Need transmission parameter changed

[JoeLeonard]

Ken Imler at Imler Diesel Performance (Imler Diesel) drove my truck today and said I need to get the "Tow Haul" torque converter lockup release parameter changed from 21 MPH to at least 25 MPH. Jim Galatioto at ATO Racing Transmissions (www.atotransmissions.com) suggested raising the parameter to at least 30 MPH, to keep the torque converter from interacting with the exhaust brake and causing a lot of vibration and noise. Ken said the reason it was never a problem with the stock transmission was because there was so much slippage in the stock transmission that we didn't notice the lockup signal wasn't being dropped until the truck slowed to 21 MPH.



Can/ will a dealer just change the one parameter (and leave the rest of the programming alone)? Does Smarty Jr programming get into the transmission program?

I'm thinking about taking our truck over the hill to Carson Dodge, but I wanted to see what others on the forum would recommend before I call and get an appointment. Help would be appreciated.

 

[JoeLeonard]

I spoke with John, one of the techs at Carson Dodge and he said they don't have the ability to change a transmission control parameter and they could only see if there was an upgrade to the transmission control software. If there is an upgrade, he said they did not know what affect it would have on the torque converter unlock speed and that Carson Dodge no longer tries to work with "performance" components.



So is there anyone who does have the knowledge to change a parameter in the transmission control program? or does anyone have a good "work around" that would change the torque converter unlock speed? Any leads would be appreciated.

 

[JoeLeonard]

It looks like I might be able to use a BD TowLoc Part Number 1067502. Will this work and is it the best way to control torque converter unlock speed? Is there a better way to do this or is there a better product to do this with? Will it interfer with the Smarty? I really would appreciate some advice

 

[JoeLeonard]

I spoke with Pat, one of the support techs at BD and he verified that the torque converter does need to be locked up for the exhaust brake to work effectively. He said the ECM finds out from a ground signal supplied on pin 42 that there is an exhaust brake present and it (the ECM) needs to hold the torque converter locked up. The ECM supplies a signal on pin 39 to activate the exhaust brake. The ECM controls the timing of both exhaust brake "turn off" and torque converter unlock. Pat said they have sold over 150 exhaust brakes for my applications (07 48RE) and this is the first time they have heard of this problem (shaking and noise that starts at 25 mph or so and gets worse down to 21 mph when the torque converter releases. He said the BD truck he is familiar with has a built 48RE which also releases the torque converter lock at 21 mph doesn't shudder or make noise.



I know there is at least one company trying to "break the code" in the stock Dodge ECM, but their objective to figure it out for the 68RE and 48RE calibration would just be peripheral to their main objective.



Is there a site that I could go to that would have detailed information as to what a flash update would do to my ECM? I have not had it reflashed since we bought the truck because we like the way it runs and the Smarty provides all the excitement we need.



I sure hope there is someone reading this who has some help to offer, I feel like I'm talking to myself.

 

[JJPage]

Your not talking to yourself, just not sure I can help. The BD apparatus will probably do the trick as far as locking your TC, I would call BD and speak with them.

You could build your own lockup circuit, and incorporate into the exhaust break switch also.

I believe DTT also has a product that could help...

EDIT:Sorry, re-read, you need to have the TC unlock sooner. You could manually break the circuit, to remove the ground, but not very handy. Also, there must be something else amiss to be causing that vibration. I believe changing the unlock speed at this time would only "mask" the real issue.

 

[Bob4x4]

Depending on when you bought (or updated) your Smarty you may already have the latest software in the ECM. Sounds more like a drivetrain issue than software.

I have not seen your issue on a sound drive train..... go back and recheck the truck. Especially the last change made to it (Trans ?)