Transmission problem update (99 auto)

[jthorpe]

Hi guys. I don't know if you remember but I posted a problem I was having with my auto transmission about a month or two ago. 99 QC 4x2 auto TD. I initially started having problems on my 2-3 shift, where it would run at very high RPM's, sometimes up to 2900 before shifting under light throttle when cold. Once warmed up, it seemed fine. Well, I had a TSB 21-02-00 done and that helped TC lockup but didn't do the trick. I installed a DTT Valve Body and that helped give me firmer shifts but didn't fix the problem. I took it to a transmission shop today whom I did a good bit of research on. The tech here is cool as heck and amazingly knowledgeable. He pulled the transmission and took it apart to check it.

1. TC appears to be bad. Looks like the clutch lining is toasted.

2. 2-3 high clutch pack? not in good shape.

3. Planetaries seem to be fine

4. one of the bands are very thin, I don't remember which but I think it's number 2. I don't know the terminology here too well but that's what I believe he said.

This guy also brought up the fact that there was a piece of machinery in the transmission that was bored too deep causing problems. I remember seeing this on usenet too but I don't remember what the part name is called. Anyway, they say that could be the root cause of the entire problem. Basically a Dodge design flaw.

Now I love my Dodge but I am not thrilled about the fact that I have forked over 500 bucks, and am about to fork over another 1500 to 1800 to have this thing fixed, because their engineers messed up. I am not going to go through with any kind of challenge because I just don't want to deal with it. I just hope that Dodge will make fruitful attempts to fix this flaw for future truck owners.

Oh well, I'll keep you all updated. This blows.

Jack

 

[Mopar-muscle]

jack , did you take it to the dealer , or are you out of warranty ? the TC being toast is not surprising , how many miles ? what HP mods ? thats to bad you have to fix it yourself , i spent 1300 upgrading mine so i wouldn't have to fix it later .

 

[jthorpe]

Yeah I took it to the dealer but they really had a hard time figuring out what was wrong with it. I would take it there, they would put the scanner on it then replace a part. They were nickel and diming me to death so I said screw it and found a GOOD shop. I have 45k miles on it so it's out of warranty by a long shot. I worked with Bill K a bit on the phone but it's really hard when they can't look at it and do appropriate testing. I don't have any HP mods on it. I pull a 8k 5ver for about 15k of the 45k on it now. I guess I'm whining but I can't seem to find a truck that will last. I had a 93 F250 460 that ate E40D's. My 95 PSD had so many problems that I can't list them, left me stranded more than a few times. Then this thing, only had one problem but it sure was a biggie. At least she didn't leave me stranded. Hopefully, once I get the transmission where she should be, I won't have to take it in for a long time, I HOPE!

Jack

 

[goerend]

this is a very common problem
the seals in the front clutch leak until warmed and the trans will not shift to 3rd cold
if you check the front pressure tap (front servo release) you will probably see 30-35 psi on the gauge when the trans should shift but there is no shift.
seeing the pressure there althoe low tells you that the shift valves moved and the pressure is leaking off. we see this a lot and almost always find the seals in the front clutch are leaking. it is very easy to check with an air test.
i must have missed your post or i would have posted this earlier and saved you the time and aggrevation.
dave goerend
goerend bros trans

 

[SteveAZ]

Like I said before, same problem here at 18K at least dealer fixed it. Will be out of warranty in 6k miles. TC feels okay for now.

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99' Qcab, 4x4, auto, chrome nerf bars, VA, Boost elbow, DiProcal Pillar mount gauges,

 

[dabubba]

Silly question, did you adjust the kick down cable-- my 99 had the same problem but wwith 1-2nd shift- if you havn't tried it give it a shot it did work for me---

 

[jthorpe]

Kickdown is definately not the problem this time. The transmission is already in pieces and many of those pieces don't look too good. There is some heavy glaze on some of the parts, the front clutch pack is gone etc. etc.

 

[Hawk22]

I had my trans go out at 18,000 miles. Thank god I wasn't pulling my camper when it went out. My camper weighs 12,000lbs loaded, this can't be the problem. ? I also find myself having to keep my foot to the floor just to keep it at 70mph pulling my camper. brother-n-law has 2500 and at 70 mph he still has more to give it. Just don't know whats the problem. I want to get that straight before I change injectors or install a PM adjustible box.

This is my first post and I really enjoy this site. Alot of knowledgable people here. Looking forward to meeting some of you campers on a camping trip and talk diesels.

Thanks for all the advise.

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1999 3500 QC Auto,SLT loaded. 2000 34'Terry 5th Wheel. 1999 350 Big Bear and plenty other toys.