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Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) automatic transmission failure

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2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Lope @ Idle? Lemon-Law

Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Another with low power

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I recently went on a vacation with my 99 3500 4x4 dually. We haul an 11 ft camper and a small cargo trailer (12'). I must add that I drive like a little-old-lady and rarely put my foot into it. The truck had 32,000 miles on it. I had, 3 weeks before the trip, added a Banks Powerpack and a Banks Brake to the truck. About 5 days into our trip we were going up a hill on a windy road (only going about 25 to 35 mph) and the engine rpm went up and we lost forward motion. The truck was hauled to a dealer who replaced the entire transmission. He said that he didn't know what went wrong, they don't look, they just replace the whole thing. So I don't know if it was the torque converter or what. Naturally they refused to honor the warranty with the Banks system on. So here is my dilemma: Was this just a fluke? Bad parts from Chrysler? Was it the banks system? We don't know if we should buy a different brand of truck?, remove all performance equipment and return to stock?, or add additional equipment to this truck?... ... ... . Has any one experienced the same?:confused:
 
What has happend is that you added too much power for your stock torque converter to handle and with pulling a load

you compounded the problem until if failed.



Yes the banks voids your warranty along with most other performance modifications, but there are some auto transmission upgrades out there that will handle that power, and as much trailer that you can throw at it.



I suggest checking out www.atsdiesel.com (they make the toughest torque converter around IMO), and have a 3 year/65,000 mile guarentee.



You made the right choice with truck and engine, but when you go into to the modification area, you need a backbone for the Cummins Power!!



--Justin W.
 
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Sorry about your problem. I agree with Justin. You would of been fine with stock power but when you increase the power the rules all change. That goes for any brand truck. Do a search on transmission upgrades, you will be educated about transmission upgrades and can then make the right choice for your needs.
 
If you search on exhaust brakes, you'll see that Dodge does not recommend using them with an automatic. In some of the posts you'll read why, which is really over my head. In my opinion, the Dodge automatic is likely to fail on its own, ie without our help, never mind when we add more power. I've had two Dodge auto's that needed rebuilding before 70k miles. :rolleyes:



Bryan
 
I am running increased power levels up to 450 hp. I can also run it at 325 hp. I suggest that you get the transmission that I have been running. I can pull any hill at any speed without getting too hot.

The transmission holds up just fine stock but when you add power you will need an upgrade. Call Bill K... ... He is the man. It is too bad you had to shell out all that money for the new transmission. For the same money you could have bought a built one:mad: You might look to the guys that sold you your banks stuff. I think they should have told you that the exhaust brake will smoke your stock trans. Greg



1 866 504 4002. Bill Kondolay: He can help.
 
Correct me if I'm wrong,, but, I have heard that NOT driving with your foot in it could cause your transmission to die faster by not building much line pressure, and letting bands slip TCC slippage etc.



The transmission builds pressure according to how far you have pressed your foot down, and when you add power to the truck you don't have to put your foot down as far to make alot of TQ & HP, not having your foot down very far keeps the transmission pressures low. Low transmission Pressure with Lots Of TQ & HP leads to an early transmission failure.



Also the stock auto transmission cannot work properly with an exhaust brake. The TC and Valve Body was not designed to work "backwards" there is too much slippage. I would suggest DTT or ATS,, or how about a DTT Valve Body with an ATS Torque Converter? Either way both of those companies offer a warrenty that is equal too or better than Dodges warrenty,, and customer service that will amaze you.



My $. 02



Merrick Cummings Jr



P. S. I'm a manaul transmission guy so the things I know about auto trannies have come from seminars at TDR Rallies etc.
 
I believe that dealership gave you a raw deal in denying the warranty repair as they did not prove or even show you what had failed and establish a connection with your Banks system. Now it's generally understood that increasing the power output of the engine does endanger the warranty, the Magnusson-Moss act still puts the burden of proof on the dealer to demonstrate that the modifications did indeed cause the failure and gives them just cause to refuse to honor the warranty. The following comes from Banks own website and I'd recommend calling them and asking them to step up to the plate and help you deal with the dealer as they say several times that their equipment is engineered not to cause failures or void warranties.

==========================================

(q. ) Warranties



Question: I bought a Git-Kit from Camping World for my 12-valve 1998 Dodge/Cummins. When I took it to my local dealer to have it installed, they said they would not install it, as it would void my warranty on my Bosch fuel pump, and if I had engine problems down the line, I would be buying a new motor.

What is the real story here? Thanks very much, as I am chomping at the bit to start tweaking the motor, as I haul a 25-foot fifth wheel. —Robert; Lakeport, CA



Answer: It is important to read and understand the warranty statement that is provided with your truck. It states, "Certain changes that you might make to your truck do not, by themselves, void the warranties described in this booklet. Examples of some of these changes are: installing non-Chrysler parts, components, or equipment. " It also says, "Your warranties don't cover the costs of repairing damage or conditions caused by any of the following: any changes made to your truck that don't comply with Chrysler specifications. "

What does this mean? In a nutshell, Chrysler cannot void your warranty just because an aftermarket product is installed on your vehicle. If you go to your Chrysler dealer with a problem, and they determine that the problem is a result of the aftermarket product, then they have the right to deny you warranty coverage for that repair. This necessary connection between the problem and the product is called causal analysis.



Based on these facts, you want the assurance that the product you install is designed to improve performance without the possibility of engine damage. Rest assured that our products are fully engineered not only to protect your engine from damage, but to extend the life of your engine while providing the maximum power potential.



Unfortunately, it seems that your Chrysler dealer does not understand the warranty statement. I recommend that you ask them to show in your warranty statement where it says that the warranty can be voided just because you put on an aftermarket product. My guess is that they won't be able to find it.







Question: I'm considering the Stinger system for my truck, but even though you say these mods don't affect my warranty, I been reading on the Ford-diesel web site that any chip changes void the engine electrical warranty and that mods to the transmission void that one too. Seems to me this makes your system much more expensive!!! Comments? —Bill; Granite Bay, CA

Answer: When the question of warranty is brought up, I always recommend that you revisit the language of your warranty statement. In the 2001 warranty booklet for Ford vehicles, you will find the following statement: "Ford Motor Company may deny you warranty coverage if your vehicle or a part has failed because of abuse, neglect, improper maintenance, unapproved modifications... etc. " The key to this phrase is "failed because of. " Just installing a product is not a just cause for a Ford dealer to deny you warranty coverage. They must be able to connect the problem that you are having with the aftermarket product. This is known as "causal analysis. " When a dealer denies warranty coverage without a proper causal analysis, he has not properly honored the warranty.

There are times when this happens, and when we have customers that call us with this sort of problem, we go to work on informing the customer of what to ask for from the dealer, and in many cases one of our Technical Service representatives will contact the dealer on the customer's behalf in order to sort the situation out. Occasionally, the problem needs to go to a Dispute Settlement Board or to small claims court before it is resolved, but we find that when the proper questions are asked, and the warranty language is clarified, the dealer will be willing to follow through with proper warranty coverage.







Question: Where can I obtain a copy of the court finding that says "installation of aftermarket devices to improve operation of the engine or vehicle will not void the warranty. " I need this to present to my Dodge dealer. —Bill; Olympia, WA

Answer: Information on the Magnuson-Moss Act can be found on the Federal Trade Commission's web site. Magnuson-Moss defines the written warranty in your Owner's Manual as a contract between you and Dodge. Read the text of your warranty statement very carefully. It states, in some form or another, that the installation of an aftermarket product does not, in and of itself, void your factory warranty. That means that the dealer cannot legally turn anyone away for warranty work simply because an aftermarket product is on the vehicle. Your vehicle Owner's Manual also gives you tips on what to do if you are having difficulty receiving the service that you need. Try following the recommended steps to get your problem resolved.





Question: How will adding a Stinger TLC—or for that matter, any Banks system—affect my vehicle warranty? —Steve; Fresno, CA

Answer: Steve, you can rely on this statement-of-fact:



Banks Power systems and Banks Brake systems are designed to conform to vehicles operated within maximum load specifications. All applicable Banks systems are emissions-tested and certified in 50 states. Under federal law, vehicle manufacturers, dealers or agents cannot void vehicle powertrain or emissions warranties due to the presence of a properly installed Banks system.



A careful read of your Owner's Manual will reveal that the installation of an aftermarket improvement cannot void the factory warranty, unless it expressly indicates that such a modification would void the warranty. Usually "forbidden" modifications are in a short list of products that could put the stock drivetrain in jeopardy–unlike Banks products, which improve engine efficiency and durability.



Granted, the language in your Owner's Manual can be convoluted and hard to follow, but it's all there in black and white. (Not that we're suggesting the vehicle manufacturers would like to deliberately confuse anybody–yeah, right!)







Question: Should I take my 2000 Super Duty diesel to the local Ford dealership for a PowerPack installation, so that if there’s ever a problem I can return to Ford, and there would be no dispute about the vehicle warranty? –Warren, San Diego, CA

Answer: No vehicle warranty is at risk as long as the Banks system is properly installed–by you or any competent professional–and operated. The factory installation facility is located at Banks' headquarters in Azusa, California. Around the country, there are many reputable Banks Installing Dealers who do a quality job, including some Ford, Dodge, GM and various RV dealers. It may be a matter of convenience to maintain a single location for all the installation and servicing aspects of your vehicle.
 
Be careful

If it smoked your transmission once, there's a good chance it'll do it again. You can either upgrade the transmission, or remove the Banks stuff. "Driving like an old lady", can be more harmful to your transmission than most people realize.
 
Warranty:

On the Cummins Data plate located on the drivers side of your engine (gear housing), it specifically states that "warranty is void if fuel rate is exceeded for specific application"

It doesnt get much plainer than that.



Oh well, I guess I shouldnt ever exceed the factory specs ;)
 
Banks is completely right. The presence of any device will not void the warranty.



However, the USE of their device may... which they don't tell you. If you install a Banks kit and park the truck in your garage, the warranty is FINE... :D



A lot of the quoted material is subjective, but the example about the Ford is relevant, they need to prove how it failed as a result of the modification, not just point to it and say "That's why!".



Also, they had you over the barrel. You were out of town and had to get a transmission one way or another...



Bryan
 
DTT Simply the Best, Gauranteed!



I currently running over 760 HP through mine with no failures. I am not saying nothing will break, but when it does Bill K. will look at it and make it stronger and better so the next guy wont have the same problem.
 
Everybody put thier cheerleader outfits on.



RAH RAH REE:-laf



I am very happy with my ATS transmission. If you upgrade the transmission make some calls and find the one that fits your needs best.
 
Originally posted by StakeMan

Everybody put thier cheerleader outfits on.



RAH RAH REE:-laf

\

RAH RAH REE... ... KICK 'EM IN THE KNEE:D



RAH RAH RASS

























KICK 'EM IN THE OTHER KNEE:-laf



GECHER MIND OUTTA THE GUTTER:-laf :-laf :-laf
 
tandemranch,its unfortunate that you bought the banks stuff without knowing this would happen. Before i found this site, I almost bought a banks kit for my 96 12v truck. I am so glad i didnt,I asked banks repeatedly if my auto would hold up to the powerpack towing 10K lbs. They told me it would hold up fine. I now know they were F. O. S. They should hvae never sold you the power kit or the brake with no transmission mods,let alone both at the same time. Your transmission was going to fail and they knew it. I work on local trucks,and we come across this all the time,the owner cant afford the trans mods at this time,will it hold up for now if we just do the power kit. You need to disable the Ebrake,and unplug the power kit,however its attached,until you get the transmission modified to hold the added power,and retarding power. I use only DTT,but they arent the only ones in the business,do some research,and make some calls,then go with the one you feel is best. Your little old lady driving is a major contributor to the short trans life. Kepp your foot in it, a bit more and the RPM's up,it will last a lot longer,engine,and trans both like to spin freely more than chug under a load. With a modified engine/auto you should keep your RPMs at 1850 miniumim under heavy power to keep your trans alive ,especially when towing.
 
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