Symptoms of slipping torque converter?

[JBee]

I've been having some intermittent issues while accelerating medium to aggressive once in awhile. Getting into the throttle such as merging onto a freeway (where I've experienced it twice) my tach will just about max out and I loose acceleration capability and it acts like it's in neutral and I don't regain acceleration unless I let off the gas and wait for a few seconds then I get power back. Meanwhile, I'm pretty much coasting down the freeway waiting for my power to re-establish. This happens in about a 5 second window or so. The other day it happened accelerating from on on-ramp and I push the pedal during this and all the sudden I felt a clunk and lunge to what I must assume is possibly my torque converter locking and re-establishing power? My temps are usually around 170-180 and it seems to happen right around 40-50mph which I believe is around the range where the TC is locking? Thought I'd solicite some feedback to see if I'm pushing power past the means of my TC. I have the Bullydog with extreme/perf setting when this occurs. Can't duplicate at will. I'll be going easy on it for now since I need it to tow my 5th wheel. This is the only issue I've had with the truck otherwise with mod's... for now. At what speed does the stock TC engage?

 

[JCarrier]

My 06 Mega Cab was so disappointing with the stock transmission with just the Edge juice at 100hp level. I tried the hot version on the Edge (160hp) with the stock transmission just once and it was a joke. Not any faster, the power just blew threw the converter. I have put a built transmission in with a Spec-Rite multi disk converter with about 1000rpm less stall then stock, and a sun coast VB. All I can say is wow, this truck has come alive. I'm looking for more power now that I can put the power to the wheels. Transmission & converter should be every Ram owners first upgrade!

 

[jelag]

If you have a slipping torque converter the transmission oil temperature will rise very rapidly to a point where it will burn the fluid and turn it dark... What you are describing from what I can read between the lines is a slipping torque converter... or one that has low pressure...



I'm guessing any good transmission shop can connect a device to the computer and take it down the road and read fluid pressure during a test... . I'd suggest that in your case with the mods you have...

 

[JBee]

Sounds reasonable. I figured I probably am pushing the TC. I just had my transmission and filter serviced through the dealer. It happened before this two times so I figured I'd wait to see if it still occurs after the service... which I pretty much knew it would. I'll just have to tow and drive it moderately and get as much life out of the stocker until then. I'll have to pay attention to the trans temp next time.

 

[THaslett]

Have you considered that maybe the trans is downshifting into a lower gear and holding there until you let off the throttle and it goes back into 3rd/4th? The new elec throttle control is way to touchy for my liking. Also are you in tow/haul mode and have you experienced the problem when manually shifting the truck? Might not be a converter issue...

 

[JBee]

Have you considered that maybe the trans is downshifting into a lower gear and holding there until you let off the throttle and it goes back into 3rd/4th? The new elec throttle control is way to touchy for my liking. Also are you in tow/haul mode and have you experienced the problem when manually shifting the truck? Might not be a converter issue...

It is very possible that it is just a shifting electronic issue. I at first thought that but wasn't sure. The association has been hard acceleration like the transmission couldn't keep up with the quick shifting. Tow/haul is off. From what I understand tow/haul locks TC? I'm towing this weekend so I'll see if she handles as normal. Haven't had issues towing. To be honest, I'm not as concerned as I should be, after having issues with my 05 that I traded in. Could just be one of those things you live with and try to avoid... at least at this point it doesn't do it a lot. Thanks for everyone's input.