Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Need some Trans advice

[EFielding]

Guys, Guys....

What a revelation: pump didn't fix the problem!



Don, just out of curiosity, was YOUR problem diagnosed prior to running out of warranty? Mine started at about 20K and has been back in the shop under documentation. So far, DC hasn't asked for a dime as far as THIS particular problem is concerned. As to STAR, I haven't a clue as to who, what, where they (it, them) are. Some think tank?? Got their engineering degrees from Sears catalog? I dunno.



BBradley, as said above, my problem started at about 20K. Now have 36K on the clock, so I don't think miles are the problem. BUT I COULD be wrong.



I think the next step for me is to pull the TPS wires out of the bundle and see what that does (tell-tale notwithstanding)



Ciao...



Ed

 

[emjay]

Lift pump! They're (DC) fishing in some deep water! If you're out of warranty, the rule is replace things until the customer's broke or it's fixed, whichever comes first.



Keep in mind -- the dealer cannot repair a design flaw.

:--)

 

[deezuldon]

More details

Spoke with Emjay via phone this A. M. Had some good input, and is experienced with trannies and electronics. His truck has had the problem since new! Now has 28K miles on it. He was not surprised at the problem when it popped up. Apparently others (GM for example) have has this problem before. Comes down to that old electronic nemisis: "noise". He's working on a entirely different direction for a solution, and after talking with him about it, I believe he will eventually come up with it. But it may take a while. He believes that many others may have the exact same TCC lock/unlock problem but aren't really aware of it - it may be too "subdued" for many to realize. I can tell you for sure there's no way you can mistake it on mine - don't have to be the gearhead like I believe most of us on the TDR site are, to sense it!



Ed, problem showed up at 45K. Which of course is 9K past DC warranty. Great timing! But fortunately the lift pump is covered under Cummins 100K warrranty. That helps. But 4 hours @ $85 per, gonna add up in a hurry. (Have to say this guy's pretty sharp, though. If it can be disagnosed and fixed at a local level, I think he can do it. And I suspect that he may well put more than 4 hours in it... you know how these things go once you "get in", so maybe I'm in reality getting "a deal". ???)



One of the suggestions that the mystical STAR made to the dealer was to pull the TPS wires out of the loom. That tells me that they know that there's the possibility of noise with the wires all bundled together. Emjay suggested maybe they ought to be shielded. It all keeps pointing back to noise.



Number of miles doesn't seem to matter - but again, it might!Emjay's had it since new. Noise right from the gitgo? On the other hand, the greater number of miles in my case and BBradley's case may have something to do with it, from a different angle. Mechanical wear. Obviously that takes it's toll after time, so maybe the mechanical wear of the TPS (aka APPS) has something to do with it, too? More slop in the potentiometer, so more noise?



Way many variables! Like I said before, electronics are great when they work as designed, but when they don't, makes you long for the days of distributors with points, coil igntions, carburetors that could be rebuilt; you could actually carry a toolbox, diagnose and do roadside repairs... What happened to that concept? Obviously I got left behind on that YEARS ago!



Will post what I learn... as I learn it!

 

[deezuldon]

Excellent point!

Excellent point by Emjay bears repeating:



Dealer cannot repair a design flaw!

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by Pit Bull

This seems to be a 99 CTD truck problem. How did they change the transmission in 00 that might give a clue to what is wrong with the 99's.

Well did they change the design from 99 to 00? If so what was the change? Sounds like that might be your fix.

 

[deezuldon]

Good Point!

Anyone have that answer?

 

[emjay]

IMO, it is not just a 1999 model problem. My rationale being the older the truck, the higher the mileage, the increased likelihood of the problem rearing its ugly head.

 

[work2muchplay2little]

Originally posted by Pit Bull

This seems to be a 99 CTD truck problem. How did they change the transmission in 00 that might give a clue to what is wrong with the 99's.

Mine started about 44. 5K - what a coincidence - do I smell a planned obsolescence conspiracy here?

 

[EFielding]

Emjay

Hav you heard of any of the older trucks (pre-99 or 1st Gen) with this problem. I'm getting the impression that this is a nemisis of '99 or newer. Kinda goes to what Pit Bull was saying.



Don, Yikes $85 an hour! damn, back in the 60's when I was bending wrenches on airplanes the going shop rate was $30 per and I thought THAT was high. Boy it's tough getting old and understanding the value of a dollar!

 

[deezuldon]

Truck's back and it's fixed....

For now anyway.



No startling revelations to pass on though, unfortunately.



2nd pump was replaced, as you know, didn't solve TCC lock/unlock problem.



Dealer tech apparently reflashed computer again. Checked and cleaned ground connections and other connections. For sake of time ($$ - mine!) didn't take it out for a test drive after each change, so don't know what corrected the problem. My gut feel is the reflash. Will it last?



Real nice guy - he and I discussed it at length when I went to pick the truck up. He shares my concern is that it may not last. It's like chasing ghosts. So many variables and possibilities that nobody can put their finger on any one thing. Every truck's gonna be different. That's why the telltale box on some - may tell what's happening on that specific truck at that specific time. But may be related - but at the same time completely different than what's happened to mine, or Ed's or Emjay's or Work2's.



So. I'll drive it. And wait. Maybe I'll be lucky? Maybe not. Between Dodge's electronics "language" and Cummins "language" something needs to be hardened up. We ain't alone! I refer back to what emjay said: "Dealer can't fix a design flaw!"



If there's any change, I'll post it. Who knows where this thread will be by then? Let's try to keep the communication ongoing - maybe somebody can benefit from the frustrations and experiences we share... .

 

[GLASMITHS]

Mileage related?

From my sig you can see that I have a pre-99. Mine messed up at about 55K. Took it to dealer, they reflashed it, and it has 30K more on it with no problems. You can also see from my sig that about all I have left is a Cummins block (lol).



Mine would unlock at all speeds, up to 55-60. I was towing, and don't tow above 60. And I do not tow in o/d, but 3rd and GV. It still unlocked. It was worse in o/d though. I tried it. At first thought it was the GV going South. This is with the cruise engaged. The t/c is supposed to remain locked when the cruise is engaged, no matter what the throttle position is. That is how it controls the speed down hill.



This is kinda scary when the dealer cain't fix the problem!!

 

[emjay]

Does your DTT provide the feature that maintains TCC lock while cruise control is on? The stock system is not designed that way.

 

[work2muchplay2little]

Originally posted by emjay

Does your DTT provide the feature that maintains TCC lock while cruise control is on? The stock system is not designed that way.

The DTT valve body does not alter the 3-4 shift or the TCC lock-up and are still under direct control of the PCM, including while the cruise is on. I've wondered though if the DTT SmartController (http://www.dieseltrans.com/smartcontroller.htm) could "take-over" the function of the PCM in controlling the TCC. Anyone know?

 

[GLASMITHS]

I am not a transmission specialist, so won't argue; except I know what happens on my truck, the way it is equipped.



If the Smartcontroller is on above 18mph the t/c is subject to be locked, especially if you let off the throttle. If you go beyond about 80% throttle, in any gear it will unlock. This is adjustable.



As far as the t/c being locked with cruise - I am certain that I came over the bridge at Baton Rouge this past Monday, up-shifted to o/d, turned the GV off, with cruise on, and controller OFF and had E-Brake all the way down. Maybe I need to lube the E-brake, it might be sticking or sumpin







Edit: work2muchplay2little: Sure it over-rides it, why do you think BillK named it SMARTcontroller??

 

[work2muchplay2little]

Originally posted by GLASMITHS

Sure it over-rides it, why do you think BillK named it SMARTcontroller??

Yeah, I'm thinking my PCM is pretty much a moron lately

 

[EFielding]

Deezul

Got back from Kalifornia yesterday (Sunday), and wouldn't you know; no t/c problem. I think the truck KNOWS that there is a tell-tale in the OBD port. Not a hiccup, cough or lurch



I told the dealer that I'm gonna keep the tell-tale until this thing starts it's routine, THEN maybe something will come of it.



Glad to see you got your ride back. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

 

[deezuldon]

Figures....

Ed:



Damn that's frustrating! Is it possible that DC has a prototype fix in the little black box and you're the guinea pig without knowing it? Who cares as long as the problem's solved! On the other hand, maybe if you do experience it again, those details will be recorded in the box, and somebody with electronics engineering will be able to figure out a cure --- for all of us!



I've only put 200- 300 miles since leaving the dealer, and all is fine - so far. You know how you keep waiting for it to happen, though. Every time the TCC locks I keep waiting for that that sudden unlock again. Fingers so tightly crossed, blood circulation suffering!



Anyway, thanks for the input so far. I'll keep an eye on this thread to see what comes up.



Don

 

[EFielding]

Don,

Ya know, this thread is beginning to sound like folks getting ready for their first REAL job interview; anticipation, sleeplessness, night sweats, sweaty palms and all the rest.



I don't mind being a guinea pig if all this bs will fix my problem and at the same time fix your's and others.



I'll kkep you posted as to what happens.



And the saga continues (where's Stephen King when you really need him?)



See ya...

 

[JSend]

My truck started hanging in first & third, tried fluid, solenoids,throttle adjustment. Take a look at Deiseltrans.com, Bill Kondolay might be able to help you to find some answers. New TC VP and Clutches on my '99 4x4, 41k daily driver, no towing, stock all.

 

[EFielding]

Deezul

Just a note to say that I've had that tell-tale in the truck for the past 2 weeks and so far, I haven't had to push the button yet



I think the truck KNOWS the tell-tale is installed and it won't cooperate.



Gonna give it another week then the dealer wants his equip back. We'll see what happens.....



How about you?



Ed