Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Torque Converter Lockup

[Big Bry]

My torque converter has stopped locking up a day or so ago. I have noticed higher trans. temps which has confirmed what I thought. I have a DTT torque converter that always showed a trouble code. I unhooked the batteries to clear the computer to see if that would help with the TC lockup but it didn't. Now I do not show a code for the TC. I know it should show a code for the TC because the TC was modified and the computer didn't like that. Now, any ideas why the TC will not lockup? APPS by chance? I would appreciate the help.



Bryan

 

[klaybus]

Call Bill at DTT 1. 866. 504. 4002

 

[Big Bry]

Call Bill at DTT 1. 866. 504. 4002

Okay Klaybus, I guess I will give him a call. Thanks for the number.



Bryan

 

[paulb]

My torque converter has stopped locking up a day or so ago. I have noticed higher trans. temps which has confirmed what I thought. I have a DTT torque converter that always showed a trouble code. I unhooked the batteries to clear the computer to see if that would help with the TC lockup but it didn't. Now I do not show a code for the TC. I know it should show a code for the TC because the TC was modified and the computer didn't like that. Now, any ideas why the TC will not lockup? APPS by chance? I would appreciate the help.



Bryan

I agree with klaybus, call Bill. I take it the code you have been seeing is the 1740. This gets set on CA model trucks, but usually takes awhile before it gets set.



I doubt the problem is the TC itself, but Bill will set you in the right direction.



Paul

 

[jtwcummins]

Get that every now and then, happens more in town if OD is on and heavy traffic. Per Bill it happens w/calif ECM and it seems to be a live with it thing. He explained it to me before I left DTT heading home.

 

[Big Bry]

Thanks for the help guys. I just gave Bill a call and he is out right now but is going to get back to me. The trouble code is not the problem and yes I have learned to live with it. I will let you know what is up when I know.



Bryan

 

[Will Manchester]

Most of your California trucks will post a code with virtually every aftermarket TC. Basically, the PCM is looking for AT LEAST xxx rpm drop on TC lockup. However, this should not be causing your no-lockup issues... Call DTT!



You may not like this idea of mixing components up, but ATS's Commander has a fix for the California trucks setting check engine lights (built into all Commanders): http://www.atsdiesel.com/ATSWebsite/ProductsDodge/Commander.asp

 

[Big Bry]

Well a transmission rebuild is in it for me. The no lockup is an inside problem and with 150,000 miles on the transmission, Larry from Bellflower trans suggested a rebuild since they were going to have to tear it down anyway to find the problem. ATS t/c, valve body, rebuild and ats commander. I should be good to go now... ... ... ... ... ... ... . 5 grand later. Does that sound about right for the whole ats package including R&R? It is a little steep but I want a good transmission with no problems. This is also going to do away with the "california code" 1740. Scheduled for a Feb. 28 tear down. Can I get pros and cons on the ats product? From what I can tell, ats has their stuff together. Appreciate any info and prices you might have.

 

[Fishin Guide]

Hang on there buckey! You may not need a trans rebuild!!!



Have you removed the pan to look inside by chance?



Do this first!



I lost lockup on my trans about 6 months ago. Turned out to be the boost clip broke and allowed the parts to be ejected into the pan. No difference in the way the truck ran except for lockup!



I got a heavy duty clip as a replacement and all it cost was $18. You can usually get these clips for undder $5 from most trans shops and yes, it happens enough that this part is easy to find.



Pull that pan first. Do it yourself. You may just save $4982!!



Dave

 

[Big Bry]

Thanks Dave, but yes, I did have the pan off and changed oil/filter. Nothing in the bottom of the pan. I wish it could be that easy but my life is just not that easy. Everyone is telling me that 150,000 out of a Dodge transmission is excellent. I prefer 300,000 but you can't have everything I guess. Thanks for the reply Dave.

 

[Big Bry]

Truck computer is sending a signal to the transmission but the transmission is not aknowledging the signal.

 

[Fishin Guide]

Well, it was worth a shot. BTW, I have seen those boost clips break and just hold the valve from being to move as well. I would make double sure that clip is ok. If it is ok, then you know for sure what is shakin.



Dave

 

[Big Bry]

I have complete faith in Larry at Bellflower Transmission. If he pulls the pan and it is an easy fix, he will let me know.



Thanks Dave.

 

[Fishin Guide]

Good deal!



Dave

 

[Casey Ray]

Well a transmission rebuild is in it for me. The no lockup is an inside problem and with 150,000 miles on the transmission, Larry from Bellflower trans suggested a rebuild since they were going to have to tear it down anyway to find the problem. ATS t/c, valve body, rebuild and ats commander. I should be good to go now... ... ... ... ... ... ... . 5 grand later. Does that sound about right for the whole ats package including R&R? It is a little steep but I want a good transmission with no problems. This is also going to do away with the "california code" 1740. Scheduled for a Feb. 28 tear down. Can I get pros and cons on the ats product? From what I can tell, ats has their stuff together. Appreciate any info and prices you might have.

Had my trans rebuilt at Bellflower Trans last April. I get the 1740 code every once in a while since the rebuild, mostly in slower traffic, never while on the go pedal. As a matter of fact I got the code this morning pulling into the parking structure at work, couldn't have been doing more than 20 mph. I've got the transcommander installed, might have something to do with it. Does not affect the truck, I just clear the code and keep on trucking. You'll like the work Larry and/or Bob perform on your truck.



Casey

 

[jtwcummins]

The 1740 is a product of the Calif ECM and doesn't seem to be an issue. Always comes on in slow traffic. Best way to eliminate is get a federal ECM. Cheapest way is remove the MIL bulb.

 

[Will Manchester]

Had my trans rebuilt at Bellflower Trans last April. I get the 1740 code every once in a while since the rebuild, mostly in slower traffic, never while on the go pedal. As a matter of fact I got the code this morning pulling into the parking structure at work, couldn't have been doing more than 20 mph. I've got the transcommander installed, might have something to do with it. Does not affect the truck, I just clear the code and keep on trucking. You'll like the work Larry and/or Bob perform on your truck.



Casey

Casey, since you already have the ATS commander installed on your truck, you should be able to resolve your 1740 problem. Look at the wiring diagram on last page of the install instructions:



http://www.atsdiesel.com/PDF/120505/CoPilot_Installation_Manual_Dodge_98.5-02.pdf



All you have to do is tap the purple wire off the commander into the PRNDL switche's black wire with a white tracer. No more 1740's!