Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Trans seems to be searching?

[KWinterborne]

I have a 98. 5 2500 CTD 2WD auto that is bone stock with about 165000 miles. The transmission was last serviced 2 or 3 years ago and they said it was fine. I just checked the fluid and the level is good and it is pretty clean looking. Lately, it seems to be searching a lot for the right gear when it gets to the shift points. This is very apparent around 40-45 when it tries to go to OD. If I give it plenty of throttle it seems to shift fine. It only happens when maintaining a steady throttle/speed. By searching, I mean at steady throttle (can really tell with cruise control on) the RPMs will jump up and down 500 or so. I then hit the throttle and it accelerates fine and shifts OK once I get going faster or when I take my foot out of it. What do you think? I’m pretty sure this isn’t normal searching at the shift points as I have had the truck for several years and it’s only been doing it this bad for the last month.

Ken

 

[DieselRam30]

I would try an APPS reset; maybe its just something electrical. Other than that, it could be a number of things. I doubt it would be torque converter slippage with the symptoms you suggest.



If it were me, I would take it to someone who knows these transmissions and have them (or yourself if you know a lot about these things) drop the pan and look at the internals of the transmission as well. Governor solenoids and second gear bands have been known to fail or be out of adjustment.



Try the simple and cheap stuff first. If this doesn't pan out, maybe its time for an aftermarket trans; that's what I had to do with similar symptoms. But definitely don't skip to this part first.

 

[Tom W]

Sounds like the torque converter is unlocking due to noise spikes, Clean all ground connections - battery terminals and ground wire connections on the inner fenders. Bad batteries can also cause this. Do a search - many posts on this.

 

[TGriffith]

I'm having the same problem with my 1999 2500 4wd and it's driving me nuts. The check engine light came on two different time, I took it into the shop and of course the light was out and they couldn't get any info. So being a noobe to Dodge Ram and Diesel in general what ground connections and electrical components should be cleaned/checked?



thanks

 

[fox]

Guys, this is electrical noise getting inducted into the tps/apps input to the PCM. For those wondering what I just said, is this is bad signals crossing into the throttle signal to the computer. In general it comes from the alternator brushes, there can be other sources, then the noise tells the computer you want to un-lock, then relock the converter.

General idea to solve it are to Clean all grounds. They are on the batteries, fenders. Take them loose and clean, then reattach them.

Re-set the apps ( throttle position sensor).

When most things fail, ( including replacing the brushes ), buy a noise filter from DTT.

There is also a wire harness you can buy that replaces the wire between the TPS/ APPS and the computer. Try Ebay.

I think some trucks have a service bulletin that reflashes things too.

The shifting issue is not a failing transmission, but will cause it to fail. Deal with the issue ASAP.

 

[KWinterborne]

I have heard of batteries causing this problem so I checked them last week. Turns out they were a bit low and there was a bit of corrosion. So I fixed them up and actually thought it was better the next two days, but after that it wasn’t so was thinking maybe it was just wishful thinking. I went by Autozone and they tested the batteries while they were in the truck and said they were fine. But to be honest, they are pretty old. I bought the truck used in Oct of 02 and I’ve never replaced the batteries so am not sure how old they are. Quite a testament to Sears Diehard. But maybe I should swap them out anyway. How long should batteries last?

I haven’t checked the ground connections yet so will try that as well. How do you reset the apps?

Ken

 

[Tom W]

Ken, to reset the APPS disconnect the batteries for at least 4 hrs with the ignition key on. reconnect and with the key on slowly depress the accelerator and slowly release, that's it. The batteries act as a noise filter so I suggest you replace them( optima red tops if you can afford them) The ground connections are on the fenders under the batteries and on the firewall behind the airfilter -- clean good, get down to bare metal, if it still does it call DTT and get the noise filter for $40.

 

[BOstiguy]

I just went through this exact problem in my '01. For me I noticed I had a code P0500 (turning the key 3 times trick). P0500 is a speed sensor that triggers when the tires have been spun. The more I read about it here I learned that that code can affect transmission shifting. My transmission was shifting just as you describe. I disconnected the batteries for a few hours and after cleaning and reconnecting the code has disappeared and also my transmission shifts normal again.

I'm just trying to throw out a possibility for you to check. It seems that disconnecting your batteries may cure a few possible problems.

good luck. .

 

[jbarr14]

Guy"s

This is why I have joined this web site. I have taken my 98 to dodge for this problem over the last 2 years and every time I do it seems to work for a week then go back to hunting. No one at Dodge has mentioned the Battery. I will try this and let you know how I make out.

 

[KWinterborne]

Guy"s
This is why I have joined this web site. I have taken my 98 to dodge for this problem over the last 2 years and every time I do it seems to work for a week then go back to hunting. No one at Dodge has mentioned the Battery. I will try this and let you know how I make out.

Good luck Barr and thanks to those with the tips. I cleaned my grounds and did a reset on the APPS and the truck shifted perfectly this morning. THANKS! I still haven't replaced the batteries so guess if the problem comes back, I'll replace them next. But for now, I am a happy camper.

Ken

 

[DieselRam30]

Glad to hear everything is working.

 

[TGriffith]

Ken, to reset the APPS disconnect the batteries for at least 4 hrs with the ignition key on. reconnect and with the key on slowly depress the accelerator and slowly release, that's it. The batteries act as a noise filter so I suggest you replace them( optima red tops if you can afford them) The ground connections are on the fenders under the batteries and on the firewall behind the airfilter -- clean good, get down to bare metal, if it still does it call DTT and get the noise filter for $40.

Who is DTT?

 

[DieselRam30]

Who is DTT?

Diesel Transmission Technology. Source of upgraded transmissions and transmission parts. Also carry assorted other diesel upgrade products. One of many vendors for upgraded transmissions.



www.dieseltrans.com

 

[Renoram]

My 2 cents. I have had that problem off & on over the past 2 years. I have reset the APPS numerous times, replaced the APPS ($300) & rewired/bypassed the APPS/ECM/PCM wire. The problem would be corrected for a while after each fix, but came back again a few months ago (severe hunting). Upon the recommendation of a local transmission shop, I had the computer reflashed for updates at the Dodge dealer (they're the only ones that can do it) & it has been running "really" good since. one other problem that I had simultaneously was that my cruise control would wander by as much as 10-15 mph when set. That is also fixed now with the reflash. If all else fails, I would suggest reflashing your computer. It costs me about $100 if they do not road test it- $125 if the take it for a spin afterwards. They did not take it for a spin.

 

[SnoKing]

TSB 18-02-99



Erratic torque converter clutch (TCC) operation.

This information applies to vehicles equipped with a 5. 9L 24-valve diesel engine and automatic transmission built between January 1, 1998 and December 18, 1998. Some vehicles may exhibit a surge-like condition while in fourth gear. This may be caused by the TTC unlocking and locking when it should be consistently locked. The cause of this erratic operation has been identified as electrical noise from the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) or Alternator. This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software (calibration changes 98cal12 and 99cal14).



If you truck has this TSB installed, then they should have put a sticker on the the cross brace in front of the radiator.



Get the DTT filter.





SNOKING

 

[CWick]

Did you find the problem

I have a 99 dodge and it is doing the same thing and I was wondering if you ever found out what the problem was?

 

[EStarns]

One thing I noticed is, no one mentioned the throttle valve cable adjustment. My neighbors ’96 1 ton that he just purchased was hunting between gears bad and he took a chance on buying it. He asked me to test it for him. After a short drive I adjusted the cable 2 notches tighter and now it shifts like a new truck. Boy is he happy. On my ’01 I made the same adjustment after installing my Edge chip. The shift point changes on each stage of the Edge chip because the throttle doesn’t have to move as far on the higher settings. Because the cable stretches over time this is something often overlooked and is still a very important part of quality shifting. Of course all the above mentioned electrical things apply too.



ESTARNS

2001 2500 Quad Cab LWB 4X4 Patriot Blue, Camper trailer package. BD break and BD Auto Lock, X-monitor Edge Pro 3 stage, D. S. S. Lukes Link and mid 100K.

 

[Jong]

Where is the adjustment for the throttle valve cable? Is it behind the injection pump or on the transmission? I didn't even realize the 47re had one of those.

 

[EStarns]

The adjustment is located where the throttle and cruise control connect to the fuel pump. There are 3 cables and you want the bottom one. On some models you can remove the intake pipe for better access to the adjustment and others can be reached easely. The adjustment is by pressing the lock and sliding the cable a very small amount. The manual says to adjust so there is no slack but also not pulling on the cable. Good luck.

ESTARNS

2001 2500 Quad Cab LWB 4X4 Patriot Blue, Camper trailer package. BD break and BD Auto Lock, X-monitor Edge Pro 3 stage, D. S. S. Lukes Link and mid 100K.

 

[Rhino Roof]

Mine did this same thing I cleaned all grounds under the hood and putin the noise filter and no more problem.