Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) asking question about beahaviour of an auto transmission for a friend

[Coalsmoke]

hey guys, I ave a question from a good friend of mine. I don't know anything about the auto's in these trucks, but I thought someone else might be able to help him out. His truck is a stock 96 auto CTD. Thanks

You guys are such great help, maybe you can teach me some more about this new rig. It's a 1996 Dodge 3500 with the Cummins and an auto transmission (I prefer manual, but you take what the deal comes with sometimes. ) Anyway, I'm really hoping this is normal, but it sure acts differently from every other auto transmission I'm experienced with. For example, usually with an auto, the RPMs are still related to road speed in each gear. As you give it gas, the RPMs climb and so does the speed, in each gear, just like a manual.



Well, with this truck, when I give it the joy pedal, the RPMs shoot right up to say, 2100 and STAY THERE throughout the entire acceleration period for that gear. Then, it shifts, and the RPMs will stay at about 1800 through the next period of acceleration.



Also related, after accelerating to where I want to be, the engine will fall almost to idle speed while maintaining road speed. This is what I first noticed last week. After realizing the steady RPM thing the last few days, I figured I'd better ask about it.

 

[BigEasy]

yup... that's what they do. I hate it, but it will soon be remedied.

 

[DJWyckoff]

thats dodge's excuse for a torque converter its the most horriblily inefficant piece man ever put in a truck. they tested the truck to see if it moved. maybe. many people have came up with diffrent converters. find the one that works best for your needs and save your pennys. mine is stock I hate the thing so much that from 5mph+ I'm running with the mistery switch on. get better fuel milage to.

 

[Coalsmoke]

thanks guys for the info, much appreciated. The mystery switch is a torque converter lock up, is that correct?