Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) transmission Trouble

[CCCRAM]

Not sure, but I think I have problems...



Recently, after performing a fuel filter change, and 600 miles later, I noticed I started having problems with power on the low end. The main problem is when I start off from a dead stop, the engine is slow to respond and there is a major lack of acceleration. Around 1500 rpms, the transmission begins to shift up from 1st and through the gears, usually with a sudden increase in power.



Now I've never had an AT before, so I don't know what the symptoms of an AT going out is. I do know what its like for a manual transmission and clutch going out, but it doesn't feel quite like that.



My question is: is it a transmission problem or a fuel problem? I have the rig going in to the local dealer tomorrow and wanted some advice. I took off the EDGE and hope it didn't generate any codes to void the warranty. I have the magtec deep cover also, so hopefully that doesn't void it either.



Any info is most appreciated.



CCCRAM

 

[01smokinram]

Sounds like fuel problems. My truck did the same thing and i checked fuel pressure and the lift pump was almost shot.

 

[LSMITH]

Not a transmission problem. Sounds like a fuel flow obstruction, once the pump in the VP gets some speed it is able to overcome the obstruction maybe?

 

[pwr2tow]

Sounds like something electronical or in the fueling system, both are dependent on each other since 98. 5.



Ron

 

[CCCRAM]

transmission Problem

Originally posted by LSMITH

Not a transmission problem. Sounds like a fuel flow obstruction, once the pump in the VP gets some speed it is able to overcome the obstruction maybe?

This was my first time changing out the fuel filter but I used Geno's filter package and instructions and the procedure was fairly simple with no problems.



My fuel pressure gauge reads at 10 at idle and at cruise (65-70) its generally been around 8, and at WOT around 5 or 6.



After the filter change, it went down 1 psi or so.



I know I've read other posts about fuel pressure issues. Is what I'm describing a fuel pressure problem?



I've got my rig into the Dealer and I'll be interested to see what they come up with, cuz I told them I thought it was transmission related.



Your thoughts?

 

[LSMITH]

Where are you reading fuel pressure? Before the filter, or after the filter? Hopefully you are reading input pressure to the VP44/after filter.





Now that I said it was not transmission related and possibly stuck my foot in my mouth, second and third gear starts are totally possible and they will act as you have described. DRILL it from a start and make darn sure you can count 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, and 4-locked. You should feel 4 solid "events". If you cannot feel 4 events let us know.

 

[CCCRAM]

Originally posted by LSMITH

Hopefully you are reading input pressure to the VP44/after filter. ... make darn sure you can count 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, and 4-locked. You should feel 4 solid "events". If you cannot feel 4 events let us know.

Yes, I have the gauge installed after filter using the standard Geno's setup. I have started the truck as described. It feels "mushy" without any pick up through about 1500 rpms, then can feel it jerk (sets me back in my seat) and through the gears. I've also noticed that when in lockup, I used to have accelleration when I punched it, but now I don't, it's very gradual.

 

[LSMITH]

Sounds like it is second and possibly third gear starts. Can you manually shift it down to 1st and have it drive off normally? When you punch it in OD and it does not accelerate like it used to does the RPM shoot up or smoothly rise with speed?



Is the truck under warranty yet? If it is take it in.



You may want to put in a call to Bill up at DTT. He is a master troubleshooter over the phone, a skill that is not very common.

 

[CCCRAM]

transmission Trouble... and the saga goes on...



Well gang I need some more feedback.



I took the Ram in and they did some diagnostics and apparently it is the transmission. The service writer tells me the mechanic says the problem is in the turbocharger and that the discs have "hardened", whatever that means.



Good News - I have extended warranty with no deductible and they have approved the repair: $2,650 of which I only have to pay $200 for consummables (new transmission oil, seal, shop supplies, etc. ). Not bad when you consider I paid $1,450 for the extended. So far I'm satisfied there.



Bad News - Why did this happen? I do have an Edge EZ on the rig, and all the guages (EGT/boost, transmission Temp, front/rear axle temp), and I monitor the pedal to stay out of trouble. I do pull, occasionally (once a month) a 5er at 8,000 lbs.



From my previous search on threads and discussions with tdr members, I got the impression that I could go with the EZ or similar product, and as long as I didn't combine this with injectors

I should be ok.



I'm familiar with the transmission upgrades out there, notably ATS. But at $3,000+ I'm not sure I want to go that route.



Bottom line... Is it a mistake to put the EZ back on and tempt fate with another failure (one that the extended warranty might not cover)? Should I plan on a transmission upgrade? What has been your experience?



By the way, I know, I know... "you are your own warranty station" but I need your help!!

 

[stevek]

If it were me I would call Dave Goerend in a heartbeat before they put another transmission in the truck--it will be worth your time...

 

[CCCRAM]

Originally posted by stevek

If it were me I would call Dave Goerend in a heartbeat before they put another transmission in the truck--it will be worth your time...

I'm not sure who he is... does he have a phone number or email address? Is he a guru on this stuff?

 

[stevek]

Since they are putting a new transmission in for ya, I would at least get a TC and valve body to toss in it. Dave builds some great stuff and his prices are more than right. Call him at 563. 778. 2719 tomorrow.

 

[LSMITH]

Call Dave, he is an honest man. Talk to him. Talk to a couple others too, just to have some competing info to make decisions from. Phone calls are darn cheap compared to the cost of trans upgrades.



I would let the dealer rebuild the transmission, and put the EZ back on. Your driving habits may have something to do with it. Do you "grandpa" it when you drive it or are you "speed racer"?



The hard part for 90% of automatic transmission owners to believe is that the speed racer guy is the easiest on the transmission. He keeps the RPM up, and that keeps pressure and lube flow UP. Pressure and lube flow are the life of an auto trans. There are some dealer transmission techs that are good. You may get one that has been there, done that and has the T-shirt. Hopefully that is the case. If not you are out $200, not a huge deal compared to the alternative.

 

[TnLRacing]

bad trans?

You write: I took the Ram in and they did some diagnostics and apparently it is the transmission. The service writer tells me the mechanic says the problem is in the turbocharger and that the discs have "hardened", whatever that means.







If the problem is in the Turbocharger... then why do you need a new transmission??? And just what discs "hardened? somebody is not being on the level with you here... I would suggest a second opinion if possible at this time...