Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Anyone ever replace 'worn' throttle linkage on 47RH equipped truck?

[Sojourner]

My '94 2WD 47RH equipped truck recently developed the problem of not locking up the TC. Additionally, it only shifts into O/D at ~62 MPH (on acceleration) and consistently drops out of O/D at ~58 MPH (on deceleration), regardless of throttle position in both instances.



The 'technician' at the dealer 'diagnosed' the problem as 'worn' throttle linkage causing the TPS to give the incorrect/inconsistent voltages. This '94 has 201K miles on it, mostly in town driving.



So I was wondering - how many TDR members (or anyone you know) have had to replace the throttle linkage on a 47RH equipped truck because it was 'worn out'? The dealer replaced mine and we are still exactly where we started before I brought the truck in to them, as in no change or improvement whatsoever with the TC not locking up. Not only that, this new linkage is much stiffer than the original and I not very pleased with that either.



Your comments please. TIA!

 

[Joe G.]

I don't think your dealer knows what he is doing. In the first place, worn throttle linkage will not cause the symptoms you are reporting. In the second place, there is a safety recall for the throttle linkage. If your's has not been done it needs to be done and it's free. If it has been done then you have the proper linkage and replaceing it was stupid. If it was installed properly it should feel about the same as the old linkage. It is possible to put the linkage rod in backwards. If that was done the throttle will be very stiff.

 

[CarlJensen]

You have a bad or dirty TPS or perhaps TPS wire connection. Do a search on TPS cleaning/adjustment and you will get a lot more info than you can read in a day! When mine does that I clean it and it's good for another 10K or so. Have not needed to replace it yet. RUN from that mechanic!!

 

[GAmes]

I see you are from central Tx. Is it Dodge Country in Killeen that did that fine job?

 

[Sojourner]

I don't think your dealer knows what he is doing. In the first place, worn throttle linkage will not cause the symptoms you are reporting. In the second place, there is a safety recall for the throttle linkage. If your's has not been done it needs to be done and it's free. If it has been done then you have the proper linkage and replaceing it was stupid. If it was installed properly it should feel about the same as the old linkage. It is possible to put the linkage rod in backwards. If that was done the throttle will be very stiff.

They are telling me the reason for the stiffer feel is "because there are now two return springs instead of the one". To this I asked, "Is this (two spring arrangement) an update" and the reply was, "Yes. "

 

[Sojourner]

You have a bad or dirty TPS or perhaps TPS wire connection. Do a search on TPS cleaning/adjustment and you will get a lot more info than you can read in a day! When mine does that I clean it and it's good for another 10K or so. Have not needed to replace it yet. RUN from that mechanic!!

The TPS was replaced by the dealer about 8 months ago, and was replaced last week under warranty. There was no change in the problem with the installation of the new TPS.

 

[Sojourner]

I see you are from central Tx. Is it Dodge Country in Killeen that did that fine job?

No, another dealer entirely. The service mgr. is a good friend, and at the moment I am giving him the benefit of the doubt, however I don't have much confidence in his 'technicians'.

 

[Sojourner]

Originally Posted by Joe G.

I don't think your dealer knows what he is doing.

I think the 'technicians' are clueless at this point. We had a conference this AM and they seemed to be without direction.

In the first place, worn throttle linkage will not cause the symptoms you are reporting.

Obviously. I think the 'technician' came up with this one because he didn't know what else to do.

In the second place, there is a safety recall for the throttle linkage.

Thanx for all the info and help, Joe. I checked for the recall you were referring to - is this the one you're talkin' about?



http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1994/18-01-94.htm

 

[Andy Redmond]

See item number 13, this is what the tech refers too. They are little plastic bushings that wear out. I install them when doing any linkage repairs as they are almost always really worn by the age/mileage of most 12v trucks.



They are available thru Dodge for less than $5 a piece. They are also available thru Cummins, but usually a special order item. You will have a more accurate throttle position/response, but I think I'm with Joe, its a long shot to blame the tps ailment on this. I would start testing for 5 volts at the tps with no voltage drop and for a good ground. Shake the wiring harness and not DMM movement if any.



Good luck

Andy

 

[Joe G.]

They are telling me the reason for the stiffer feel is "because there are now two return springs instead of the one". To this I asked, "Is this (two spring arrangement) an update" and the reply was, "Yes. "

The two spring arrangement is NOT an update. There are two springs wound together. The original set up usually rusted and one of the two spring ends would break off. The replacement spring has plastic tips to protect the spring ends. The throttle feel is the same. There is another spring on auto equiped trucks that affects the throttle feel. It is the spring on the TV lever on the transmission. These can and do break, but not often.



That is not the recall. There is a safety recall on the throttle linkage. Take your VIN to the dealer and find out if any safety recalls have not been done. The recall was because the cable could fray and cause the throttle to stick. That caused some excitement for the driver.

 

[Sojourner]

See item number 13, this is what the tech refers too. They are little plastic bushings that wear out. I install them when doing any linkage repairs as they are almost always really worn by the age/mileage of most 12v trucks.



They are available thru Dodge for less than $5 a piece. They are also available thru Cummins, but usually a special order item. You will have a more accurate throttle position/response, but I think I'm with Joe, its a long shot to blame the tps ailment on this. I would start testing for 5 volts at the tps with no voltage drop and for a good ground. Shake the wiring harness and not DMM movement if any.



Good luck

Andy

Thanx Andy. The bushings were the first thing replaced, even before they warrantied the TPS. Of course the new bushings didn't have any effect.

 

[Sojourner]

That is not the recall. There is a safety recall on the throttle linkage. Take your VIN to the dealer and find out if any safety recalls have not been done. The recall was because the cable could fray and cause the throttle to stick. That caused some excitement for the driver.

Thanx Joe, I'll look into that.

 

[BigPapa]

Dawg,



Have you replaced the brake pedal switch? Mine caused similar problems before the conversion.



Scott

 

[BIG C]

Does anyone have a pic of an automatic throttle linkage?? I am doing a conversion and I have bits and pieces of the linkage. A pic would be great if anyone has one.



Thanks!!!

 

[Andy Redmond]

PM or email me your address and I'll attached some jpegs. . mine is -- email address removed --





Andy