Torque converter drainback blues

[Steve M]

My wife's new Durango is acting like my '95 Cummins Ram used to with it's TC drainback "characteristics". It creeps in reverse down the driveway and then slips in drive when she goes to take off. She'll shut it off, restart and then it's fine. Only five times in almost six thousand miles but my Mrs is concerned about it. My new Ram hasn't done it at all. I told her to let it idle in neutral for a few seconds to let the TC refill itself. She'll try that if it does it again. I haven't seen it do it so I'm not 100% sure that's what it is. Anyone else seen this happen with their automatic transmission? I would have thought DC would have taken care of this little kwirk by now but I don't really want to take it to them for disection either. A stall test reveals no slipping of the transmission with me standing on the loud peddle. It's a screamer!

 

[SRehberg]

torque converter drain back blues

I have a '96 CTD with the auto, that origially came with a inline check valve to prevent exactly what you are experiencing. (I guess they all have it) I wonder if there is one in the Durango and leaking? For what it's worth, I was told to remove my check valve to provide as much cooler flow as possible. When I start the truck, I do so in neutral. After a few seconds, it is ready to go, even after sitting for 3-4days. Just my 2cents worth.

 

[Ray Torresdal]

drain back?

My wife's Intrepid had the same type of thing - back out of the garage, and it wouldn't move. It required a seal kit - fairly common problem with DC transmission's a few years ago. Ray

 

[LarryB]

Yup, the 727 I pulled out to put in the Cummins/NV4500 used to do it real bad. Wouldn't move a inch for about 15 sec after sitting a few days. Always worked great except for that. Pretty common I've heard. Steve, yours probably has a check valve of some sort. Maybe it just has some schmutts in it.



Larry

 

[Extreme1]

I'll ask the obvious:

Have you checked the fluid level? Correctly?

 

[DBF]

I put a factory new A518 in my truck and 20,000 miles later it does this trick about one day in ten. Seems to do it more on cooler days.



When it happens, I just leave it in neutral for a bit and look for new stations on the radio.



DBF

 

[Steve M]

Thanks for the replies. I checked the level as per the owners manual. It has plenty of cool-ade in it. Wife prefers to take it in and have it corrected. I don't like the thought of them opening up something that has a "characteristic" and performs flawlessly otherwise but, it's her truck. I think Cleatus Dorkenhiemer is thumbing his way through transmission class at the dealership this week.

 

[dewdo]

I had a similar problem with a 94 Ram 2500. It started after I had a mechanic remove the plastic quick connect that goes into the xmsn cooler. After that it began waiting a few seconds before moving. I talked with a dealer who said there was a check valve in the connector allowing the fluid to drain out of the TC. Rather than putting that piece of plastic crap back in the line I learned to live with the minor inconvenience.



Dewdo in the other Washington

 

[Rick Comenzo]

Torque Converter Drainback

I pulled down the valve body on my 518 and replaced the manual control valve with an improved/updated valve fron a Trans-go shift kit. After changing this valve, instant drive or reverse- hot or cold. Something to consider... ... Rick.

 

[Stefan Kondolay]

Remember, just cause the truck moves doesn't mean the TC is full. I always put my truck in neutral for approx. 30 sec. just to be safe. I figure 30 sec in the morning is worth it so that I don't have to get another TC.