RAM 3500 Truck 4WD V10-8.0L VIN W (1997)
Drive/Propeller Shaft: All Technical Service Bulletins
M/T - Gear Rattle In High Temperature Conditions
NO: 21-04-98
GROUP: Transmission
DATE: Feb. 20, 1998
SUBJECT:
Manual Transmission Gear Rattle At Operating Temperatures
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 21-13-97, DATED NOV. 7, 1997, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM
YOUR FILES AND NOTED IN THE 1997 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN MANUAL (PUBLICATION NO.81-699-98004). 1997 MODELS
HAVE BEEN ADDED AND A NEW LABOR OPERATION NUMBER HAS BEEN ADDED. ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH
**ASTERISKS**.
MODELS:
1995 - **1997** (BR) Ram Trucks
NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.0L ENGINE AND MANUAL TRANSMISSION.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Gear rattle may occur when ambient temperatures are high, the transmission is at operating temperature and the vehicle operator accelerates in 4th or 5th
gear from approximately 30 to 55 mph.
Neutral gear rattle may occur when ambient temperatures are high, the transmission is at operating temperature with the engine idling, and the
transmission in neutral with the clutch pedal released.
DIAGNOSIS:
NOTE:
DIAGNOSIS MUST OCCUR WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS AT FULL OPERATING TEMPERATURE.
With the vehicle fully warmed up and stopped, apply the parking brake. With the transmission in neutral and the engine at idle, depress and release the
clutch pedal (disengage and engage the clutch). If the gear rattle sound goes away when the clutch pedal is depressed and held down, perform the Repair
Procedure.
NOTE:
YOU MUST REMOVE YOUR FOOT FROM THE CLUTCH PEDAL AFTER RELEASING IT TO PERFORM A PROPER DIAGNOSIS.
Also check for transmission gear rattle by releasing the parking brake and driving the vehicle, being sure to accelerate from 30 to 50 mph in 4th gear and
then again in 5th gear. If a gear rattle sound is heard while accelerating from 30 to 50 mph in 4th or 5th gear, perform the Repair Procedure.
