1998 DODGE RAM 1500 manual transmission

TRANSMISSION RANGE
SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
The Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) (Fig. 240)
has 3 primary functions:
²Provide a PARK/NEUTRAL start signal to the
engine controller and the starter relay.
²Turn the Back-up lamps on when the transmis-
sion is in REVERSE and the engine (ignition) is on.
²Provide a transmission range signal to the
instrument cluster.
The sensor is mounted in the transmission housing
near the valve body, just above the pan rail. It's in
the same position as the Park/Neutral switch on
other transmissions. The TRS contacts a cammed
surface on the manual valve lever. The cammed sur-
face translates the rotational motion of the manual
lever into the linear motion of the sensor. The
cammed surface on the manual lever is comprised of
two parts controlling the TRS signal: The insulator
portion contacts the switch poppet when the manual
lever is not in PARK or NEUTRAL. The manual
lever itself contacts the poppet when the lever is inPARK or NEUTRAL; providing a ground for the sig-
nal from the starter relay and the JTEC engine con-
troller.
OPERATION
As the switch moves through its linear motion (Fig.
241) contacts slide across a circuit board which
changes the resistance between the range sensing
pins of the switch. A power supply on the instrument
cluster provides a regulated voltage signal to the
switch. The return signal is decoded by the cluster,
which then controls the PRNDL display to corre-
spond with the correct transmission range. A bus
message of transmission range is also sent by the
cluster. In REVERSE range a second contact set
closes the circuit providing power to the reverse
lamps.
Fig. 240 Transmission Range Sensor
Fig. 241 Transmission Range Sensor Linear
Movement
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Indicated Gear Position Transmission
StatusColumn Shifter
Position
Mechanical State Electronic Display
(Ignition Unlocked)Electronic Display
(Ignition On)
P P P Vehicle is in PARK
with the pawl
engaged.In the PARK gate.
R The PARK pawl is
disengaged and the
vehicle is free to
roll, but REVERSE
is not engaged.Between the PARK
and REVERSE
gates.
R R R The transmission is
hydraulically in
REVERSE.In the REVERSE
gate.
N The transmission is
transitioning
between REVERSE
and NEUTRAL.Between the
REVERSE and
NEUTRAL gates.
N N N The vehicle is in
NEUTRAL.In the NEUTRAL
gate.
N The transmission is
transitioning
between NEUTRAL
and DRIVE, but is
not in DRIVE.Between the
NEUTRAL and
DRIVE gates.
D D D The transmission is
hydraulically in
DRIVE.In the DRIVE gate,
2 2 2 The transmission is
hydraulically in
Manual SECOND.In the SECOND
gate.
1 1 1 The transmission is
hydraulically in
Manual FIRST.In the FIRST gate.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - TRANSMISSION
RANGE SENSOR (TRS)
NOTE: For all circuit identification in the following
steps, Refer to the appropriate Wiring Information.
(1) Raise vehicle on suitable hoist.
(2) Disconnect the vehicle's shift cable from the
manual lever.
(3) With the manual lever in the PARK position
(the PARK position is with the manual lever moved
to the full rearward position), measure the resistance
between the Park/Neutral Position Sense pin of the
TRS and the transmission case. The resistance
should be less than 5 ohms.
(4) With the manual lever in the NEUTRAL posi-
tion (the NEUTRAL position is with the manuallever moved two detents forward of the full rearward
position), measure the resistance between the Park/
Neutral Position Sense pin of the TRS and the trans-
mission case. The resistance should be less than 5
ohms.
(5) If the resistance is greater than 5 ohms in
either of the previous steps, check for a dirty contact
between the tip of the TRS rod and the valve body
manual lever. If the contact is OK, replace the TRS.
(6) With the manual lever in the REVERSE posi-
tion (the REVERSE position is with the manual lever
moved one detent forward of the full rearward posi-
tion), measure the resistance between the Fused
Ignition Switch Output and the Back-up Lamp feed
pins of the TRS. The resistance should be less than 5
ohms. If the resistance is greater than 5 ohms,
replace the TRS.
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TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (Continued)

(7) With the manual lever in the PARK position
(the PARK position is with the manual lever moved
to the full rearward position), measure the resistance
between the Transmission Range Sensor MUX and
the Transmission Range Sensor 5V Supply pins of
the TRS. The resistance should be 522.2 ohms. If the
resistance is not correct, replace the TRS.
(8) With the manual lever in the REVERSE posi-
tion (the REVERSE position is with the manual lever
moved one detent forward of the full rearward posi-
tion), measure the resistance between the Transmis-
sion Range Sensor MUX and the Transmission Range
Sensor 5V Supply pins of the TRS. The resistance
should be 206.2 ohms. If the resistance is not correct,
replace the TRS.
(9) With the manual lever in the NEUTRAL posi-
tion (the NEUTRAL position is with the manual
lever moved two detents forward of the full rearward
position), measure the resistance between the Trans-
mission Range Sensor MUX and the Transmission
Range Sensor 5V Supply pins of the TRS. The resis-
tance should be 108.6 ohms. If the resistance is not
correct, replace the TRS.
(10) With the manual lever in the DRIVE position
(the DRIVE position is with the manual lever moved
three detents forward of the full rearward position),
measure the resistance between the Transmission
Range Sensor MUX and the Transmission Range
Sensor 5V Supply pins of the TRS. The resistance
should be 59.9 ohms. If the resistance is not correct,
replace the TRS.
(11) With the manual lever in the SECOND posi-
tion (the SECOND position is with the manual lever
moved one detent rearward of the full forward posi-
tion), measure the resistance between the Transmis-
sion Range Sensor MUX and the Back-up Lamp feed
pins of the TRS. The resistance should be 31.9 ohms.
If the resistance is not correct, replace the TRS.
(12) With the manual lever in the LOW position
(the LOW position is with the manual lever moved to
the full forward position), measure the resistance
between the Transmission Range Sensor MUX and
the Back-up Lamp feed pins of the TRS. The resis-
tance should be 13.7 ohms. If the resistance is not
correct, replace the TRS.
REMOVAL
(1) Raise vehicle and position drain pan under the
transmission range sensor (TRS).
(2) Move the transmission manual lever to the
manual LOW position. The manual LOW position is
with the manual lever in the forward-most detent.(3) Disengage the wiring connector from the TRS.
(4) Remove the two screws holding the TRS to the
TRS mounting bracket.
(5) Remove the TRS (Fig. 242) from the TRS
mounting bracket by pulling it straight out of the
bracket.
(6) Loosen the TRS mounting bracket in the trans-
mission case using Adapter 8581 (Fig. 243).
Fig. 242 Remove Transmission Range Sensor
1 - SOLENOID CASE CONNECTOR
2 - TRS MOUNTING BRACKET
3 - TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
Fig. 243 Loosen the TRS Mounting Bracket
1 - SOLENOID CASE CONNECTOR
2 - TRS MOUNTING BRACKET
3 - ADAPTER 8581
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TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (Continued)

(7) Remove the TRS mounting bracket (Fig. 244)
from the transmission case.
INSTALLATION
(1) Move the transmission manual shaft lever to
the manual LOW position.
(2) Install the TRS mounting bracket into the
transmission case. Using Adapter 8581 (Fig. 245),
tighten the mounting bracket to 34 N´m (300 in.lbs.).(3) Install the TRS (Fig. 246) into the mounting
bracket with the wiring connector facing the front of
the transmission.
(4) Install the two screws to hold the TRS to the
mounting bracket. Tighten the screws to 5 N´m (45
in.lbs.).
(5) Verify proper sensor operation (Fig. 247).
(6) Move the transmission manual shaft lever to
the PARK position.
(7) Connect TRS wiring connector to the TRS and
lower vehicle.
(8) Refill the transmission fluid to the correct
level.
Fig. 244 Remove TRS Mounting Bracket
1 - SOLENOID CASE CONNECTOR
2 - TRS MOUNTING BRACKET
Fig. 245 Tighten the TRS Mounting Bracket
1 - SOLENOID CASE CONNECTOR
2 - TRS MOUNTING BRACKET
3 - ADAPTER 8581
Fig. 246 Remove Transmission Range Sensor
1 - SOLENOID CASE CONNECTOR
2 - TRS MOUNTING BRACKET
3 - TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
Fig. 247 Transmission Range Sensor Operation
1 - NEUTRAL CONTACT
2 - MANUAL LEVER AND SENSOR PLUNGER IN REVERSE
POSITION
3 - PARK CONTACT
4 - TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR
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TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (Continued)

TRANSMISSION
TEMPERATURE SENSOR
DESCRIPTION
Transmission fluid temperature readings are sup-
plied to the transmission control module by the ther-
mistor (Fig. 248). The temperature readings are used
to control engagement of the fourth gear overdrive
clutch, the converter clutch, and governor pressure.
Normal resistance value for the thermistor at room
temperature is approximately 2000 ohms.
The thermistor is part of the governor pressure
sensor assembly and is immersed in transmission
fluid at all times.
OPERATION
The PCM prevents engagement of the converter
clutch and overdrive clutch, when fluid temperature
is below approximately 10ÉC (50ÉF).
If fluid temperature exceeds 126ÉC (260ÉF), the
PCM causes a 4-3 downshift and engage the con-
verter clutch. Engagement is according to the third
gear converter clutch engagement schedule.
The Tow/Haul lamp in the instrument panel illumi-
nates when the shift back to third occurs. The trans-
mission will not allow fourth gear operation until
fluid temperature decreases to approximately 110ÉC
(230ÉF).
VALVE BODY
DESCRIPTION
The valve body consists of a cast aluminum valve
body, a separator plate, and transfer plate. The valve
body contains valves and check balls that control
fluid delivery to the torque converter clutch, bands,
and frictional clutches. The valve body contains the
following components (Fig. 249), (Fig. 250), (Fig.
251), and (Fig. 252):
²Regulator valve
²Regulator valve throttle pressure plug
²Line pressure sleeve
²Kickdown valve
²Kickdown limit valve
²1-2 shift valve
²1-2 control valve
²2-3 shift valve
²2-3 governor plug
²3-4 shift valve
²3-4 timing valve
²3-4 quick fill valve
²3-4 accumulator
²Throttle valve
²Throttle pressure plug
²Switch valve
²Manual valve
²Converter clutch lock-up valve
²Converter clutch lock-up timing Valve
²Shuttle valve
²Shuttle valve throttle plug
²Boost Valve
²9 check balls
By adjusting the spring pressure acting on the reg-
ulator valve, transmission line pressure can be
adjusted.
Fig. 248 Governor Pressure Sensor
1 - GOVERNOR BODY
2 - GOVERNOR PRESSURE SENSOR/TRANSMISSION FLUID
TEMPERATURE THERMISTOR
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Fig. 249 Upper Housing Control Valve Locations
1 - UPPER HOUSING 8 - MANUAL VALVE
2 - REGULATOR VALVE 9 - 1-2 GOVERNOR PLUG
3 - SWITCH VALVE 10 - GOVERNOR PLUG COVER
4 - REGULATOR VALVE SPRING 11 - THROTTLE PLUG
5 - KICKDOWN VALVE 12 - 2-3 GOVERNOR PLUG
6 - KICKDOWN DETENT 13 - SHUTTLE VALVE PRIMARY SPRING
7 - THROTTLE VALVE AND SPRING
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VALVE BODY (Continued)

OPERATION
NOTE: Refer to the Hydraulic Schematics for a
visual aid in determining valve location, operation
and design.
CHECK BALLS
CHECK BALL NUMBER DESCRIPTION
1 Allows either the manual valve to put line pressure on the 1-2 governor plug or
the KD Valve to put WOT line pressure on the 1-2 governor plug.
3 Allows either the Reverse circuit or the 3rd gear circuit to pressurize the front
clutch.
4 Allows either the Manual Low circuit from the Manual Valve or the Reverse
from the Manual Valve circuit to pressurize the rear servo.
5 Directs line pressure to the spring end of the 2-3 shift valve in either Manual
Low or Manual 2nd, forcing the downshift to 2nd gear regardless of governor
pressure.
6 Provides a by-pass around the front servo orifice so that the servo can release
quickly.
7 Provides a by-pass around the rear clutch orifice so that the clutch can release
quickly.
8 Directs reverse line pressure through an orifice to the throttle valve eliminating
the extra leakage and insuring that Reverse line pressure pressure will be
sufficient.
9 Provides a by-pass around the rear servo orifice so that the servo can release
quickly.
10 Allows the lockup clutch to used at WOT in 3rd gear by putting line pressure
from the 3-4 Timing Valve on the interlock area of the 2-3 shift valve, thereby
preventing a 3rd gear Lock-up to 2nd gear kickdown.
21 - 272 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 48REDR
VALVE BODY (Continued)

REGULATOR VALVE
The pressure regulator valve is needed to control
the hydraulic pressure within the system and reduce
the amount of heat produced in the fluid. The pres-
sure regulator valve is located in the valve body near
the manual valve. The pressure regulator valve train
controls the maximum pressure in the lines by
metering the dumping of fluid back into the sump.
Regulated pressure is referred to as ªline pressure.º
The regulator valve (Fig. 253) has a spring on one
end that pushes the valve to the left. This closes a
dump (vent) that is used to lower pressure. The clos-
ing of the dump will cause the oil pressure to
increase. Oil pressure on the opposite end of thevalve pushes the valve to the right, opening the
dump and lowering oil pressure. The result is spring
pressure working against oil pressure to maintain
the oil at specific pressures. With the engine run-
ning, fluid flows from the pump to the pressure reg-
ulator valve, manual valve, and the interconnected
circuits. As fluid is sent through passages to the reg-
ulator valve, the pressure pushes the valve to the
right against the large spring. It is also sent to the
reaction areas on the left side of the throttle pressure
plug and the line pressure plug. With the gear selec-
tor in the PARK position, fluid recirculates through
the regulator and manual valves back to the sump.
Fig. 253 Regulator Valve in Park Position
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VALVE BODY (Continued)