Archived Auto Transmission not normal

[TBielawski]

Have a problem with my 95 3/4 ton Dodge diesel. Think it started one day when unit kicked out of cruse control and could not get cruse to work again. Then about a month later cruse started working. Shortly after that when in (or out) of OD (usually between 40-55 mph but usually just after 40) RPM's would rise and engine would race but vehicle would maintain speed. Sort of like pressing clutch down on standard felt like transmission was slipping. Problem was intermittent only happened once in a while-usually going up hill and transmission hot. However when hauling a trailer it would jump in and out repeadily.

Had OD govenor unit changed then transmission rebuilt (same torque conviter) still have problem but now only seems to be when cold. Tried changing speed sensor but that did not help.

Any ideas? Planning a trip out West, from NY, in August and need this fixed to haul a camper.

Thanks

 

[fox]

It sounds like the torque converter is unlocking.

Do a search on converters. Lots to read and learn.

BTW, Welcome to the TDR!

Fill out your profiles and set everything up.

 

[John - K5AWO]

Have you changed the fluid in the transmission lately? Fresh fluids with the correct friction modifiers work wonders on keeping your transmission healthy. The RPM increase is the torque convertor unlocking. On my truck/gearing at around 43-45 if I hit an uphill grade and increase the loading, the TC unlocks and RPMs will change from about 1250-1300 to almost 2000. Normal function.



I think you are experiencing the "hunting" problem. I suggest you remove the battery cables, pull the thru bolts from the clamps. Wash with water, soak with baking soda and let it fizz. Do that cycle a couple times until all fizz is gone. Brighten up the metal parts with a post/terminal wire cleaner. Buy some Noxid Grease and coat everything before and after you put the battery cables back on.



My transmission stopped that hunting crap... shiftly perfectly now and I am loving it.



Price is right: Cost a box of soda plus the grease. Get that from battery wholesalers. Retail stores are going to stare at you like a crazy person.

 

[TBielawski]

transmission has all new fluids (was rebuilt but no new Torque Converter) Mechanic said he tested it and it was okay. I just put two new batteries in a few weeks ago and cleaned teh terminals. Will try the baking soda trick and see if that helps.

Thanks,

Tom

 

[rrausch]

A note about the '95's, the Service Manual specs ATF +3, Type 7176.

Some guys have said here that they use Dextron and it works just as well.

I am not one of those guys!

I use ATF +3, Type 7176--I buy it in cases from the dealer. At one time my stock trans had Amsoil in it, but when I got the truck the Amsoil looked pretty burned to me, and I changed it out to +3 the first chance I got. Then I had my ATS Stage IV rebuild done 2 years ago, and ATS specs +3 also.

 

[John - K5AWO]

You can use the Dextron III but you must add the friction modifier package with it.



Me, I just buy the ATF+3 and forget about it. I also have a B&M Hydro drain plug installed in the bottom of the transmission pan (AutoZone) and I drain the pan with every oil change. Top it back up w/about six quarts of fresh fluid.



I am curious how the mechanic "tested" the torque convertor? don't know your $$$ situation, but I would have tried to finance an aftermarket TC that locks up better than the factory unit.

 

[TBielawski]

I have been back to the mechanic several times. He has driven the truck but has never had the slippage occurr. I took my camcorder one day and tapped the RPM swing change. After viewing the tape he thought the convertor was unlocking. He is going to have another look see. He has to drop the pan to adjust the 2nd gear shift (really slams into gear) so I'll tell him to add the +3 fluid. As part of the rebuild he also added some sort of pump so that the truck could be left running in park.

I don't know how he chacked the converter. He just told me he checked it and it was okay. By the way I didn't know he was going to rebuild my transmission. After he installed the governor and that did not solve the problem I took it back because he said he knew what was wrong. Two days later he called and said I owed him for a rebiuild. If I had know he was doing a rebuild I would have made a switch to a 5 speed!

 

[Fred Swanson]

TBielawski, it could be your APPS(TPS Sensor). Have him check the APPS voltage at the PCM. Under more load and hotter temps. See if the voltage is fluctuating.

 

[TBielawski]

I have to check the connections to the TPS and make sure I am getting good contact. From my understanding (which is limited) it is either teh TPS, teh temp sensor or the CPS. The mechanic said he replaced the temp sensor. Although, he said it was inside the transmission and I thought it was on the outside of the transmission.

How do I go about testing under hotter temps and more load?

 

[TBielawski]

I have been going through the registry looking for similar problems. There are many guy compalining about the same problem way back in 1999 to 2001. All the advice comes back with check wiring, fluids, TPS. TTS,CPS and other suggestions. Has anyone ever heard of anyone solving this problem or is everyone still driving with the changing RPM's?

Please ask around if you know anyone who had this problem and found a solution. I'm sure a lot of other drivers would appreciate the solution.

If no one has come up with a solution is this hurting the transmission?