Auto transmission Hesitation/Surge or Shudder

[Ken B]

Wow, my first post! What a great site, I feel privileged to be a member! I can’t tell you how much I enjoy my Cummins truck…my first one! My 2001 Ram with Auto transmission has approx 27k miles and I've noticed that the trans tends to hesitate/surge or even shudder (not sure exactly how to describe it) between first and second gear. It usually happens between the 1100 and 1500 rpm mark. It’s like the Trans is having a hard time deciding what gear it would like to be in. I should also mention that it’s done this since I bought it new, but it doesn’t do it all the time. I mentioned it to my local dodge dealer (I live in West Seattle) and he blew it off like it was nothing. Is this something? Any suggestions? I do a little towing with more anticipated in the future, and I would like to do some BOMBing... but I'd like my trans to be in order first. Is a TC and VB from Bill K. the solution? Thanks in advance for any help.

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2001 2500HD 4X4 QC SLT+ Driftwood

 

[DGFoster]

Yep Bill Ks valve body and torque converter is the best solution,just had mine done and it was the best money I ever spent,your dealer will blow it off cause they know nothing about a truck most of them anyway,good luck with your truck,give Bill K a call he can fix you right up #ad


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Dave Foster:
3500,Light Driftwood,Quad cab
4x4,4:10 gears,Westach Gauges,K&N,Auto with DTT VB and TC,DD1 injectors and Boost Module,Van Aakens,Muffler and Resinator removed,Amsoiled front to back.
Member of the GLTDR.

 

[turbo lcc]

Ken

mine was doing the same thing. I took it back to the dealer and they adjusted the throttle linkage. It did seem to help.

just an FYI

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2001 Blue 4x4, swb, quad cab, auto, 3. 54, Straight Pipe

 

[Ken B]

Thanks for all the feedback guys! Hammersley, I think you nailed my situation exactly. The problem occurs when I'm on a grade and I'm very light on the "go-pedal" as you mentioned. I'll have to give it more right foot! I'll eventually follow Dave's advice and give Bill K. a call. Thanks again, -Ken

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2001 2500HD 4X4 QC SLT+ Driftwood

 

[Bill Kondolay]

Ken,
it sounds like your kick down cable adjustment is out of wack(too aggressive) or your governor solenoid need replacing.

Before investing a bunch of money on vb's and shift kits and other parts, invest in a pressure gauge, with the gauge i can help you track down the problem and get it fixed.

1) What is your pressure at base idle in the drive position.
Take a reading from the middle pressure port on the passenger side of the transmission.
(1/8th npt)


2) What are your wide open throttle shift points?

Make sure you take the readings with your vehicle hot.

1-2 wide open shift points

2-3 wide open shift points

Bill Kondolay
Diesel Transmission Technology

 

[hammersley]

Ken

Not sure if this is your problem but it may be. I think you are not giving her enough throttle and you're probably experiencing this on a grade - that's when I notice mine in my neighborhood. It goes away when I hit the "go-pedal" a bit more.

 

[Ken B]

Thanks Bill! I'll give you a call to get this fixed. -Ken

 

[TURBOs4LIFE]

I had the same problem also it took two different dealers to find out what it was!
They found out there was a stuck check valve
in the trannys valve body. Take it to a different dealer that will help you!


2001 blue-driftwood 4x4 SLT autoslushbox

 

[slowneasy]

Ken,
I had a real similar problem as you with the transmission which seemed to "hic-up" between 1st and 2nd under light throttle. The second dealership finally got it right and they replaced the transmission governor solenoid, PCM and a transduce pressure sensor.
Hope that helps. Truck seems to shift fine now but will be upgrading to DTT's t/c and v/b soon.

 

[Ken B]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate it very much! You've all been a big help... I'm sure glad I joined TDR! -Ken

 

[ARARAR]

In most cases a simple reflash of the PCM will solve the problem @ no cost.