clutch lock-up problem - help?

[highland]

My 99 QC 4x4 Auto, 67K miles, just started showing a problem with the clutch lock up in the auto transmission. Started about a week ago and seems to be getting progressively worse. After clutch lock-up it is now un-locking at random - for just a half second or so at a time. Usually happens under very light load but sometimes under medium load as well. Called dealer (oh no) to make appt for next week. I thought the drive train warranty was 100,000 miles and that the transmission was part of the drive train. Dealer says 36,000 mile warranty. I would like to hear others thoughts on either the problem or dealer comment or both. Thanks for the help.

 

[Dodge-Tech]

Your dealer is correct in that your warranty on everything but the engine and sheetmetal has expired. The engine only is covered for 100,000. The basic warranty expired at 3yr/36,000mi. Did you purchase an extended warranty? As for the lockup problem, it sounds like a situation where an update to the PCM is needed. There are TSB's for this problem that your dealer should know about.

------------------
98. 5 24 valve clubcab custom dual exhaust w/5" tips, Autometer pyro & boost gauges, K&N filter, 3" lift kit, 33"x16. 50"x16. 5" Dick Cepek Fun Country Radials, PE-EZ, 275 injectors, no turbo silencer ring.

 

[WCrovo]

The reflash just camoflauges the problem. Your trany is trying to say goodnight. Man I hate the autos. Mine was nothing but greif.

------------------
2001 2500 tow, camper, SWB, ETH, Bright white.

 

[highland]

Great! Just so everyone knows - I have run nothing but Amsoil ATF+4, changed the filters and adjusted bands twice and towed only about 4,000 miles out of the 67,000 on the truck. The truck is stock. We'll see what happens at the dealer next Thurday. I'll post it.

 

[SteveAZ]

Had the exact same problem at 18K miles. Was a bad torque converter. Whole transmission rebuilt.

Time to uprate that transmission.

------------------
99' Qcab, 4x4, auto, chrome nerf bars, VA, Boost elbow, DiProcal Pillar mount gauges,

 

[SteveAZ]

The transmission isn't the problem, it's the POS torque converter that fails thus toasting the rest of the transmission with it.

------------------
99' Qcab, 4x4, auto, chrome nerf bars, VA, Boost elbow, DiProcal Pillar mount gauges,

 

[n4hwl]

I have 25,000 miles on my 1998 1/2 2500 24 valve. I am having exactly the same problem. I believe the dodge place wants to reflash the pcm tsb #18-02-99. I think this is the right number. Im not sure what to do . Someone on one of these topics told me to get them to check the pressures in the transmission. What pressures would that be? Im know very little about automatics. I hear stories of the dealer messing things up. I might be better off just paying for the repair with a third party. I havent decided yet. Any suggestions ?
Thanks

Ken

------------------
1998 1/2 24 valve 2500 automatic 3. 55 alcoa aluminum wheels

 

[highland]

Ken - I'm with you. If my transmission is toast, I would just opt for a good rebuild with upgrade to valve body & torque converter. Can anyone recommend a good third party source for the transmission upgrade in Colorado?

 

[highland]

Dealer Re-Flashed my Powertrain Control Module (PCM) as indicated in the TSB. I have driven for five days now and I have to say it is working thus far. The transmission is working as well as ever (stock 67,000 miles, Amsoil ATF+4). As a side note, the reflash has changed shift points slightly - but I like the change. If the lock-up problem returns, I'll post an update - but I can advise doing the reflash at this point.