Hi;
I have learned that my 2005 Dodge 2500 with HEMI has an "unusual" transmission; it's a 5 speed automatic, with 2 overdrives. The design uses no bands, but 3 solenoid valves, and "theoretically" has 8 forward gear ratio's and 2 reverse. Problem is, you can't alter the ratio's and towing our fiver it can't find it's happy place. It revs too high in tow haul mode, and hunts too much in OD. You can't manually select just 1st OD. I looked to gear vendors for a gear splitter, but they don't make it for that particular tranny. I want to go to Florida this Christmas, but think it will be a slow trip. Has anyone with an 05 RAM Hemi encountered this and found a solution? I sure would like to know.
Thanks.
Dean and Tracy Bachellier
Isobel,Evelyn, and Stuart
2006 Keystone Cougar 281 EFS
HiJacker 16K double pivot slider
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab 4x4 HEMI
2 Black Cats, Little One (16 lbs?!) and Maggie
"Work smarter, NOT harder"
I have a 2007 Hemi with the 5 speed auto. On mine, I can click the button once for Tow/Haul(3 speed), click it again for OD off (4 speed), or click it again to go back to normal (5 speed).
Do you have a message on the instrument cluster indicating what position it is in? This may be something different that started with the minor changes of the 2006+ models.
Mine loves to tow with the highest OD turned off. The tow/haul mode is a bit more than I have needed.
I would look at trying a programmer. Several companies should have one for your truck; e.g. Hypertech, Flashpaq, Predator, etc. Most come standard with a tow mode. Some may be very customizable for your needs.
You can probably find answers about all your options at www.dodgetalk.com
I obviously have a different truck than you do, but I had a similar problem. I mentioned it to my local dodge service manager and it turns out that there is a TSB for it for the 2004's, not sure about the 2005's.
I took in the truck and they covered it under the emisions warranty, took 30 minutes and it is like a whole new truck when in tow/haul mode.
I was ready to trade it off and now am happy.
Jeff
2009 Rockwood Signature Ultra Light 8317SS
2004 Dodge Ram 1500 QC LB Hemi
DW Kelly and DD
The '05 is the odd ball. No way to lock out both O/D ratios. Tow haul works well though. I set cruise on 65-68mph towing and let it do whatever the engineers programmed it to do. With the 3.73 ratio it had for the first 100k miles, it ran 2100rpm in O/D on the flats, 2600-3000rpm in rolling hills with TC locked/unlocked and 4200rpm on the steeper uphills at 60mph. Won't hurt a thing if you don't mind the hot rod sound. Don't cringe, it's normal and well within the rpm limits of the engine. At 113k miles, all is well.
No programmer available that will allow locking out both O/D ratios. Adjusting shift points means wide open throttle drag race type operation. Shifting at 6300rpm isn't what I'm looking for while towing. Some are setting it at 6800rpm. That's even far above "my" cringe factor.
Set cruise and enjoy it.
'10 F250 XLT CC SB 5.4L 5spdTS 3.73 179miles
ex '95 Cummins,'98 12v Cummins,'01.5 Cummins,'03 Cummins; '05 Hemi
'07 KZ Jag 28JFSS.
we have a 2003 hemi ,3500 dually,4.10, push button to lock out overdrive, 56000 miles works great, been thru deserts,mountains, no problem,got scared once at mt. rushmore missed our turn took different route seemed to be straight up, 6000 rpms 5-10 miles an hour, local told me diesels would'nt go up that hill. 3000 rpms 70 mph when towing
Bachus, I also have an 05 Hemi but have not encountered the problem you state you are having. If I am in hilly terrain, I will switch to tow/haul mode and it works fine. On the leven I do take it out of that mode and let it go into overdrive. In both modes I use the cruise as much as I can and have been prety happy with the results. Good Luck and Happy Camping.
dan218b@tds.net
Dan and Lori Branson
Anna 1 (the rescue) Sarah (the rescue)
and Beau (waiting at the Rainbow Bridge)
2005 Dodge QuadCab 2500 4x4 Hemi
2009 Open Range 337RLS
RV.Net Ohio Rally Member
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