03 Auto trans noise into O/D when towing

[aviatorman]

A friend of mine has an 03 2500 with a automatic tranni towing a 10K 5er. Kinda weird problem that I can't answer and maybe some of you guys can diagnose sypmtom before my bud goes to the ram-it dealer with the truck. When towing for extended period (5hours in 90 degree + heat) upshifting into overdrive, the tranni emits a sound much like a meat grinder working on ball bearings. Driving truck empty the symptom does not manifest itself, only when loaded. Truck is still in warranty and we suspect that there is a torque converter malfunction. Thanks in advance for any advice or recommendations.

 

[Tmartin000]

Mine does that too! It took 10K miles and 2ND L/U was noisy as you've described. Now I hear the noise at 16K whenever the TQ goes into L/U. Same as you, warm days and when the truck is carrying camper or pulling a 5000lb boat... With that, I would guess we are working through our TQ's. Pretty darn dissappointing after spending 40K+ for a new truck.

 

[jray]

My 03 use to make a noise when shifted into overdrive that I too thought was the torque converter. It turned out to be the turbo that was barking in overdrive when I towed. It got soo bad that on one trip I had to tow in 3rd gear the whole way to avoid the barking sound. I ended up changing out my turbo to a PS 62/12 which solved all my problems. No more barking and it tows at around 800 degrees on flat surfaces. Don't rule out the turbo yet. Good luck finding the problem.

 

[Tmartin000]

Trust me, a BIG difference in a barking turbo versus your floor grinding!

 

[jray]

Tmartin, no arguement here. Just another thought. When my turbo made the barking or shuttering sound I thought it was the torque converter. At the time I was running a modified piers (stock turbo with a 62 pin wheel). Just a waste of money. Should probably sell it.