Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Auto Trans Problems

[easleyj1]

Recently bought a used (30,000) 2001 auto 3500 for my wife. I was expecting about the same performance as my truck (see sig. ). Lately the 3500 has developed a shifting problem when going into od. Between the 3rd and 4th shift the engine will gain about 500 rpm. Fuel milage has dropped from apprx. 17. 5 to 13. 5. The fluid is at the proper level and is clean and not burned, The truck was taken to the dealer and they say that TSB 18-024-00 has been done (Flashed) and that we should just live with this condition. I say bs, I have the service manual and have been in industrial maintenance all my life so I am not scared of working on it myself just not sure how to troubleshoot this system. Any ideas would be appreciated. Please no ATS or DTT cheerleading. I need help not an opinion on who should do a rebuild.



Thanks

Jonny Easley

 

[mcoleman]

I'm not real up on the inner workings of the Dodge Transmission but I would suggest taking pressure readings on the test ports for 3rd and 4th gear. You might also drop the pan and do a band adjustment although 30,000 sounds kind of soon for having to do this. Is the transmission doing fine when it's on the floor or does it seem to slip there also? It could be as simple as an electric solenoid functioning incorrectly.

 

[easleyj1]

Thanks, will try pressure readings, these should be done at op temp correct. I Still think dealer is blowing me off about the reflash and the current problem being related.



Thanks

Jonny Easley

 

[ecpeters]

I had the same problem with my 99 last year. I felt that it was in the trans and did a $ 3000 upgrade to the trans . It did not fix the problem. In the end it turned out to be a defective PCM that was covered under EPA 8 year or 80,000 mile rules for emissions. It took 5 trips to the dealer to get them to find the problem. But I am happy Oo. Oo. to say they did not give me a hard time about my mod's and upgrades. Remsen Dodge a good dealer not a stealer .

 

[Snow man]

Jonny, the bands have nothing to do with this 3-4 flare. They are both released in 3rd and 4th. Is there any chance the TC is unlocking in 3rd,right before it makes the 3-4 shift then relocks? That is the most likey cause. if thats not the case,you need to see if the pressure isnt getting to the 4 th gr piston as the shift is made or if the pressure is there,but the shift flares. The only good thing about this if you do your own work,is that you should be able to get away with just pulling the OD unit to check the 4th gr piston /support/seals then the 4th clutches/shimming of it. If the problem isnt VB related,It may be the OD sprag isnt working allowing the intermediate shaft to spin faster than the output shaft for a second until the OD clutches come in.

 

[Big_Daddy_T]

If its under warranty and defective. Wouldnt It behoove him to make the dealer repair the defective item. A little bs is worth putting up with to get the problem fixed for free. They built it wrong they can fix it. Have a friend with an ongoing issue with his ford pu. Got a couple of band aids but no fix yet. I said keep pressure on em. And read up on warranty laws. Accept nothing less than perfection. Thats what you pay for. I dont pay full price for substandard work if I can help it.

 

[easleyj1]

Snowman, I am in no way an expert on auto's but I thought that the TC unlocked between the 3rd and 4th shift are you saying that it should unlock but may be doing so too soon? I may be misunderstanding the sequence of operation. The sprag sounds like a reasonable explanation also. Thanks to all who have responded so far!



Jonny Easley