Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) torque converter lock/unlocking problems

[redspeed42]

OK guys, help me out here. I had this problem about 6 months ago and upon advice gathered on this forum, I purchased and installed the electrical filtr and aftermkt TPS as sold by Geno's. That solved the problem, ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . until now. Its back and in spades. With the number of these problems evident on this forum, surely someone has actually SOLVED the problem. How about Dodge, have theyissued a service bulletin or advisory or something? I'm not one to throw new parts at it and hope it gets fixed, so please can someone provide a FINAL direction. Thank you soooooo much. Redspeed42

 

[JLandry]

Others have reported success in eliminating this problem by replacing the alternator with a NEW ONE (not a cheap rebuild). The idea behind this is it eliminates the electrical "noise" being generated from weakening diodes and worn brushes. You can buy a new alternator on eBay for $100.



Have you tried cleaning all the wiring grounds within the engine compartment?



John L.

 

[BoeingDiesel]

Having been down this road many times with my ’99 I empathize with your frustration. My TC lock/unlock began about 4 years after I bought the truck (new). Many trips to Glenn Thomas Dodge in Signal Hill was an exercise in futility and that is when I joined the TDR.

Battery terminals must be absolutely clean and tight, as well as, all ground connections. I installed the DTT noise filter, wrapped the ground wire (passenger side) with foil and Armaflex rubber insulation, did the Suncoast ground re-wire, replaced the stock with Timbo APPs, new alternator, and still, as recent as about 4 months ago, it came back. I read somewhere that increasing the size of the ground wire from the passenger side battery to the PCM ground (as per DTT filter instructions) to an insulated 6-gauge wire solved another ’99 owner’s problem. It worked, but, I doubt that any of the aforementioned will permanently resolve the issue and is just a process of continual maintenance to keep the dreaded lock/unlock at bay. Best of luck.

gregg

 

[cerberusiam]

Not sure there is a FINAL or 100% guaranteed fix for aging of the electronic systems and the inherent problems. About all you can do is eliminate the source(s) of the problem until it is fixed.



If noise in the PCM circuit is the problem, it generally is, the only to effect a potential final fix is remove the source of the noise. Genrally speaking, the ground wire to the passenger side battery and the alternator charge wire are the source(s) of the noise. Wrapping the wires, external filters, APPS gound rewire, etc, all address the symptoms not the cause.



Dodge's fix is remove the PCM control harness completely from the main harness. Seems to be effective for the most part but it is quite intrusive and intensive. An easier way is remove the passenger side ground loop and the alternator charge wire from the harness making each them a seperate and distinct run using shielded wire of the correct size.



The last step if everything else fails is replace the TC with a triple disk one form oyur favorite builder. Maintenance of the grounds, batteries, battery cables, connections, etc, cannot be ignored or the problems will come back.



The electronic algorithms that control engine and power train are just not very forgiving of small glitches that age introduces. The final fix is usually a combination of wire rerouting, parts replacement, and maintenance.

 

[redspeed42]

Thank you all. We'll get and stay after it. If we find anything definitive I'll be sure to post it.

 

[redspeed42]

One more thing. I forgot to mention that the problem re-appeared last Thursday after a rain storm. It has not gone away altho the rain left by Fri . Does that little factoid have any further bearing on your answers/suggestions?

 

[vahunters]

what are the symptoms of the TC locking and unlocking??

 

[redspeed42]

During very mild(city driving) acceleration, at about 45mph I feel the TC lock up as it is supposed to, but then I feel it unlock and then it will try to lock again, and the cycle repeats at any speed I try to cruise at. The rpm jumps up and down accordingly about 500rpm or so.

 

[vahunters]

since I fixed my Trans issues & 2nd gear band. Truck is shifting great and goes into second and then release and then catches and shifts fine for all other gears. I was wondering if this issue with symptomatic of the TC issue. crusing at city speed it works fine, no issues with any other gears but second

 

[Hitec.Redneck]

Check the 6 pin connector on the the transmission, that connector is what activates the overdrive on/off and the tc lock and unlock solenoids. I had a problem with my truck going in and out of OD on its own, found that connector loose. Since you said this started after a rain storm it could be loose. I disconnected mine and cleaned the wiring harness side and the connector on the transmission with some contact cleaner, put it back to gether and that solved my problem with the OD on /off.

 

[ChrisOlson]

MY final fix.

I am revisting this post and thread about TC lock and Unlock

TC lock/unlock



After 8000 miles Lock un lock came back As many of you have found out.

I have no problem with the TIMBO APPS Great Product Great Service.



Did the suncoast APPS Ground wire with TIMBOS APP replacement

MY next fix was the noise suppressor from No bull Technical services.

I wired it into my Alt. stopped the LOCK UN LOCK right now and so far it has not returned. VERY pleased with the NO Bull Noise Suppressor.



Very good product and very good customer service very easy install. I am very pleased.



I hope this helpes you.



Have a great day



Chris Olson

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