Truck cranks , runs good. Has good power at 1/2 or 3/4 throttle through the gears.Transmission is good no slipping. Only heaving towing was once and at only 10,000 lbs but that was in 2003. There after only towing it gets is atv's on a utility trailer. All fluids and filters kept changed.
Truck is all STOCK!
The lack of power is getting on the on ramp on an interstate. Getting up to say 50 or 60 mph then trying to merge and realize that i got to step on it. So at WOT it downshifts and it's like stepping on a plum, nothing but mush speed gains are slow and a little black smoke. It seems faster from zero to 70 at less than WOT, than say from 55 to 70 at WOT. It just doesn't go anywhere at WOT not sure why. with only about 64,000 miles on the clock.
Any one have any idea's.

Thanks

 

Is like the tc isn't locking up? I would put a tc lock up switch on it. Easy to do, virtually no cost.

 

Have you ever had the ECM reprogramed with latest flash file? I have been reflashing the ECM's and have notice a power difference after flashing with latest updates. Also, did you replace external electric lift pump yet? If under 100k miles might be covered under Cummins engine warranty.

 

It get's 22.5 mpg hand calculated, but i suspect the lift pump, no codes.
Never had the ECM reprogramed.

 

Yep, that is what it's like. How is a TC lock up switch installed. Can the transmission be damage with it ?

 

The following was posted by Mark Thomas. You should be able to search name and find his post titled 'Check out this torque converter lockup installation'. Hope it helps. I'm sure there's some others out there with diagrams that may help.


Torque Converter Lock-up Switch Installation

Installation Instructions

Torque Converter Lockup Switch

for 1996 - 2003 Ram Diesels

(except California vehicles)

The addition and use of a torque converter lockup switch can improve 0 to 60 mph times by 3-5 seconds, improve your ability to stay in higher gear when pulling heavy loads, and improves braking in 3rd and 4th gears when using an exhaust brake. The following diagram is supplied at no cost or obligation. Note that use of this method of lockup may be hard on vehicle drivetrain and may void vehicle drivetrain warranty. Use makes vehicle drive like a manual transmission in 4th gear such that vehicle may/will stall at low speeds/stops if lockup is not disconnected.

Note: Some 1996 automatics require computer to be reflashed by dealer for the lockup switch to work.

Step-by-step Instructions:

1. Install jumper wire in place of the trans relay in the Power Distribution Center (black box behind driver side battery) as shown in diagram below. This jumper wire will supply 12 volt positive to the transmission torque converter clutch solenoid. This jumper will be electrically hot thus it should be installed so as not to short against ground.

Note: The position of this relay changes from one year to the next. Consult relay location chart on inside of relay box cover.

2. Install ground wire from the B11 orange wire with black stripe to a switch or relay such that the ground source can be turned on and off. The B11 wire is located in the middle computer connector located on the firewall behind the air cleaner.





Driver must ground the B11 wire, have gear selector in Drive, and be moving fast enough to be in second gear before the torque converter clutch will engage. Transmission will shift from 2nd to 3rd, and 3rd to 4th(unless Overdrive is off) with the torque converter clutch locked. Once in 4th, the transmission will not downshift unless the ground source is interrupted, i.e. the switch is turned off.

 

Just remember that if you install the switch on a stock transmission then you need to make sure you don't let the transmission shift while locked or you will get a very violent shift that will damage the trans. Doesn't sound like your problem is a TC problem though. If you feel like you have more power at half throttle then WOT then something isn't delivering enough fuel when it's needed. Most likely it's the lift pump from what it sounds like, there known to fail on the 03's. Replace the LP with an Airdog and even if that doesn't fix it then you have at least saved yourself from being stranded on the road.

 

The lift pumps tend to either work or not work. Run or no run.

It might be as simple as a clogged fuel filter. They show up first as loss of power. Even a clogged one will give a puff of smoke but they can't sustain the flow needed for higher power during acceleration or a long grade. Also, the change interval is meaningless with fuel filters. They can be good for many many miles or a new one can clog with a bad batch of fuel.

 

I noticed a HIGE power increase when I recently installed my Air Dog 150

The difference is really unbelievable....I was shocked how much different the truck drove after the install was complete.

I just think the stock LPs cannot keep uo and are not rated to flow anywhere near what these trucks need.

 

My Glacier system made no difference in power over the stock lift pump and I was already running a Bully Dog when my stock lift pump quit.

 

My truck is noticeably stronger at slightly less than full throttle than it is when it's just matted to the floor. I have a manual transmission, so a lock-up problem with the tranny it's not. This was evident in stock configuration and also with the Smarty installed. I credit it to a timing retard in the ECM at wide open throttle. That's what it feels like, but I have no idea if that's it or not....

 

My truck feels the same way.. I was trying to figure out what could be the problem.. I wonder if it is the throtel sencer?? or just the ECM.??