If you're feeling slippage, it could be a faulty reverse (or low/reverse) clutch/servo, or a hydraulic valve that is not functioning correctly. I'd have to look at a diagram of the specific transmission, but those are two very common issues on automatic transmissions. Not the ONLY possibilities, of course.
I just wish I knew if there is something I could or should tighten/adjust before other problems occur. It does have around 240,000 miles..
I found a diagram for the 545-RFE transmission online (which, from what I'm reading online, is what they put into most Dodges between 2002-2009 with the 4.7 liter engine). I was on the right track, just didn't have my verbage quite right per Dodge. The transmission has a REVERSE clutch and a LOW/REVERSE clutch (which is only used when the RPM's are very low). So it sounds like you have an issue with that reverse clutch. Whether it's hydraulic (i.e., a valve issue) or the internal components of the clutch have worn...it's not possible to know without digging into it. The fact that its JUST reverse that seems to be giving you the trouble, and not any other gear range, does help to narrow the field of causes a bit. It looks like the transmission uses cable linkage, so a check you could do at home would simply be to ensure the linkage isnt binding, displaying excessive slack or wear. Its not unheard of for a truck that is used for hauling to get a twisted up cable from time to time.
Thank you. I will check to see how the cable looks. I do find that it seems to be slipping at low rpm's like just off idle. But basicly low rpm's is where the problem occurs. I will go to back my trailor into it's parking spot and I find it is either disengaged or barely moving. I can tap the accelorator and it tries to engage. When it is barely moving (slipping) I tend to let off and see if it will engage. Even then if it engages it will disengage. Like it's in the middle of yes and no lol..
Nahh.. I did peek under the truck and I see a cable but it looks like it's the shift select cable.. Is that the cable that might be worn? I experienced no reverse the other day, BUT, at that moment I realized it semed odd, I had put my hand on the shifter and it felt like it moved and my eyes think they saw that the "R" lit up at that same moment also.. Again it was while I had my trailer hooked up. I am now wondering if it's me that isn't making sure it's fully engaged :16suspect.
