TC lockup hunts - need advice

[Tom W]

I mistakenly posted this in the 12V forum and this is a repost.



My truck is working fine with my Smartbox active. I recently disengaged the Smartbox and the TC lockup is acting strange.

Under light throttle around 45 - 50mph it goes in and out of lockup erratically. It also does it with OD off at lower speed. Over 60mph it is OK.

I think this is the reflash problem that has been reported and I have an appointment to get it reflashed next Friday.

What do you think? Why would this occur after so many miles (83K)? Could it be something else? TPS? Thanks, Tom

 

[SteveAZ]

Tom,



I had the exact same problem with my 99' at 38K miles (Just last month). Turns out the TCM (Transmission Control Module) was bad. It already had a reflash once and dealer said would not work again.



They replaced it, and wow a different truck.



Note: I never heard of TCM before this problem. Thought it was a PCM... whatever.



The first time this happened at 18K miles, thet TC trashed itself and dealer rebuilt the transmission and replaced the TC.



There could be a few other causes for that problem. There are a couple of TSB's out there for erratic clutch lock up problems on the 98 and 99's.



No codes were set in my case.



Might be worth taking to the dealer, just to get it checked out. Mine was out of warranty, and dealer replaced it anyway stating some items are warrantied 8/80 miles. Not sure if this is true, but they covered mine.



Let us know what happens.

 

[TXRam]

Tom, did you replace the transmission relay where you have the jumper installed for the Smart Controller? Clint

 

[Tom W]

Clint: I replaced the relay and installed the plug in the end of the cable. This removes the Smartbox completely so I know the problem is not with the Smartbox. I wrote Bill a note and am waiting for a response. He's probably busy drag racing.

Tom



Steve; thanks for the info, I'll have them check that out Friday.

 

[SteveAZ]

Well next time I'll read your sig. My transmission is still 100% stock. I doubt it's your TC then.

 

[icarus33]

Tom,



The 18-02-99 program is what you need. Had the exact same situation you describe and since the reflash in April all is good. The APPS (TPS) may be the culprit, but I suspect that it something that is creating noise, likely on the ground loop.



My batteries are on their last summer since the tail end of winter the motor was starting to turn over much slower. Also, could be noise coming from the alternator itself.



icarus

 

[jlynn]

Overactive Overdrive Revisited

Just went through this raindance. Disconnected the battery cables overnight and the problem went away... for a day or two. Took it to the dealer and they flashed it for $30 last Thursday. Pulled the 33' trailer to Glacier Park on Friday with no problems.

 

[Ramboy]

Tom,

That is exactly the same problem I had with mine last year. Took it to Heart of Texas Dodge and they actually did three flashes. One each on three different modules. If you would like those numbers, e-mail me and I will get them for you. Anyway, no trouble since.

Phil

 

[Bill Kondolay]

Tom ,



Check the battery connections, and then what they said ,

the guys have you covered on the tsb #



Note , this tsb covers 1998 1/2 - 1999 Dodge Rams only,



$ 30. 00 for the reflash is the best i have heard for this reflash yet.

 

[ducman]

should not have to pay for flash

hey guys i talked to my dealer about the 18-2-99 reflash and thats supposed to be part of your emission warranty and shouldn't cost a thing ???? just my 2 cents

tony b

 

[Valkyrie99]

My dealer said a normal reflash was $69 when I called. They did mine for free though. It solved the lock/unlock problem. Changed all the shift points also. Before it seemed like 1st and 2nd were the same gear. Now it shifts normal.

 

[Tom W]

Once again I am amazed at the knowledge on this website.

Bill, I just cleaned the battery terminals and that apparently fixed the problem. I'll wait a day or two before I cancel the appointment to get it reflashed. It's sort of scary to think how sensitive these electronic controls are.

Thanks to all, Tom