Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Calling all Trannyheads!

[CCCRAM]

Recently I had my stock OEM transmission rebuilt with an ATS 5star TC, VB, and pilot controller. First trip out, the transmission is solid and shifts great, although a little abrupt between gears.



My problem: I hauled my RV (10K 5er, 28ft) to our campsite and took off to refuel. When I came to a stop and then accelerated that I had no power in the low end. The engine raced and gradually I build enough speed to feel 3rd and 4th engage. I had obviously lost 1st and 2nd gear. Of course I was shocked, immediately pulled over and shifted down into 1st gear to see what was happening. Again same problem, but then I felt a "kick" and when I stopped again to accelerate, I noticed 1st and 2nd was back. Since then, over 3,000 miles and past 3 months, the majority of the time the transmission is working fine, but occasionally it exhibits this problem. It can happen loaded or unloaded. The only thing that seems consistent is that after being on the hwy at 60mph+ it seems happen, rather than around time driving. I'm about ready to go back to the installer.



Any help you can provide is most appreciated!!!

 

[rweis]

TV cable adjustment?



Bob Weis

 

[John - K5AWO]

I suspect the higher pressures in the transmission (you have the VB upgrade) are causing the computer to detect over pressure.

That happened to me. You need to install a resistor in series with the pressure sensor.

Here is a copy of my post at: 47RE won't shift out of 1st. Fixed! - TDR Roundtable


It kind of sounds like the TCM does not like the higher line pressures that your shift kit is providing you with. Here are my notes from having installed the SunCoast Valve Body DC487 in my truck. Verbatim with the note:
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Mod added to my truck by PJ 8/2007


100 ohm 1/2 watt resistor in series with wire going to pin #31
Should be Orange and possibly with a black stripe?

This is the middle plug of 3 plugs on the TCC (transmission control module) which is located behind the OEM air breather box.

The connector is white. Peel back the back side of the connector to gain access to the wire going to pin #31.

Unwrap the tape from the harness back 6 to 10 inches. Cut the wire, insert the resistor. Solder the connections. Seal with silicone and retape the harness.

 

[CCCRAM]

Thanks for the info. I'll follow up and let you know if its a fix...

 

[robertyoke]

check the black connector at the trans. make sure that it is connected and locked in place!

-robert

 

[Timbeaux38]

Did you replace all the electronics when you rebuilt the trans?

 

[MMeier]

Who built it?

 

[CCCRAM]

The Dodge dealer in my area rebuilt the original transmission (bands, etc. ) and installed the ATS TC. Diesel Specialists here in LV installed the ATS VB and Pilot Controller.

 

[CCCRAM]

Did you replace all the electronics when you rebuilt the trans?

I guess I don't know. See previous response:





"The Dodge dealer in my area rebuilt the original transmission (bands, etc. ) and installed the ATS TC. Diesel Specialists here in LV installed the ATS VB and Pilot Controller. "



I don't know if this includes replacing any electronics... We did replace the MAP sensor when it went out shortly after the transmission install.

 

[CCCRAM]

I suspect the higher pressures in the transmission (you have the VB upgrade) are causing the computer to detect over pressure.



That happened to me. You need to install a resistor in series with the pressure sensor.



Here is a copy of my post at: 47RE won't shift out of 1st. Fixed! - TDR Roundtable... QUOTE]



Now my problem is it WONT downshift into 1st and 2nd. Seems to be stuck in 3rd. Is this the same or similar problem related to the VB that you described? I plan on taking it back to Diesel Specialists to have them diagnose, but the more info the better... :-laf

 

[CCCRAM]

ATS Valve Body Assistant and Shift Problems

#@$%! The saga continues...

I consistently have the lost 1st and 2nd gear, which finally drove my lazy x%$$ to the diesel installer in my area, Diesel Specialists. I learned from DS that the lost 1/2 is due to a code when the pressure in the transmission exceeds specs.



I explained :-{}the problem to them, and separately in a call to ATS, and they said :-{}I needed a VBA to resolve the problem, similar to the previous post. Turns out I already had a VBA from the original installation of the valve body, and the original tested fine. They installed a new one, however. After picking up the truck and driving it, the same symptoms occurred. DS said they needed to reduce the pressure in the valve body. Does that make sense?