Road Testing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 RAM Pickup and 2011 RAM Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Before road testing, be sure the fluid level and control cable adjustments have been checked and adjusted if necessary. Verify that all diagnostic trouble codes have been resolved.

Observe engine performance during the road test. A poorly tuned engine will not allow accurate analysis of transmission operation.

Operate the transmission in all gear ranges. Check for shift variations and engine flare which indicates slippage. Note if shifts are harsh, spongy, delayed, early, or if part throttle downshifts are sensitive.

Slippage indicated by engine flare, usually means clutch or line pressure problems.

A slipping clutch can often be determined by comparing which internal units are applied in the various gear ranges. The Clutch Application charts provide a basis for analyzing road test results.

NOTE:

Vehicles equipped with ERS will actually display as if the transmission were a six speed (RS second prime as third, third as fourth, fourth as fifth etc.

545RFE CLUTCH APPLICATION CHART

SLP	UD	OD	R	2C	4C	L/R	OVERRUNNING
P - PARK						ON
R - REVERSE			ON			ON
N-NEUTRAL						ON
D - FIRST (ERS one)	ON					ON*	ON
D - SECOND (ERS two)	ON			ON
D - SECOND PRIME (ERS third)	ON				ON
D - THIRD (ERS fourth)	ON	ON
D - FOURTH (ERS fifth)		ON			ON
D - FIFTH (ERS drive)		ON		ON
D - LIMP-IN	ON	ON
2 - FIRST	ON					ON*	ON
2 - SECOND	ON			ON
2 - LIMP-IN	ON			ON
1 - LOW	ON					ON	ON
*L/R clutch is on only with the output shaft speed below 150 RPM.