Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) OD Hunting

[TurboWolf]

In the past few weeks it seems that if I am just tooling around town the transmission will change into and out of OD. Sometimes even if OD is off it seems to change back and forth between 2nd and 3rd. ( I know most of you guys don't let it go to OD until you are at highway speeds). Almost all of the time if I switch OD off and step on it the problem immediately disappears. Any ideas on how to eliminate this short of leaving OD off around town.



Thanks

Scott

 

[ralphr]

I don't think it is OD that is the problem, I beleive it is the transmission lock up. My 99 did the same thing depending on speed. Mystery switch or some of the "smart mystery switches" available is suppossed to cure the problem. fixed mine for good traded it on an 03Oo. No hunting foir lock up on the 03, its either on or its not!:--)

 

[JPLB22]

ralphr is right, I think. When I am off the freeway I always lock out OD, but it will still go in and out of lock-up ( meaning torque converter lock-up ) at speeds from 32 - 42 depending on throttle position. It does feel a little like it is shifting gears when it locks up the converter, but to me it feels a little smoother when locking up rather than when actually shifting gears.



In my '02 this is how the transmission shifts



1st to 2nd

2nd to 3rd

3rd to lock-up

then it un-locks ( at least I think ) 3rd to 4th

then it locks again in 4th



Jeff

 

[Tom W]

Your problem could be caaused by electrical noise spikes. Clean the battery terminals and see if the problem goes away - if it does it is only temporary and will eventually return.



I installed one of DTT's noise filters several week ago and so far it has worked perfectly. The truck seems to run smoother and a

1 MPG increase.



Tom

 

[Tulsa618]

With maddening "hunting" and other unacceptable behavior from my transmission, I was just disgusted with it. Then when I came across a similar post, I remembered how my transmission behavior improved some time back after I'd replaced my batteries, and knew I needed to get back to the electrical connections. So with some excellent advice from Thomas, I took a hacksaw to the battery cables at the terminals, replaced the battery terminals with military terminals and put eye-connectors on the "new" cable ends and put it all back together. OMG!!!! It was like getting a new transmission! That's one tack you could try to improve things. 'Couldn't hurt and didn't cost but about $30 altogether.

 

[waldo]

I had the same problem on my 99. Went thru just about everything. Then remebered a thread I had read about the ecm had to be reprogramed by the dealer due to a electrical noise. Dropped it off at the dealer told them what the problem was and had it back the next day. This seems to be the fix on most 98. 5 and 99s. hope it helps.







99 4wd club cab sport guages dd trans pan detriot locker 4" exhaust no muffler

 

[Adam]

My '99 did the same thing (on the second transmission anyway). While DC reprogrammed the ECM and updated this and that, the only true cure I ever found for it was replacement (with a 6-speed)! Seriously, I hope the reprogram will make yours right. After two transmissions and a several weeks in the shop, I couldn't take it anymore and upgraded.



-Adam

 

[rmrc]

Originally posted by Tom W

Your problem could be caaused by electrical noise spikes. Clean the battery terminals and see if the problem goes away - if it does it is only temporary and will eventually return.



I installed one of DTT's noise filters several week ago and so far it has worked perfectly. The truck seems to run smoother and a

1 MPG increase.



Tom

I had the same symptons and went throught the process stated above by Tom. DTT noise filter, cleaned battery terminals. No problems afterwards!!!!!

 

[Joe Mc]

Same thing here. The fix was easy as previously mentioned. The only thing I did differently was disconnect the batteries for a few hours, clean terminals and posts. When ready to connect them coat with white lithium grease or the like to help reduce corrosion. Once re-connected turn the key on (don't start yet) slowly press the go pedal all the way to the floor and slowly release it - the key here is "slowly". Turn key to the off position and then go thru the normal process of starting. I heard this here when I has the same hunting problem about 4 - 5 months ago. What you are doing is re-training the throttle position indicator.



It worked and was cost effective.



Hope it works for you.

 

[TurboWolf]

Thanks for the info

Thanks for all of the feedback folks.



So, I called DTT and asked for sales to order the filter. Planned to order the filter and clean the battery terminals at the same time. The folks at DTT answered and I told the lady my problem and that the good people at the TDR recommended a filter and good battery terminal cleaning. She said hold on and Bill picked up. Told him my symptoms and he said he didn't think I needed a filter, but rather a cable adjustment, he told me to check it and call him back



... Now my problem.



I checked the cable and I have about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of play in it at full throttle, but Bill left early (good for him, bad for me). They offered to give me his cell phone number. But the only reason I would call someone on Friday afternoon when they had taken the afternoon off is either to take them to a ball game or to play a little golf .



So to all of you in TDR land, does anyone know how much play should be in the cable (it is on the drivers side, low on the transmission).



The suspense of waiting until Monday is killing me.



Thanks

Scott

 

[KRobinson]

Hunting auto transmission

After trying everything including the dealer PCM flashes, solenoid replacements and a transmission overhaul in the past 2 years only to have the problem return on my 99' 2500 4x4. Saw Tom W's note on this forum and called DTT and ordered the noise filter. It has been two weeks and the transmission shifting is perfect! Never been this good! So far I am thrilled! Wished I'd have done this two years ago! Took about 15 minutes to install too! Can't tell how much I appreciate this TDR forum and the help!

 

[TurboWolf]

Bill K has come through again for the TDR

Sorry for the delayed follow up. But as usual Bill was right on target. I adjusted the kick down cable and my problem is solved . Best advice I can give you is to call DTT. He has seen it all and can offer many good suggestions over the phone.



Bill-Hope your back is feeling better and thanks again.