Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Truck "jerks" on highway

[bmorrison]

My automatic equipped truck seems to be intermittently jumping into nuetral and back to drive or downshifting down then back up when on the highway. It cycles through it so fast that it about jerks my head off. I thought I caught the engine RPMs going up the last time it did it which is leading me to believe its in the transmission. Any ideas?

 

[Sticks]

Welcome to the TDR



You may want to fill out your signature to let us know what truck you have, and any mods. That will help us help you.



First check your fluid level. If you have done some mods to your truck (injectors, box) it could be too much for your transmission to hold. When was the last time you did a fluid and filter change on your transmission?

 

[Tom W]

With the limited info you gave I would guess it might be the torque converter unlocking and locking about 45 - 50 mph. If so, it is caused by electrical noise spikes. Clean the battery terminal for a temporary fix. Call DTT for a noise filter.

Tom

 

[bmorrison]

The jerk always has occured at 70+ mph when in OD, loaded or not, and fully warmed up. I've checked the fluid level, it's OK but I haven't changed the fluid or filter yet. Oh yeah, the odometer is at about 37,000. No engine/transmission mods yet. Can't seem to get my signature to display so I'll just say it's a 2002 2500 4X4 automatic.

 

[Sticks]

You might want to try the key on-off thingy and see if there are any codes stored.

 

[bmorrison]

I checked the codes about two weeks ago and there weren't any. Did that just prior to going to the dealer for a VP44 replacement. As bad as the engine was misfiring I thought that it might have caused the "jerk". Guess I'll schedule it back in to have the transmission serviced and see if they can find something. It shifts and acts fine most of the time, fluid looks and smells normal, temps have never been too high, etc. If they come back saying I need a new transmission I'll have a fit!



Wonder what the chances are of getting it fixed under warrenty?

 

[Sticks]

Only 1000 out of DC warranty, you might get them to work with you on it. If the first dealer says 'No. ", find another one.