How Can I Tell If My Automatic Transmission Needs An Overhaul?

How Can I Tell If It's Internal Transmission Damage Requiring An Overhaul?

The biggest giveaway that your Dodge Ram's automatic transmission is badly worn or failing is that it starts to slip —meaning the engine revs, but the power doesn't transfer to the wheels as it should.

Here are some telltale signs that it's time for an overhaul or replacement:

• The transmission fluid level is fine, but the fluid is very dark or black and has a strong burned smell —a sign of excessive heat and clutch damage.
• You may find one or more "gear ratio error" diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the PCM. These codes appear when the computer sees a mismatch between expected and actual transmission speeds, usually caused by slipping clutches or damaged internal components:
  • P0730: Incorrect Gear Ratio (general).
  • P0731: Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio.
  • P0732: Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio.
  • P0733: Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio.
  • P0734: Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio.
• These codes are the PCM's way of saying: "I commanded a gear, but the output speed doesn't match —something inside the transmission isn't holding".
• As you accelerate, it feels like the transmission suddenly shifts into neutral —this is classic slipping.
• No 1st gear engagement: You shift into Drive, but no matter how much you rev the engine, the truck doesn't move. This usually means the forward clutch pack has failed.
• The transmission delays shifting into 1st gear after a stop, then suddenly engages with a hard jolt. Normally, the transmission should downshift into 1st before the truck stops completely —delayed engagement points to valve body or clutch pack problems.
• No Reverse gear, even though Drive works. This can mean the reverse band or direct clutch is worn out.
• When you remove the transmission oil pan, you see dark sediment or sludge —this is the friction material that has worn off the clutches and bands inside the transmission.
• You may also find metal shavings in the bottom of the pan, mixed with friction debris. This suggests hard part damage, like a failed planetary gearset or thrust washer wear.

Bottom Line: Pulling the transmission pan is often the most definitive way to confirm internal damage. If you find black sludge, friction material, or metal particles, it's a clear sign the transmission needs to be rebuilt or replaced.

Transmission With Both Solenoid Failure And Internal Damage

It's important to understand that your 46RE-equipped Dodge Ram can suffer from both a failed shift solenoid or sensor and internal mechanical damage at the same time.

This is especially common when the internal damage affects the clutch packs responsible for 3rd or 4th gear.

What often makes the slipping go unnoticed is that the transmission is stuck in Limp-In Mode, which prevents it from ever attempting a shift into the damaged gears.

In other words, the transmission seems stable —not because it's healthy —but because it's not being allowed to access the gears that have failed.

From real-world experience, I've seen many cases where a vehicle had a solenoid or sensor trouble code (e.g., governor pressure sensor or shift solenoid), and once that component was replaced, the transmission began to shift again —only to reveal severe slipping in 3rd or 4th gear that had been masked by Limp Mode.

If you're in the middle of replacing a solenoid or sensor, here are a few things you can do to check for deeper problems:

• Since you've already have the transmission oil pan removed, inspect it for excessive friction material, dark sludge, or metal shavings. These are signs of clutch or band failure —even if you haven't noticed any slipping yet.
• Once the solenoid or sensor is replaced, clear the codes and perform a road test. Watch closely for slipping during 2–3 and 3–4 shifts, especially under light throttle.

In Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide has helped you narrow down whether your 46RE transmission issue is:

• Electrical, like a bad solenoid or sensor, or
• Internal, such as worn clutches or bands —which will require a full rebuild or replacement.

If you're still unsure after making electrical repairs, a careful road test after resetting Limp-In Mode is often the final diagnostic step that reveals whether the transmission can still hold gears properly.

More 5.2L, 5.9L V8 Dodge Ram Pickup Tutorials

I've written several more tutorials for the V8 Dodge Ramp pickups that may be of interest to you that you can find in this index:

• 5.2L, 5.9L V8 Dodge Ram Pickup Index Of Articles.

Here's a sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:

• How To Test The Fuel Pump (1992-2003 5.2L, 5.9L V8 Dodge Ram Pickup).
• How To Test The Intake Air Temp (IAT) Sensor (1998-2003 5.2L, 5.9L V8 Dodge Ram Pickup).
• How To Test The Camshaft Position Sensor (1998-2003 5.2L, 5.9L V8 Dodge Ram Pickup).
• Troubleshooting A Blown Head Gasket (1989-2003 5.2L, 5.9L V8 Dodge Ram Pickup).