Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Transmission disconnecting/slipping?

[RKrueger]

Hi guys,

Having a little problem that just started last week. No towing involved, just back and forth to work.

Driving along about 65-70, cruise off, rpm just under 2000, everything peachy, level road.

Then, the rpm will jump up instantly about 100-130 rpm. Couple more miles maybe, same thing again. It only lasts for 2-3 seconds, then returns to normal.

This is a 99 3500/QC/4x4, but the original transmission was replaced under warranty with a new 2002 transmission, and this one has about 30K on it only.

Obviously, I checked the fluid. It looks perfectly clean, and is full to the Max mark in Neutral.

I personally think this is electrical myself, but it's my gut feeling only. If I get on it, the transmission does not slip at all, and I have the EZ installed. The truck has been babied, and the heaviest towing it's seen is an ATV trailer. Just travel to and from work primarily.

I've been eating a few TUMS lately, so this gut feeling could be acid, but I would like to get a probably prognosis from one of you gearheads if possible.

It's still under warranty, so this one will still be on Dodge, happy to say.



Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.



Thanks,

Robert

 

[Tom W]

Sounds like the torque converter unlocking. This is a common problem - do a search on locking -- unlocking - then call DTT www.dieseltrans.com and order a noise filter.

 

[fox]

Dodge CAN'T fix it! Buy the filter. $37.

 

[DieselRam30]

I would agree. You might just want to try an APPS reset as well.

 

[madmax4688]

I just did Chryslers version of a fix by bypassing the ecm with a new wire and it didnt work so I did the apps reset along with cleaning up the battery terminals and problem gone. I did this yesterday. next step is to get the filter from dtt if it comes back. And just so you know Rob the correct way to check transmission fluid on our trucks is to set the ebrake and put it drive otherwise the fluid isn`t pumping through the transmission. Found that one out the hard way.

 

[fox]

Prediction: the problem will return!

Glad you have it under control for now. This lock/unlock condition is a cause of failure.

 

[Mike760]

I had the same problem and I went with the filter. The problem went away immediately after installing the filter but then it came back about 1000 miles later. Any ideas?

 

[RKrueger]

Hi Guys,

Thank you for lending your help. That site is pretty cool. I haven't found the filter yet, but I will call them tomorrow to order this gadget.

Where can I find the APPS reset procedure? I seem to recall disconnecting the batteries or something, but I'm not sure.

I'm obviously mistaken, but I thought I was supposed to check the transmission in Neutral. Thanks for the correction.

This is all good news, really. I had visions of another transmission confrontation with the dealer 2000 miles before they closed the warranty door on my 99.



thanks again,

Robert

 

[RKrueger]

I did find the APPS resetting procedure here on the site you mentioned:



http://www.dieseltrans.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=614&highlight=resetting+apps



Thanks,

Robert

 

[JTBMC]

I also added the Bill K filter all was fine for a short time, then the shudder returned only while towing up hills as before.

I then had Dodge do the trans shudder reflash and now it is worst than ever and shudders on flat ground unloaded. I have cleaned the grounds also, but not the positive post on the batteries.

Any suggestions thanks TJ

 

[ecpeters]

Been there done all that. In the end after having the trans rebuilt with DTT parts still had a problem it was not the transmission but it was the ECM which Dodge replaced under the 8 year 80,000 mile EPA rules. The ECM impacts emissions there for Dodge had to replace it free. The DTT transmission was good until I made to much power for the output shafts and I changed over to a Sun Coast 40,000 miles ago which was fine until I blew it up drag racing but the good news is that it came with a 3 year unlimited mile or horsepower warranty.

 

[Demons_Ram]

I changed over to a Sun Coast 40,000 miles ago which was fine until I blew it up drag racing but the good news is that it came with a 3 year unlimited mile or horsepower warranty.

What was your impression of Sun Coast? They're in my neighborhood and I was planning on using them in the future if there products/workmanship had a good reputation.

 

[w gilmer]

mike i had that same problem several times and cleared it each time by cleaning ground wire between firewall and pcm which controls transmisson shifts. tground strap is ssrewed to the allumnim housing of the pcm. use anti corrison like no ox and it will last about a year. good luck walt.

 

[RKrueger]

Really big, dumb question...

Where is the PCM?

 

[SnoKing]

Really big, dumb question...

Where is the PCM?

Behind the air cleaner box on the firewall. SNOKING

 

[B.G. Smith]

Hi guys,

Having a little problem that just started last week. No towing involved, just back and forth to work.

Driving along about 65-70, cruise off, rpm just under 2000, everything peachy, level road.

Then, the rpm will jump up instantly about 100-130 rpm. Couple more miles maybe, same thing again. It only lasts for 2-3 seconds, then returns to normal.

Thanks,

Robert

All good info above and I by no means disagree with any of it. If the RPM is only fluctuating 100/130 It might not even be related to the transmission. Mine has done the same thing since it had about 40,000 miles on it (has 120,000 now) and the bearings went out in the differential, the differential was rebuilt under warranty but speedo still does the little 100/130 RPM trick. I suspect it to be related to the speedo pickup in the differential but it doesn't really bother me since I know it's not really a problem. bg

 

[RKrueger]

I've done a lot of homework around the 'net concerning this, especially since I only have 900 miles left on my 100K warranty.

I just received a call from my Dealer, who contacted Chrysler Tech Support, and they authorized replacement of the $540. 00 Accelerator Throttle Position Sensor, as they said this has been a problem, and they are willing to try to resolve it this way. Never complain when someone wants to put in new parts for nothing ;-)

I also found two other positive measures that were taken by others to fix this problem, one is associated with a TSB. The first is regrounding of the PCM. It's an aluminum body with a steel terminal that goes from the PCM rear to the firewall. It has to be removed, cleaned, regrounded and greased with a silicone grease. (bimetal corrosion) The second is the PCM plug. Apparently, water can get inside and corrode the terminals (pins). If it's bad, the PCM has to be replaced.

I did order the DTT gadget, but at best it's a patch, not a cure. So I won't install it until these other items have been taken care of and the truck tested for a few weeks.

Eventually, I will get back to report the results, however they end up.



Regards,

Robert

 

[WUrbowicz]

hello robert,

been following your thread/sorry to hear about your problems/ I am having shift problems with trans. not starting in 1st gear (intermittant) after getting truck egt's over 6K/do you have any updates/ thanks/ warren