I own a 1994 and 1995 Regular cab 4x4 autos...both I think have the 47rh transmission. In the last month both, especially the 1994 have begun to go through an occasional but annoying TC lock/unlock cycle. I am certain it is the TC and I have checked the obvious such as brake switches, grounds, alternator wiring so what I need to know is will installing a potentiometer in place of TPS remedy this problem? Do potentiometers help with TC lock up or just OD shifts?

 

Yeah let's bump this? So what did everyone learn?

 

The TC lockup cycling and in rare cases OD cycling are caused by electrical noise. (or a hectic foot on the pedal)

Swapping a bad TPS for a pot "cures" some symptoms, but it's an amputation.
The "brain" loses it's capability to regulate OD on or off and TC lock depending on load.

My take on this is to measure the TPS over it's throw, and repeat that with some vibrations added. Good smooth results - search for other sources of noise. Bad result- replace TPS.
The "simple" potentiometer is a lobotomy. (The side effects overshadow the symptoms that would have led to a decent repair)

 

Interesting to see an answer....now in 2021. This popped up in my email. I have since sold all my 1st and 2nd Gens .A couple of them I really regret now. And no replacing them without spending a fortune. I had quite a few over the years and don't think I ever had an auto trans that did not have some TPS issue. But small price to pay for a great truck .Wish you could still buy rust free nice ones under 10k but now its more like 20k. Cheers to all at DTR!