Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Transmission Frustration! Now What!

[MEsnes]

Well Guys after a few months, same problem. My 99' 3500 automatic trans. is having a problem deciding what gear to stay in. I had the same problem last time but was an easy fix by cleaning the battery terminals.

The best way to explain it is at speeds above 40mph as soon as the truck shifts into third gear it backs right into second then back to third continually. Same goes for overdrive. Overdrive engages then backs into third continually. Throttle position does not seem to matter at all.

I have cleaned the battery terminals again and made no difference. Tommorow I plan on getting underneath the truck and looking for a poor connection or loose wire.



Truck has been perfect except for this problem. Totally stock and does not do much towing.



Anyone else have a similar problem! Thanks for your help,



Mike.

 

[Smokin Joes 2500]

eratic shifting

try a search on this! There has been a lot of topic on this. I dont remember what sensor (plus I dont know all of them) But there seems to be one people like to spray with contact cleaner,for your problem! Check out the search dept. Good luck my friend!

 

[BFC]

There's a reflash for that problem. Fixed it for me. Here it is.

TSB 18-02-99

-Erratic Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Operation (5. 9L Diesel Applications)





Models: 1998-1999 (BR/BE) Ram Truck



NOTE: 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 (MDH 0101XX & 1218XX)



Discussion:



This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software (calibration changes 98call2 & 99call4)



Symptoms/Condition:



Some vehicles may experience a surge like condition while in 4th gear. This maybe caused by the Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) 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.

 

[MEsnes]

erratic shifting

Thanks for the quick response guys. I was afraid it was a "reflash" case. But that would be nice simple and easy. Any idea what the dealers usually charge for that?







Smoking Joe: I think what they were cleaning was the TPS (throttle position sensor). I was ruling that out in my mind since throttle position appeared to make no difference. Anything could be the cause though.



Mike

 

[Big White Beast]

Heard a lot about the reflash.......

But it was also posted somewhere recently about changing to new batteries. Instead of just cleaning the terminals they finally puit in a new set and it fixed the problem. It wasn't too long ago so it you may still be able to find the post.



Garrett