48RE shifting into OD vibration 2003

[DShehi]

I have a 2003 HO 3500 SRW 4x4 auto 48RE with around 12,000 miles. The 48RE was rebuilt by Dodge at 5,500 miles, they stated that the front clutch retainer failed. When the 48RE shifts into overdrive there is what seems to be a virbation for a few seconds. I have not complained to the dealer yet. Anybody having the same problem?



Don Shehi

Camp Verde, Az

 

[ceaman]

it sounds like a bad torque converter. I replaced 3 in my 03... . and just sent a new goerend bros triple disk up to be put in the 04.

 

[LightmanE300]

When my truck locks the torque converter around 50mph there is a definite vibration and noise when it locks. If that's what you're talking about I think it's normal.

 

[ceaman]

Never is a TQ converter chattering "normal" it is comon in Dodge trannys but not normal... . get it replaced under waranty or spent the $1300 for a triple disk if you need it!

 

[DShehi]

virabration

I'm talking about when my 48RE shifts in OD, this is running empty. I have not noticed any problems going in and out of lock up in OD. The next time I pull my fifth wheel or transport on of my antique tractors, I check on this. This sounds like I should get it back to the dealer and have them check it out.



Thanks to all that have replied



Don Shehi

Camp Verde, AZ

 

[RMcCulloch]

I'd get it checked if I were you.



With over 23K miles (12k+ towing), mine has never shown any symptom like that.

 

[JThiessen]

Mine does this too. ALmost feels like it lugging the engine a little bit. I've never had it occure under hard throttle, just under normal cruising (going from 40-50mph)

 

[DaveHess]

I'm talking about when my 48RE shifts in OD, this is running empty. I have not noticed any problems going in and out of lock up in OD. The next time I pull my fifth wheel or transport on of my antique tractors, I check on this. This sounds like I should get it back to the dealer and have them check it out.



Thanks to all that have replied



Don Shehi

Camp Verde, AZ

I'm new here with my first CTD w/a 48RE. It is a 2003 555 QC LWB, 3. 73 gears. The heaviest thing I am pulling is about 7900 pounds. I am having the same problem where when the 48RE shifts into OD, it is harsh and sometimes very rapid behind the 3rd gear shift. It also feels like the TC kicks out, OD occurs, then TC locks back up. Again, this is all in rapid succession and under light throttle driving. Towing it doesn't seem to occur. The OD shift is smooth albeit I do hear a slight hum as it is shifting into OD but not all the time. Can anybody advise???

 

[DShehi]

Update on 48RE problems. When running empty around 1400-1500 rpm in OD, going up a small grade. I have noticed a noise, sounds almost like a exhause vibration and sometimes a vibration in the steering wheel. The noise is loud enough to make you wonder why you purchased a quiet diesel. I get the same thing when pulling my 11,000lb 5th wheel. Running 60-62mph down a pretty much level road, hit a small incline, pull the engine down to 1400-1500rpm, before it shifts out of OD. The noise and vibration come in. After it shifts down, all is quiet again. When it shifts around 45-50mph, I don't know if it is going directly into OD/lockup. I can not tell if the 48RE comes out of lockup first when shifting down. I do not notice any shifting in/out of lockup in OD. It's going in to the dealer in the next few weeks, hopefully they will have some answers.

 

[ECappleman]

I'm new here with my first CTD w/a 48RE. It is a 2003 555 QC LWB, 3. 73 gears. The heaviest thing I am pulling is about 7900 pounds. I am having the same problem where when the 48RE shifts into OD, it is harsh and sometimes very rapid behind the 3rd gear shift. It also feels like the TC kicks out, OD occurs, then TC locks back up. Again, this is all in rapid succession and under light throttle driving. Towing it doesn't seem to occur. The OD shift is smooth albeit I do hear a slight hum as it is shifting into OD but not all the time. Can anybody advise???

The same thing happens on my 03. If your on the gas, no problems. But when you are at a low cruising speed and the overdrive kicks on (very harshly), its like someone kicked on the afterburners. :-laf

I think it is the nature of these first generation 48REs.

 

[bigmill]

I have a 2003 HO 3500 SRW 4x4 auto 48RE with around 12,000 miles. The 48RE was rebuilt by Dodge at 5,500 miles, they stated that the front clutch retainer failed. When the 48RE shifts into overdrive there is what seems to be a virbation for a few seconds. I have not complained to the dealer yet. Anybody having the same problem?



Don Shehi

Camp Verde, Az

I have an o3 dodge with the 48re transmission. I have put a TS performance Ramifier on it with an adj. 0-100hp gain. I noticed the same vibration on my truck when shifting into OD with the box at 3/4 or more. This just occurs at light acceleration with no load. The vibration will continue for 3-7 seconds or until I let off the accelerator a bit. I spoke with a performance shop and was informed that I had a sensor on the transmission going bad. He said he had his replaced 3 times since new and it was doing the same thing. He also said the box I have is just amplifing the sensor problem. I plan on taking the box off and taking it to the shop.

 

[650mphDiesel]

When I'm running empty and light on the throttle the shift from 3rd to OD and rapid TC lockup is harsh but I notice no vibe, just feel like a good hard positive shift and lockup. Yes it will get your attention when you first feel it!

 

[BSchulte]

Guys,

There has been many threads on this topic of lazy shifting into OD with the 48re trans. Most reply's on this topic have not come up with a solid fix. I have had mine in 3 times on the same issue, only to be told by the dealer that it is normal. I've just gotten used to it. However, pulling my 5er, it shifts into o. d. crisp and hard. Starts acting like it's suppossed to. I feeling that't what it needs.

The vibration is a problem, that should be looked at.

My 2 cents