Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
The Problem:
As the subject states my 48RE, built by ATS approximately 87k miles ago, has developed an issue where is pulls the engine RPM way down and nearly stalls the engine. This only occurs when it’s been sitting for a while, ~12 hours or more, and the engine and transmission are cold or ambient temperature. It only occurs on the 1st shift from park, be that reverse or drive. I can make the first shift, it bogs, then put it in park and shift again to R or D and it’s normal, no bog. It’s almost like the torque converter lock-up clutch is partially engaged or dragging, then, when you pull it into gear the torque converter is forced to slip and the suspected dragging clutches drags the engine RPM down to about 500 (from the nominal 750). It almost stalls the engine and creates a small cloud of black smoke as the ECU attempts to keep the engine from stalling. It’s shifted hard from park for a while now but it’s deteriorating.
Other Potential Issues?
On a 15 minute drive up a winding canyon road to my house, gaining about 2000 ft. altitude, my transmission temperature goes from ~170/180F to 225F. During the climb speeds are 20-35 MPH and the torque converter is slipping the entire way. Does this sound like too much heat is being generated?
The Main Question:
What components in the transmission could be causing the bogging engine issue?
2004.5 with ATS transmission built 87k miles ago.
I have a Smarty Touch if that helps with any diagnostics…
As the subject states my 48RE, built by ATS approximately 87k miles ago, has developed an issue where is pulls the engine RPM way down and nearly stalls the engine. This only occurs when it’s been sitting for a while, ~12 hours or more, and the engine and transmission are cold or ambient temperature. It only occurs on the 1st shift from park, be that reverse or drive. I can make the first shift, it bogs, then put it in park and shift again to R or D and it’s normal, no bog. It’s almost like the torque converter lock-up clutch is partially engaged or dragging, then, when you pull it into gear the torque converter is forced to slip and the suspected dragging clutches drags the engine RPM down to about 500 (from the nominal 750). It almost stalls the engine and creates a small cloud of black smoke as the ECU attempts to keep the engine from stalling. It’s shifted hard from park for a while now but it’s deteriorating.
Other Potential Issues?
On a 15 minute drive up a winding canyon road to my house, gaining about 2000 ft. altitude, my transmission temperature goes from ~170/180F to 225F. During the climb speeds are 20-35 MPH and the torque converter is slipping the entire way. Does this sound like too much heat is being generated?
The Main Question:
What components in the transmission could be causing the bogging engine issue?
2004.5 with ATS transmission built 87k miles ago.
I have a Smarty Touch if that helps with any diagnostics…
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