Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) AUTO question

[Wally]

I am new to the diesel AUTO world have always had 5spd manual. recently purchased used dodge diesel w/auto, question is when OD is off 3rd gear does not seem to lock-up. as soon as you hit OD,tach drops about 500 RPM in 3rd then shifts into OD. with OD off cruising speed would only be about 50 MPH truck is 97 3500 with 410 rear end. just not sure how to get converter to lock up without being in OD thanks sorry for the long post

 

[ralley]

The way mine works is if I am out of overdrive I can feel the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear shifts then the torque converter locks up. My top speed with stock tires is about 50MPH.

Then if I hit the overdrive switch the torque converter will unlock then it will shift into 4th(overdrive) then the torque converter will lock up again.

With the DTT valve body I can really feel the shift points.



Hope this helps

 

[BillGotthelf]

When you have the OD off it will lock up in third. When you hit the OD button the trans shifts into 4th gear, hence the drop in rpm, then if your speed and throttle postion are correct the trans will lock up. You then see a further drop in rpm, 200-300, which kind of feels like a 5 spped auto.

 

[Wally]

that seems to be the problem RPMS are high in 3rd until I go into OD then they you can feel converter lock-up and RPMS drop BEFORE shift into 4th

 

[BillGotthelf]

Wally-thats impossible-1st-2nd-3rd-3rd lockup-4th-4th lockup. Lock up in 3rd gear is less than 100 rpm difference. When you hit the OD button the trans unlocks and goes into 4th gear-steady rpm then slight rise in rpm and then big drop. All in about 1. 5 seconds then depending upon rpm,speed and throttle position you'll get 4th gear od lockup.

 

[Joe G.]

Wally,



If it works the way you describe something is wrong. It's supposed to work as Bill describes.

 

[Wally]

that is what I am afraid of and was hoping for some input as to what the problem might be??? I hate to take to dealer for evaluation but that might be the last resort