Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Hunts, surges, bucks, cuts out, and sometimes runs great.

[AmberCarman]

I have been dealing with this problem on and off for what feels like forever!
I have rebuilt the transmission with triple disc Torque converter, replaced the valve body, changed the speed sensor, replaced injection pump, replaced fuel filter, changed batteries and cleaned the cables, and wrapped the alternator ground with tin foil.
No matter what I do it will run fine for awhile and then out of nowhere start shifting through gears or cutting out/surging, RPM's will buck up and down, but my speed will stay steady. Well sometimes anyways, there's times where it will cut out long enough to lose speed and then starts going again. It even does this when I'm coasting down hill! In or out of over-drive, at all speeds and in all conditions, although it seems worse in higher humidity and colder temperatures. But it still acts crazy when it's dry and warm. It has periods of running awesome too. It's weird and driving me crazy! Please help! Thank you.

 

[GReed]

You might check your alternator for AC feedback. Mopar1973Man.com has a video on how to check that.

 

[SAndreasen]

Throttle position sensor ?

 

[AmberCarman]

You might check your alternator for AC feedback. Mopar1973Man.com has a video on how to check that.

Thank you, I will check it out, weird thing is today it was warm and dry and is running great! Not one hiccup. Seems to act up when it's below 70 and/or raining.

 

[AmberCarman]

Thank you, I believe we replaced that too, but I'm going to double check that.
Do you think that ambient temperature could effect the sensor? It seems to run fine when it's over 70 degrees and dry out.
As a side note, I am new on this forum and haven't dealt with forums before so I hope I am replying correctly, lol. If not please excuse me, I am learning forum etiquette.

 

[SAndreasen]

I don't know about ambient temperature but they can definitely do some very strange things like you describe

 

[GReed]

I was getting a dead pedal when pulling a hill on a cold morning. I read on one of the forums that a boost fooler could cause the problem . I pulled the Power Puck and boost fooler and the problem seemed to go away. Of course now, the temps are warmer. If you don't have a power booster or boost fooler that won't pertain. One other thing to check is to clean the MAP and IAT sensors. Also, do the key trick or put a code scanner on it and check for codes. When my TPS went out, I had a code. I have a 6spd, so I don't have the gear hunting problem unless I miss a shift.

 

[AmberCarman]

Good information, thank you, I will definitely be check those things out.
I drove it again today for about 150 miles and ran awesome again. It's so frustrating to troubleshoot.
Anyways, thanks again