Transmission noise

[d-hlaw]

My 2003 3500 DRW 4x4 makes a strange noise when it shifts into overdrive. It almost sounds like an engagement shudder that resonates through the floor. Its loud enough for my wife to say "whats that?". I took it to the dealer for the check valve recall and rear diff fluid check and told them of the problem. After the road test the tech said that all was normal and that the truck's computer will change the shift pattern after 3000 miles resulting in a more gradual engagement of overdrive. Sounds like nonsense to me. Any ideas??? Should I just get the aftermarket torque converter??

 

[MidwestMotorman]

Do you still have the noise if you let off the throttle when engagement occurs? Does the shudder change when the engagement points are at different rpms?



The shudder could be the result of the rpm difference between the engine and drivetrain at time of overdrive engagement. Something has to give. Did this noise continue after the trans line check valve was changed? A "gradual engagement of overdrive" might ease the noise, but if you let off the throttle when it engages and it still makes the noise, then a "gradual engagement" won't help. The engagement of overdrive results in a lot of heat as components match speed.

 

[David Muench]

Mine does it too, I am pretty sure it's normal. When the torque converter locks up and you've got your foot in it a little, the transmission drags the engine down to about 1200 rpms pretty fast. . And you get some driveline shudder. I find I've started to predict it and let off when the shift happens. . That or if you've really got your foot in it, by the time the TC locks up the engine's already at a high enough rpm to not shudder.



Try driving a stick shift, get into overdrive and slow down to where the engine is going 1200rpms or so, and then put your foot in it. . You'll feel the same vibrations.



As far as it changing the shift pattern after 3k? I dunno if I believe that. .

 

[Rosco]

My truck does this shuuder/vibration also when the truck shifts into overdrive at a low rpm and I think the above posts do a good job of explaining this condition.

 

[CATCRACKER]

dodge auto transmission#@$%! unless it comes from aftermarket it sounds like dodge cannot build a good auto. i bet that the 48re will have similar problems,that is, unless the germans had something to do with it. lets keep our fingers crossed but for now i have owned my last dodge auto transmission. it is dodge six speed or ford auto and since i hate the ford i guess it is the dodge six speed.

 

[vrabelm]

I agree i don't think D/C can make a good auto transmission my 03 Will be in the shop 30 days on the 21st and it looks like i will be getting a new six speed thanks to the lemon law