The 47RE is the heavy-duty four-speed automatic behind the 5.9L Cummins in Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks from the late 1990s until the 48RE replaced it. It uses a throttle valve cable to set line pressure and shift timing, so many 47RE problems start with a misadjusted cable. Other commonly reported problems are governor pressure faults, slipping in overdrive, torque converter lockup complaints, bands out of adjustment and heat damage from towing.
Common 47RE problems
| Problem | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Throttle valve cable adjustment | Late, early, soft or harsh shifts; slipping that burns clutches |
| Governor pressure solenoid or sensor | No upshifts or erratic shifts |
| Overdrive slipping | Flare into fourth under load; see P0734 |
| Torque converter lockup | No lockup or shudder; P0740 |
| Band adjustment | Slipping or flare on specific shifts |
| Overheating | Burnt fluid, slipping; see transmission overheating |
Throttle valve cable
The throttle valve cable tells the transmission how hard you are pressing the pedal. If it is too loose, line pressure stays low and the clutches slip; too tight, and shifts are late and harsh. Adjust it whenever shift quality changes, after engine work, or after a fuel system change. The later 48RE replaced the cable with an electronic actuator; see 47RE vs 48RE.
Overdrive and lockup problems
The overdrive section and converter carry the most load behind a Cummins. Added engine power, heavy towing and heat wear the overdrive clutches and converter clutch, causing flare into fourth and lockup slip. Check fluid temperature, then the overdrive and lockup solenoids before assuming internal wear.
Bands
The RE transmissions have front and rear bands that should be adjusted at service intervals. A band out of adjustment causes slipping on the shifts that use it.
Shifting problems
Erratic shifting can come from the governor pressure system, the throttle valve cable or a speed sensor. Scan for codes, check the cable and inspect wiring before replacing parts; see transmission solenoid symptoms.
47RE maintenance
Service the fluid and filter on the severe schedule when towing, adjust both bands at each service, and check the throttle valve cable adjustment whenever shift feel changes. An auxiliary cooler and a temperature gauge help on trucks that tow heavy trailers. Many owners also add a deep pan for extra fluid capacity.
Is the 47RE reliable?
It is a durable transmission when its cable and bands are set correctly and fluid is maintained, but it was designed for stock power levels. Heavy towing and engine modifications shorten its life. For the sister transmission, see 48RE problems.
Repair or replace
See transmission rebuild, transmission replacement cost and our 47RE transmissions.
More guides: Cummins swap transmissions · 46RE vs 47RE · how long a 47RE lasts.
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