Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) An auto transmission head scratcher...

[work2muchplay2little]

Well I've got an interesting tale to tell. Here's the scenario: truck as described in signature. Just had the transmission rebuilt at 42K and driven about 600 miles - working great. Over the past 3 months or so I'd had an intermittent MAP sensor error code, and it hadn't repeated itself in about 3 weeks, but I'd bought a new one at Cummins in case it came back. My transmission at first started taking longer and longer to shift into OD while cruising a steady 65-70mph on the freeway - warmed up already. At it's worst, it was taking about 3-4 miles for it to finally make the shift. During this same time I was developing those classic signs of TSB 18-02-99 with the torque convertor clutch engaging/disengaging repeatedly every few seconds. Well, this went on for about 3 weeks and I finally resigned myself to taking it to the stealer for a reflash and was going to do this next weekend. So this past weekend I decided to put on some of the new parts I had laying around like new shocks, a thermostat, and a new MAP sensor. Amazingly enough, the problems have disappeared and the transmission is behaving as it should again. I'm guessing it was the new shocks What do you all think? And just to restate one piece of info. ; the MAP sensor error code was intermittent and had not occurred during the time that the transmission was misbehaving.

 

[WyoJim]

It most definately is the lift pump dying

 

[JGarcia]

EXCELLENT, WYOJIM!!!



jrg

 

[JR2]

Did you happen to disconnect the batteries while doing you work?? If so it is quite possible that the problem was your APPS and unhooking the batts reset the APPS. A guy on one of the other boards had this same problem with the TC and unhooking the batts and recalibrating the APPS solved the problem.



Unhooking the batts is kind of like rebooting the computer.



Good job what ever it way.

 

[work2muchplay2little]

Originally posted by JR2

Did you happen to disconnect the batteries while doing you work?? If so it is quite possible that the problem was your APPS and unhooking the batts reset the APPS. A guy on one of the other boards had this same problem with the TC and unhooking the batts and recalibrating the APPS solved the problem.



Unhooking the batts is kind of like rebooting the computer.



Good job what ever it way.

Good thought, but I didn't disconnect the batteries. I did, however, splash a little antifreeze on one and had to hit it with the hose

 

[Pit Bull]

Are you sure the problem is fixed? It is only Wednesday

 

[work2muchplay2little]

Originally posted by Pit Bull

Are you sure the problem is fixed? It is only Wednesday

Bad news, the problem occurred again today - after a solid week of flawless functioning Yesterday, I changed motor and transmission oil and filters. No other changes in the interim. I'm going to try looking into the APPS solution next. Any ideas/suggestions welcome.

 

[work2muchplay2little]

Last night I cleaned the TPPS connector with Berryman electrical contact cleaner and also disconnected the negative battery terminals for about 30 minutes. Today it is working fine again. Hope it stays that way

 

[Pit Bull]

Sounds like you need a Exorcist

 

[98rammer]

*an



(they call me 98Grammar in D-D)

 

[work2muchplay2little]

Thought I'd update this thread, maybe it will help someone. In addition to the above, I've checked for AC voltage from the alternator, got about 0. 05V only, am told that's OK. I've tried disconnecting the batteries and recalibrating the APPS twice, and I've cleaned my battery cable terminals. With the exception of the last item, each time the problem has disappeared briefly and reoccurred, but after cleaning the battery terminals, it got worse. Probably no connection that I can discern. Bill Kondolay suggested in addition to the above carefully separating the APPS wiring from the main wiring harness between it and the ECM or replacing the APPS, but after looking at what pulling out the APPS wiring, decided it was too hot (and I was too lazy) to try this. An interesting side note, I got an ODB-II scanner from auto x-ray, no trouble codes, but it indicates that at idle, my APPS is at 9-12% (varies, and should be 0%) and will only go up to 74% (should go to 100%). It won't give me the raw voltage (and I haven't yet checked the APPS output directly), so I don't know what this is reflective of. I'm currently taking the path of least resistance and ordering a new APPS from www.mopar4less.com as there price was $327 + shipping as opposed to my local stealers $409-424 + tax. I'll update next week after the APPS goes on. I may still have to take my baby to the dreaded stealer for the 18-02-99 reflash after all