.

What dealer, call them out so the rest of us can steer clear. I’m in Fort Worth.

Nyle Maxwell Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Austin

 

[Elonmsk]

does it do that when you're not in sport too?

Yes, all driving mode under heavy throttle

 

[frogjbm]

Nyle Maxwell Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Austin

Ok south of me but good to know thank you!

 

[frogjbm]

This occurs every time I drive the RHO, in both normal and sport mode. However, the issue didn’t start until recently, around 2k miles. The truck drives fine under normal conditions, no issues with shifting. This only occurs at WOT or close to 85-90% throttle.

As for troubleshooting, I haven’t tried to trick the truck but these are great suggestions and I will give them a go this afternoon.

Just curious about manual shift mode (aside from any performance modes), just make sure the truck isn’t set to force you to use the paddles, that’s what I think is going on. Have another dealer check it out, clearly those ass clowns aren’t competent.

 

[gram10]

Yes, all driving mode under heavy throttle

well I'm lost!

Ok so it still shows gear placement regardless of auto or manual mode? Meaning if you move your gear shift left into manual mode it displays the gear placement on the screen and by moving the shift back to the right the gear placement is still visible on the screen? I think he’s in manual mode.

In my V’s, M3, and Range Rover, it would ONLY show gear placement in manual mode, that’s why I’m asking.

the D1 means drive one, in manual I believe it says S1 or M1, you can configure you're dash to display the gear as well as the heads up display