Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) "Shutter" on lock-up. Bad converter?

[Hrskr8Z]

About 2wks ago I noticed a slight "shutter" just after shift to OD while driving around town. My guages were all nominal, acceleration usual, so thought I'd wait and see. This last weekend hauled to NSRA show. Only second run w/ this new trailer. (Est. GTW:6800lbs. ) First run was 6mo ago, went fine.

This one did NOT. Extreme "shutter" on lockup, only for brief moment, then fine. Exhibited symptoms entire trip, thought I'd break down any minute. Changed trans. fluid and gasket last month. Only use synthetic.

Now Transmission guy says bad converter. Never thought I'd have a problem w/ the Banks billet converter. Vehicle has 98,000mi. Banks powerpack and Billet converter installed by previous owner in 2002.



Questions: Could foreign matter have gotten in transmission when fluid was changed that would cause this? What to do?

If not transmission, bad converter? How to tell? Replace w/ Banks or other?



Please help!!

 

[SEmerson]

It could be the wrong fluid or dirty fluid. But also could be converter going out. Start with a fluid change.

 

[Hrskr8Z]

Thanks for your input. Do you think I should use standard fluid instead of synthetic? This was the first fluid change since I bought it at 94,000mi. I thought it would be a good idea before I start hauling more. Maybe the synthetic is too thin? Anyone know which trans fluid is best?

 

[DCreed]

I had some chatter, had the dealer change the fluid. Bought my new trans a week later due to total failure of trans! Ask banks what to use, it's their converter.

 

[fox]

Or jusr try a bottle of lube guard--black bottle.

Ask your trans shop for it. It is a friction modifier and usually works.

 

[bmoeller]

I'd get the line pressure checked. If it is low, the t/c will slip, as will the clutch packs.

The syn lube may be to slick.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

If you have a 12-valve, are you sure it's not the motor missing on one cylinder a little? The way you describe it it does sound like a trans issue but 12-valves are known for having a slight to significant miss that usually only exhibits itself at lockup in OD, which can make it seem like a trans problem.

 

[LandShark]

You have yet to tell us what brand fluid you are using. Is it ATF3 or ATF4 or some 'fits all' blend? I've found our transmissions to be very sensitive to fill level and type of fluid. It would help to have a 'signature' so we know what mods you have.

 

[Hrskr8Z]

Yikes. . I hope I can avoid a whole new transmission. Banks, as some of you might know ONLY deals/communicates with THEIR authorized installers regarding warranty/ or warranty replacement.

 

[LandShark]

What brand and type of fluid are you using? Are you using the method described in the manual to check the fill level?

 

[Hrskr8Z]

It could be the wrong fluid or dirty fluid. But also could be converter going out. Start with a fluid change.

Thanks. I think the next, and most affordable, option is to change back to "standard" TF. I would expect the trans. people know the best. I don't think it will hurt at this point.

 

[Hrskr8Z]

What brand and type of fluid are you using? Are you using the method described in the manual to check the fill level?

Sorry about the signature. I'm just getting back as a member since leaving in

'04. I know you are an icon of the TDR and I do really appreciate your attention. Being a women and running a family/household, I must rely on mechanics to do most of my maintanence and repair. I'm hoping to learn and understand more about the best ways to keep this truck running well for a long time.



I do however, check my fluid levels every month. I was told that it's best to check the TF when the truck is hot and on level ground. Then check the reading for "Hot" fill level. Is there another method I should use?

 

[Hrskr8Z]

If you have a 12-valve, are you sure it's not the motor missing on one cylinder a little? The way you describe it it does sound like a trans issue but 12-valves are known for having a slight to significant miss that usually only exhibits itself at lockup in OD, which can make it seem like a trans problem.

As I mentioned to Landhshark you to are an icon of the TDR. Having your attention and response is invaluable.

The motor seems fine. In fact this weekend I took extra time to drive in many different circumstances. The truck ran great with no shudder (shutter). Plan on hooking up the trailer today and running it. Wouldn't be great if it "fixed" itself!

 

[Hrskr8Z]

What brand and type of fluid are you using? Are you using the method described in the manual to check the fill level?

I just made an appointment to have the tran. flushed and fluid replaced with ATF4. This is the fluid the trans. people recommed for Chrysler/Dodge. At least I be putting back the TF it should have.

 

[LandShark]

I do however, check my fluid levels every month. I was told that it's best to check the TF when the truck is hot and on level ground. Then check the reading for "Hot" fill level. Is there another method I should use?

There's a bit more to checking the fluid level. Truck should be hot and on level ground, with engine running. Momentarily shift thru every gear position ending in neutral. Then check dipstick (engine should still be running). This is the method for my 47RH; your 47RE may be different but I doubt it.

You never did tell us what brand and type of ATF you are using.

Be sure the shop uses real ATF4 and not a 'all purpose' ATF that is good for all types of fluid.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

As I mentioned to Landhshark you to are an icon of the TDR. Having your attention and response is invaluable.

Heh. . . guess I've been around here for awhile, that's what happens when you don't have a life :-laf Thanks for the compliment

 

[Driftwood Ram]

Did this ever get resolved and if so, what was the fix??