48RE Acting Funny. Surging when stopped but shifts fine.

[Soarer]

Just today the auto trans in my 2004 Ram 2500 CTD started surging when I come to a stop. It feels like the truck wants to keep going, like the torque converter is not releasing. The truck still idles, albeit lower because now it's under load. I've heard that a common symptom of the torque converter control solenoid (TCC) going bad is what I'm experiencing. The truck still goes just fine once I'm off the line and goes through the gears like it always has. It's got 254k on it. I got it at 220k and was told that the trans had a major service at 200k.

So.... is there a test I can do to tell if it's the TCC solenoid or the torque converter itself? Is there a tutorial anywhere on how to replace the TCC?

 

[p-Bar]

Yeah sounds like it wants to lock up .

 

[cerberusiam]

Typical convert failure symptom. TCC solenoid is defaulted to off so if it doesn't release it is a plugged orifice issue not the solenoid. If the TC locked at idle the engine would die NOW, it is like the sprag clutch on the stator not releasing correctly causing a load on the engine.

 

[Keegan Williams]

I’m having the same issue. I first assumed the TC or TCC solenoid, but assumed that there would be accompanying symptoms of shifting issues, slipping, grinding, noises, smells etc.
Decided to take to local shop. Guy told me it was the fuel pump. Tried to sell me on it, $1600 total and swore by it. I thought this was ridiculous, but did a bit more research because of his certainty.

Look into the FCA valve adjacent to the CP33. When going bad, the regulator in the valve will stick and cause some weird idle issues in drive gears at stop.
Took mine out and did the “rattle test” which was inconclusive. Rattles if it’s good, if not it’s bad. It rattled a little. Blew it out as best I could. Truck did idle a little better after reinstall, though. Symptoms were inconsistent stop to stop.

$120 part off amazon. Ordered it. Should be here tomorrow. I’ll let you know what it does. If not, another service or specialty trans shop it’ll go, I guess. Worth a shot.

 

[Keegan Williams]

CP3*
Uhg

 

[Keegan Williams]

Just for anyone that arrives at this post in the future, I wanted to help you out.
I did replace the FCA. It eliminated minor problems I didn’t realize I was experiencing, but it did not solve the idle surging issue. I detached the torque converter from the flywheel and the engine ran smooth as glass.
Transmission was covered under warranty, had it replaced. Issue solved.

 

[p-Bar]

Good troubleshooting. Thanks for keeping us informed as we usually don't hear back from some.

 

[cerberusiam]

I am surprised that worked with any accuracy. Usually, detaching that big counter weight cause different issues to manifest that confuses the issue. Glad you got it fixed.