Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) T/C hunting: Ram VAN 46RE ! Same TPS as p/u ?

[DBazley]

I was wondering if anyone here can comment on the similarities or differences between a Ram Van and Ram truck, in terms of the drivetrain driveability issues.



We just obtained a '96 Ram Van, 5. 2 V-8, 46RE trans, and it does what appears to be the 'torque converter lock-unlock' glitch like so many here describe.



(my CTD Ram 2500 is a manual shift, so I've only heard guys describe it until now..... )



It has all the same symptoms: 40-60 mph, partial throttle, surging sensation in 3rd or 4th, mashing throttle or turning OD Off seems to make it disappear, etc.



The plethora of threads on this topic have advised:

Check & clean all terminals & grounds, and some show the procedure to drill holes & spray cleaner in the TPS unit to re-store it's function.



I'm planning to do all this, but some questions remain that maybe some can address: Since the Van appears to have the same drivetrain as the gasser ram trucks (5. 2/46RE trans), and the symptoms of erratic operation sound identical, shouldn't the solution be the same ?



Does anyone here have a Ram Van and can comment about the commonalities between the Ram trucks & vans ?



I did go to NAPA and obtain a new TPS for the van (I was curious to compare it to the photos shown here for the truck TPS), but it doesn't look like the ones shown.



I got it anyhow, and figure on replacing it to see if it cures the glitch. The truck ones are spendy, but this one was only $ 38, so that didn't seem too bad.



The other issue I'm not clear on is the DTT noise filter, to filter out the voltage 'noise spikes' that are thought to cause erratic TC function. Is this needed on the earlier trucks with the TPS ('94-97), or just the APPS trucks ?



Any light you all can shed on this topic would be appreciated ! Have a great day... ...



David Bazley

 

[DBazley]

Perhaps a forum for Gas Ram Trucks might be a better place to ask this question: does anyone know of any forums for them ?



thanks David !

 

[tp0d]

Possibly. The PCM needs a signal from the throttle to control the transmission somehow. . Just look for a 3 wire black nugget kinda like a quarter-fist sized black hockey puck with 2 opposing mounting screw castings. This should be attached to the main throttle assembly. Also check if there is a cable attached from the throttle to the transmission. This would be the TV cable. Over time the cable stretches and makes for slushier shifting down low, and lack of 3-2 or 2-1 kickdown. On the CTD the cable end is blue, dunno if the gasser is the same.



If you locate a TPS, take it off, making sure to note how the mounting screws and associated plates attach, theyre critical. Once removed, get some radio shack tv tuner cleaner and hose it down thru the shaft. Work the action, and hose some more. Let it dry out real good, then pack the opening with di-electric grease. Reinstall. .



that should work. .



-j

 

[DBazley]

Thanks for your help, tp0d !



I do suspect its the TPS you describe - throttle position sensor. FYI, I've discovered that my full size Ram Van has a similar engine / trans driveline & control as a similar year Durango or Dakota (also as a Jeep Cherokee ?), and I visited www.DodgeTalk.com, and guess what ? They describe the exact same transmission lock-unlock problem as even the Cummins trucks enjoy !



The solution is similar, but the TPS is different - that's what troubled me briefly, the one NAPA sold me didn't look like what the Cummins trucks have. (My Ram p/u is manual trans... )



But the symptoms are the same, exactly. In fact, I just finished putting it on, going to test drive shortly..... I'll report back.



Thanks again, David B.

 

[DBazley]

Well, success ! What a remarkable improvement this little TPS sensor makes !



It appears that time, wear & engine heat make them less effecive until they eventually send funny throttle data to the PCM, which then can't coordinate the fuel injection timing and the transmission shifting, including TC lock signals.



What is shocking is that my mechanic totally missed this and almost had it 'on the rack' for a mini-trans rebuild - new torque converter & lock up solenoid for $ 1200 ! What a bummer it would have been to pay that, and still have an issue !



Whilst searching this problem on the TDR and Dodgetalk.com, I discovered plenty of guys had replaced entire transmssions for $ 2,000+, just to have the same problem still !



A few fortunate ones, as I did, discovered the real issue and fixed it cheaply !



This Throttle Position Sensor was $ 38 at NAPA. I still don't know for sure if it's the exact one used on the gasser trucks, I do know that it varies in design from the one the CTD/auto trucks have - judging by the pics you all showed in other posts.



It does appear (fyi for any who care) that the drivetrain in my full size Ram Van B2500 is near identical to those in the Durango & Dakota. It helped cause those owners on Dodgetalk.com forums described the same issue that the CTD/auto guys did here.



Lesson learned: proactively maintain ALL vehciles, especially Dodge vehicles, and don't give into high repair estimates before researching what others have done who experience the same problem - thanks to the web we can now do this ! I'm grateful that our family van now runs near perfect, and we're $ 1150 richer - good thing, diapers are expensive !



As usual, the TDR membership & site is a MVP - another problem solved !



thanks to all, David Bazley