Transmission trouble

[Smoakb]

This will be the FIFTH time this truck (1998. 5 Dodge) is going back to the dealer for this problem. Around 45-47 mph, after it's warmed up, it won't stay locked in overdrive-- the RPM jumps by about 200 up and down.

They've replaced the Power Control Module several times (for free) and some transmission solenoids (to the tune of $750, although I have my doubts that they were ever bad. )

This last time, they had it for A MONTH. They tried to give it back after a couple of weeks, but every light in the dash was on so of course we refused to take it back. A day or so later, they tried again, but the oil pressure gauge was reading zero. Finally last week [they said] everything was fine.

We picked it up. Bryan drove it for a few days and said it was okay. I started driving it again and tried to ignore a few hiccups-- I apparently never got it hot enough until yesterday and again today. It's doing the EXACT SAME THING.

One problem: My dealer no longer has diesel techs on staff. As long as it's "just" a transmission problem, I suppose that's okay. But the next thing it might be is the throttle position sensor, and I'm not sure that someone who isn't trained on these engines ought to be messing with that.

Does anyone have any ideas? I'm fast losing confidence in the techs at this dealer. Unfortunately, the other dealer in town has a horrible reputation. There is a Cummins place here in Phoenix, but this ought to be warranty work and I don't particularly want to pay out of pocket.

We'll be taking it back on Monday. Has anyone else experienced this problem and had it resolved?

Thanks,
Wendy in Chandler, AZ

 

[Floor It]

It could be related to the speedometer sensor giving wrong signals as to it's speed causing it to kick out. I would ask service MGR to get the zone MGR involved so he can get it resolved. Good luck and try and not get too mad so you can keep a clear mind to stay on them about this, patience with strong voice will get you farther than anger and yelling. Keep us informed as to what it was.

 

[calexander]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=22303





Try this link and see if it works if it doesn't look under transmission slippage posted by c alexander. Two pages of info on similar problem. Good luck (click on number two at the bootm of the page to see all the info. )

 

[Smoakb]

Thanks, calexander. We actually saw your thread a while ago. Is yours fixed yet?



My truck has had the flash updates done, but it still has the problem. I think we're on the fourth power-train control module now.



I got a suggestion from a tech who read my post on news:alt. autos. dodge. trucks that said to have them use the PEP module and check the throttle position sensor. (Apparently you can't check the TPS with only the DRB scan tool because it doesn't update fast enough. )



I am somewhat hesitant to appear at the dealer waving internet research at them, but what do I have to lose at this point?



I just want it FIXED, preferably under warranty! (The PCM is an emissions part, so those have been free. )



Wendy in Chandler, AZ

1998. 5 2500

 

[calexander]

Yes my truck is fixed, compuer upgrade fixed it!! new codes are EMC323730306J,,,PCM56040199AC. Dealer is required to sticker truck with this info. Two other possibilities, transmission temp sensor shorting out , or brake switch is adjusted too close causing bumps in road causing bumps in road to unlock converter. good luck cliff

 

[Rammin]

Say Smoakb:



I dont think there is any thing wrong with your transmission. I had the same problem, the torque converter wasen't staying locked up. there is a TSB 18-02-99 on this. they did a reflash no more problem. this was done about a year ago. Mine is a 99 cummins the 98. 5 is the same .

hope this helps.

 

[Ramboy]

I have a '99 also and had the exact same problem. Rammin, in the previous post, has it right. Get the reflash done and should clear up the problem.

 

[DShelton]

torque converter unlocking

I had the same problem a month or so ago whlile out of town on a trip. I took it to a dealer who decided to replace a throttle position sensor, under warrentee , whew, as I do not have the mileage to exceed warentee but do hav e runout the time. He said it was an engine thing so it was still under warentee. He replaced the throttle sensor, a $410 buck part he said and sent me on my way. It did not fix the problem so I took the truck to another dealer and in a couple of hours they had it taken care of , no charge! They flashed the computer and the problem went away. It has run fine for fifteen hundred miles now and no problem. Hope this helps.

 

[Mopar-muscle]

wendy , its not coming out of OD , its the TC unlocking like the others say , its a known problem , printout the TSB and bring it to your dumba$$ dealer .

 

[Wayne M]

Definitely get the reflash done. Mine was doing the same thing about 10k miles ago. I found a TSB that seemed to describe the problem took it to my dealer spoke with the diesel tech... who was not aware of the TSB or had never heard of the problem... convinced him to look into. A couple of hours later the PCM was reflashed and I have not had the problem since.