'03 48RE OD shudder

[WRStrong]

My 2003 2500 4X4, 48RE has an odd-feeling shudder, with groaning or grinding sound ocassionally when it shifts into overdrive under part throttle. It only happens if I am accelerating. It actually seems like the trans is shifting to overdrive a bit prematurely, under accleration. It doesn't seem to do it when towing.



Anyone else experience this? should I talk to the dealer?



Thanks



WRStrong, '03 2500 4x4, 5. 9 SO with 4-inch Banks, and AFE filter, LT 285 BFGs.

 

[SKelly]

I have a similar complaint. The transmission will drop into OD and groan/shudder occasionally. It does not happen with a load on it like under heavy acceleration or towing only at part throttle. I took it to the dealer and they said it was a noticeable noise but did not repair it. I guess I'll wait for it to break!

 

[Byershome]

I think what you are feeling is actually the torgue converter locking up. Mine does the same thing but is already in overdrive when it happens. I read some information pertaining to this in this quarters issue 42 od the TDR mag. Mine is the 47RE but I think they are similar in that regard. I'd have to go back and read it again to be sure.

 

[JRG]

48re shutter

My transmission does this as it shifts into OD luckup with light throttle. Took it to the dealer an they said that the new transmission has a clutch disk very similar to a standard transmission. The "noise" is the dampener springs on that clutch disk bottoming out at just the right pressure for you to hear it. Said that at this time there is no new "updated" part for this and replacing it wouldn't't fix anything.



If Bill or anyone else could confirm/deny this, please feel free. Just want to know.



JRG

 

[SSage]

I have it too, I was told its "normal". Only happens in OD while being light on the GO pedal.



More throttle helps.

 

[Steve M]

That normal noise on mine was the transmission dip stick tube vibrating against the a/c line when it would shift to O/D and lock up under moderate throttle. Look at the dipstick tube and see if there's a slight wear mark on it by the a/c line. I bent mine toward the motor just a tad and the noise went away.

 

[FastEnough]

Mine does it to. I have noticed that if you add more throttle or let off the throttle until it locks up that it will not make the Shutter.

 

[JRG]

FastEnough is right.



I too noticed that I can duplicate it by giveng lots of gas just after O. D. lockup, then letting off suddenly. WOW what a definate transmission shutter.



JRG

 

[MarStock56]

My 2003 2500 4x4 does the same thing, and only at partial throttle. I was able to stop the noise afterwards by stomping the go pedal... . works everytime:--)

 

[WRStrong]

Well, it sounds like I'm not the only one who has experienced this. I paid close attention today to try and evaluate what is happening. While getting up to speed from a stop, the trans shifts through gears 1,2,3, and then the torque converter locks up. I can feel it, sort of like a minor gear change. The shudder shows up when the trans goes to overdrive while locked up.



That's alot of torque hitting a semi-movable brick wall. You all are right, this can be avoided by either a very light foot on the throttle or a heavy foot on the throttle. Just in between somewhere causes this to happen.



Thanks for your input everyone.



WRStrong

 

[XcumminsX]

wow guys i just experienced this today. Wasnt a violent shudder but it was a shudder. I dont really like how this truck operates with o/d on when going under 45-50. I hate how it feels like you go the torque converter locks then it goes, kinda sucks. I was exiting a highway and i had to slow down to about 25-30 because of all the people going to woodfeild mall . and when i applied the gas to get going again under light throttle i felt it, then it went again.



P. S. anyone elses truck a real dog when you are going under 50 with o/d on?

 

[Steve M]

Put the peddle to the floor for a second and it'll downshift. Then if you keep it over 50%~ it'll hold 3rd while you pour on the coals. If you ease into the throttle, not much will happen in O/D. After driving the ol' lady's Durango for 400 plus miles on the interstate, the Cummns does feel ornary.