Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 99 Transmission problems

[BBettencourt]

I need to re-post this trnny question. My 99 Ram/4X4/2500 (2nd generation (I guess)) ExtCab/LWB/All White/Leer Shell/Automatic/K&N Filter/PowerEdgeEZ /3. 55's. has a transmission problem.



1. Had transmission serviced at 38K, all looked good at that time 57K on vehicle now.



2. I recently experienced a chatter or slipping/chatter in transmission while in overdrive after 55mph. As the throttle was crowded, a brief chatter would occur, almost like the transmission was slipping.



Went to my transmission guy and immediately said I needed a new torque converter, told me about the pro loc out of Florida. We decided to try upgrading the valve body first. He rebuilt the valve body (new heavier separator plate, Transgo DSL V. B. Kit, drilled additional lube oil holes etc. )



Bottom line $800 for this valve body rebuild/upgrade. Put about 100 miles on truck thought we had fixed problem, NOT! Driving this pm on flat 55-60 mph in OD and bang! Chatter again until I tapped the throttle. So guys what are my options. transmission doctor say tran in good shape.



Do I really need new TC?

Do I need a total transmission overhaul?



What about Pro Loc vs Diesel Performances "TriploK"



Would really appreciate some help!



What am I looking at $ wise? Thanks



Bob Bettencourt





__________________

God Bless America!

99 Ram/4X4/2500 ExtCab/LWB/All White/Leer Shell/Automatic/K&N Filter/EZ/3. 55

 

[jnelson]

I experience TC chatter at 80,000 miles. I upgraded at 50,000.



I installed a BD VB and a BD TC. I ran transmission to 241,000 miles before I installed a DTT TC and a Transgo shift kit along with a 2nd gear band. THATS IT!! No clutchs or anyhting else. Im now at 328,000+ miles and truck pulls great.



With the added line pressure of the new VB and a good quality TC- your problems should be solved.

 

[Mopar-muscle]

bob , could have purchased a recaled VB and had it installed for less .



the transgo kit is a good one , there are a few tricks that need to be done that only come from experience .



if the torque convertor is going out nothing is going to fix it except a new torque convertor .



run down to vegas and stop into diesel dynamics .



side note , i just got back from tahoe , skiing was excellent ...

 

[ACoyle]

Bob,



We have similar trucks and similar problems. I have 63K on my '99 3500. I got DTT'd at 30K. Last spring I started having "snits" from my faithful sted. When accelerating uphill or just going steady at speed (55 - 65) It would lock and unlock the TC.



I tried cleaning MAP sensor and IAT conections. No help. Finally I put in a new fuel filter. My old wone was really bad. The problem went away. That was last spring. This spring it's back. Went right for the fuel filter. No help. I will try cleaning connections.



I have a new VB on the bench to put in. I'm unsure whether to try it and a fluid change or have it looked at.



You keep me posted, I'll do the same. I am going to clean sensors this weekend. Does anyone have the proper socket sizes for IAT and MAP?

 

[RankRam]

The IAT is 13/16 deep socket and the MAP I can't remember.

 

[ACoyle]

I got an PM from another member last night directing me to the post below:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=68274



It got me thinking.

1) I changed batteries a year and a half ago.

2) I get a check gages light that stays on longer than I would like this winter.

3) I had a similar problem last spring (after a lot of damp days).



Today did a few things.

1) cleaned the connectors on the MAP sensor and put some silicon lube in ther connector.

2) Cleaned the battery posts.

3) Left the batteries disconnected for half an hour (Maybe clear some trivial codes).



I a very happy with the way the truck runs today. Yesterday I has "snits" eratic locking unlocking and / or shifting from 35 to 45. I don't think that I had TC lockup at all (2200 RPM @ 60).



Today the "snits" are not there and I am running 2000 RPM @ 60 with crisp posative shifts.



Think what you will. I'll keep an eye on things. Hope this helps.



AC

 

[BBettencourt]

possible solution

Well fellas, some of you might be interested in this. I make reference to my original post re: TCC Slippage. I have been soliciting as much info as I could about Torque Converters and upgrades. I was just about ready to have the whole whammy done to my transmission due to a chatter about 50 to 55 mph while in overdrive. I also experienced it while out of overdrive.

Well I spoke with Stephan at DTT this afternoon asking how much for their TC, VB and transmission kit. He asked what type of fueling box I had and I told him the Power Edge, EZ with the factory setting (3). HE advised to disconnect the box and check drivability.

Well guess what? Chatter gone, slippage gone. He advised that these fueling boxes have a tendency to go bad and will periodically cause chatter not slippage. My first reaction is great I’m saving $4K. But now I ask, will I have the problem again with another box? If so, I guess I’m back to my original dilemma when I bought the truck. Your comments are greatly appreciated.



Bob Bettencourt

Lake Tahoe

 

[ACoyle]

First thought is to put it back in and see how the truck drives. It has also been posted that the MAP sensor connections get corroded and need to be cleaned occasionally. Unplugging and replugging wipes the contact surface. If It's OK when you put it back then you are good to go for a while.



AC

 

[RankRam]

BBettencourt: If I understand your last post your EZ may be acting up and causing the chatter and slippage problems. If that's the case I have a 99 with an EZ and we can try it on your truck. I don't understand how it could do that but if I can help just let me know!

 

[BBettencourt]

RankRam,

Thanks for the offer. I talked with Edge Products yesterday and their tech told me that it is very possible for a module to go bad. They sent me a new box out yesterday and we'll see how that works. I stopped by my transmission guy and he said if I "chattered" the transmission more than a few times, I'll need a new TC anyway. I'm just trying to avoid $3,500 in transmission upgrade at this time. I've been trying to make the chatter and can't do it. I'm puzzled myself, but thats modern electronics for you. As of right now, I've solved my transmission chatter problem, but lost my bomb and additional horsepower and torque.



BB

 

[78repowerwagon]

BB,

I would find a different transmission guy. A shift kit installed for $800 is highway robery. Plus it sounds like he needs work by trying to sell you a converter and install. No flame intended, just trying to help.

Matt

 

[BBettencourt]

Thanks Matt, It was a little more that a shift kit I think. It was a complete valve body rebuild with new plates etc. I better research what I really got.

 

[BillGotthelf]

A problem that popped up on my 99 was corroded pins (grounding) on the ecm (3 plug connection pass side behind air filter). It was causing a small voltage fluctuation which would cause the TC to lock and unlock many times a second. After trying everything (almost buying new ecm) we cleaned those tiny little pins and no more slipping/chatter.

 

[BBettencourt]

Bill, Thanks for the info, I'll try it. CAn you give me a little more ifo on where and what you acually did? Thanks BB