Just bought a 92 4x4 while driving down the road the check engine light comes on for no reason and truck shifts out of OD. Check engine light goes out for no reason and truck shifts back into OD. Is there a haint (ghost for you northerners) under my hood.

Carl

 

sounds like a tps problem. best to get the codes checked for starters. most likely the code is related to the problem.

 

No codes in a '92.

 

I'm not sure how many miles are on your truck, but from your location, there would appear to be mountain driving involved, possibly loaded.

Check your fluid levels for starters, check TPS, maybe change the tranny fluid and see if you have any filings in there. The auto tranny is the only comparitively "weak" part of the drivetrain, so it may be on the way out. One thing's for sure, the longer you wait, the more it costs.

I hope it's just the TPS, but if you have higher miles, be prepared for the worst. Good luck with it.

 

The miles are 165,000. I just had the OD switch replaced and the solinoid in the trans replaced. Same problem Trans guy said that he thought the trans was OK. The alt. has been rewired and a voltage regulator added. They by-passed the Voltage reg. that is on the back of the alt. The mechanic said the alt was putting out 13.8 volts and this truck needs 14.2 volts,,,,, Is this correct???

Carl

P.S. Thanks for the prior info

 

Someone bypassed ECM and added voltage regulator and that should be a very good thing. The output voltage should be a bit higher, but is within tolerable levels.

I would check the setting on the throttle valve linkage and make sure it is properly centered, but I am leaning toward your transmission bands needing adjusting. The way these transmissions work, if the bands get too loose the transmission pulls air into the pump and will run low line pressure. That will turn on the check engine light and cause the OD to unlock

 

Well guys I have replaced all the sensors except the Throtle position Sensor. I just ordered it so now it better work. If this doesnt work anyone want to buy a truck? LOL

 

Forgot to mention bands adjusted another possible item is that the cruise control only works when it wants to which is mostly not working.

 

OK here's what my neighbor went through it sounds like the same type shifting problem in and out or not going into OD .... well after about 6 months of trying to get it fixed with numerious trips to the Dodge shop finding nothing he took it to a Electrical place and this fella found a "Short" in the stearing column!! Funny thing he was a young guy and found it in about 5 minutes, fixed it in another short period time and walla no more problems .... he now has 180K miles on the truck and no transmission problems ... he hauls cattle.

I don't know if this is your problem but you may want to keep in mind his was also a 92

good luck

 

The cruise control problem may be vacuum related, if the light comes on but it just won't engage check your vacuum lines for loose connections or cracks in the lines.

 

Have you checked the Crank Sensor???? Could be the very reason they went around the ECM was that the sensor was shutting down the alternator thinking the engine is not running. Also the Cruise control and OD on the tranny use this signal.

I would check that one out for sure..

J-eh

 

Crank sensor,,,,, what and where How do I check?????

 

If it is a 92 is there even a ecm there???And I doubt ther is a TPS....I do not think they apeared till the 24 valve isb engine came a long

 

I had a '92 4X4 that did exactly the same as you described. It was still under warranty and they fixed it. Don't remember the details but seems there was a bad switch or sensor somewhere that was replaced.

 

Well, you might also check the brake light switch for adjustment. Has an"89...been there, done that.