transmission no unlock, might be the computer!

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I dropped my truck off at a trans shop for an intermittent Torque Converter not unlocking problem, also it is either slipping or quick down/up shifts when out of OD. The check engine light is also lit.
Received a call from the shop, after 4-5 hours of diagnostics I heard that the A. C was causing the "check engine" light and that it might be the computer at a cost of $750 + labor. All of a sudden I don't like the mechanic or my truck.
I'm throwing this out to all you guys that have more time to learn about the truck than I do at present (building a house).
May I thank you ahead of time,
Steve

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1998 Dodge Ram 2500, 4 WD, White, Club cab, 12v Cummins, Automatic, Long bed, 3. 54 gears w/limited slip, Premium sounds, Rancho 9000 shocks, Chrome nerf bars, larger load E tires.

 

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My truck has a 47RH instead of a 47RE like your's does. However, there are somethings to check before spending any money. When it does this does it refuse to downshift? Does it have a rough upshift with no slippage? I think the first thing to check is the wiring harness connections. If there is an intermittant short to ground it could certainly act this way. It could also be a bad solenoid on the valve body. This "might be the computer" business could lead to a lot of money. It sounds like you need to find someone know can tell if it really is the computer, not "might be". Ya gota transmission problem and the AC is causing the CEL? Yeah, right!

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Joe George
Eureka, CA

'95 2500 CC auto 4X4,3. 54,Combo EGT/boost guage,custom switch panel,PacBrake,TST #5,BD valve body,Automatic motorhome steps on both sides,Foldacover hard bed cover,Cummins chrome kit,Black steel grill guard,Front hitch receiver

 

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If you do narrow it down to the computer, check around for prices. I'm not sure about your 98, but I had a DC dealer replace the computer on my 96 for around $430. 00 including installation (a 15 minute job). The bad computer was dropping a ground to the trans five seconds after startup, causing the trans to go into limp-mode.

Bob

 

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We had one like yours a while back. Replaced the transmission under warranty, no avail.
Changed out the computer, no avail.
Checked over every ground in the system, no avail.
Finally ordered a whole new wiring harness and the problem went away.
Had the truck for over a month.

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Chris
1997 5sp 4X4, HX40, BD 4" Brake, Marine Compression, Custom Tuned Injection Pump, 370B Injection Nozzles, Delivery Valves, Governor & AFC Spring Kit, Psychotty Air, Water Injection, 6" Chrome Exhaust System, No Smoke Valet Switch, McLeod Dual Disc Clutch, Mag-Hytec Rear Cover, Cummins Chrome Kit, Optima Red Tops, Hadley Bully Horns, Hurst Line Loc. Test mule for Auto Wurks race program