Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) torque convertor: lock, unlock, repeat.........

[ballpeen]

hello, a friend just bought a 99. seems pretty tight overall but he is having a problem with the transmission. i drove it today and it is kinda similiar to the 12 valve problem related to the tps being dirty inside. i have two 12 valvers and am privvy to the deal on that front. ok so this is a 99 and between 45 and 55 mph, in overdrive or not, it sits there unlocking the convertor and locking it again (200 rpm drop). all other speeds it is fine. trans shifts great and feels very strong otherwise. i left it locked out of overdrive and it did it. then let overdrive engage and it did the same thing. only between 45 and 55. so we are hoping it is a similiar strange problem as the 12 valve tps. any information leading to the proper fix would be greatly appreciated. thanks alot. have a great day and hell hath no wrath like plymouths fury. :-laf

 

[ARoss]

99 has an APPS, not a TPS. It could very well be the problem, but you need to get the codes read. Borrow a code reader from Autozone. If there's no codes present, it may be an electrical noise issue. If so, you'll need to check the batteries (condition), connections and all of the grounds. If that doesn't do it, you can purchase a noise filter from DTT for under $40 ... did the trick for me!



If the truck has thrown codes, P0122 or P0121 (APPS related), you can try an APPS reset. This requires removing the APPS unit to set the voltage. I have the instructions if you need them. A new APPS unit runs around 5 bones from the dealer and just under 4 bones from Cummins. I replaced mine a couple of weeks ago, but I was fortunate to find a new one on Ebay ... cost me half the price!



If it is the APPS, get it fixed ASAP. I drove mine around for a couple of weeks with it acting up. When I finally replaced it, the following day I threw the P0216 code (injection pump). I'm no expert, but I'm thinking the poor fueling from the bad APPS may have caused my pump to fail ... who knows!?



Good luck!

 

[Joe Mc]

Mine used to do the same thing. It was due to electrical noise from the APPS wires being in the same harness as the alternator and every other wire that side of the engine. You can disconnect the batteries for an hour or so, hook them back up, turn key to on position (don't start) slowly (slow is the key) push the go pedal to the floor and slowly release, turn key off and start as normal, this reprograms the APPS. If this fixes it then it's electric noise. This worked for about 2 months then it happened again. I went with a DTT noise filter - that was 2 years ago - no problems since. Some have fixed the noise issue by removing the APPS wires from the harness and separately harnessing them.

 

[TnLRacing]

Hey guys copied this from the ATSG website for you:



Chrysler/Dodge RWD Converter Clutch Cycling:



One of our more frequent hotline calls is converter clutch cycling in and out during a highway cruise with many Chrysler and Dodge trucks utilizing the RE series RWD transmissions. Especially 24 valve diesels. It will amaze you to learn that in the majority of cases, just cleaning the main ground cable at both ends as well as cleaning away engine block paint where the ground cable attaches to eliminates this problem entirely.



While the negative cable is off the vehicle for cleaning, inspect it for continuity. We have seen from time to time where the cable has too much resistance due to internal harness oxidation and in these cases, the cable will need to be replaced.

 

[w gilmer]

Ballping Check The Ground Between Power Control Module And Firewall. Clean Both Ends Real Good. Add A Corrison Resistance Grease Like No Ox That Electrical Guys On Alluminum Wire To Steel Fittings. Also Clean Small Ground Wire On Passenger Battery That Splits Into Two Slip Together Plugs . One Of Them Looks Like It Goes To Pcm. Workes For Me 3 Times. Had The Problem For Over A Year And Dodge And 2 Trans Shop Could Not Find. I TRIED Ever Plug On Truck One At A Time Till I Found The Ones That Worked On My 99. Good Luck!!

 

[TMMiller]

We Have A 2002 In Our Shop Currently With The Same Problem But Is Going In And Out Of Overdrive. It Does Not Do It At All If The Overdrive Off Button Is Pushed. Any Ideas?

 

[BSander]

Follow these instructions, and your problems will be gone forever. Takes five minutes and costs a couple of bucks. Your transmission will shift much better than ever. http://www.suncoastconverters.com/images/APPS ground rewire.pdf



When I did this the instructions said to ground the wires to the battery, I used the ground lug on the left battery where it bolts on the radiator support. Works like a charm.

 

[Regcabguy]

We Have A 2002 In Our Shop Currently With The Same Problem But Is Going In And Out Of Overdrive. It Does Not Do It At All If The Overdrive Off Button Is Pushed. Any Ideas?

I checked the batteries,grounds,connections etc. Fixed it in ten minutes w/DTT's noise filter. Diesel Transmission Technology - DTT Performance Diesel Transmission and Power Accessories

 

[Ramtuf1]

I'm currently having same problem and have 0120 code displayed which I know to be APPS related. In completing the Suncoast wiring change, an old copy of the instructions says to ground to battery. The newest set on their site indicates to ground inside to dash. I have performed the dash grounding but still have a problem. Anyone know which grounding technique to be better? I do believe that my APPS has gone south as it is original with 106K miles on it. Looking to do the Williams when I can. Going to clean up grounds further also.