Okay, so my converter is unable to lockup below 1500 and above 2100rpm. From what I have read, a trans computer reflash seems to help out a lot. So I dropped by the dealer and they insist that they need to replace the APPS and that my truck does not have a trans computer. Now I hate dealership service departments because they are usually either incompetent or decietful and this one is apparently no exception. Can anyone recommend a course of action so that I can get this problem resolved quickly? Any help/advice is greatly appreciated.

 

More info would be helpful.

Since you said APPS, assuming you have a 24 valve.
2nd gen, 3rd gen, 47RE, 48RE?

phox

 

Oh, sorry. Forgot this forum wasnt model specific.

I have a 99 3500 24 valve auto 4x4
I believe thats the 47RE?

 

Wow!! at least I have a choice of catagories here...I'm either decietful or incompetant.....oh boy!!

First of all your truck does have a controller that oversees some transmission duties (od, lockup. It's the JTEC (jeep truck engine controller) that is mounted on the firewall behind the air box. Your Cummins has it's own brains mounted right on the side of the block (ECM). You've stated that the convertor is unable to lock up. If this is the case the flash you've mentioned may not be what you need. The flash was to correct the problem of the torque convertor locking and unlocking rapidly (off/on/off/on....you get the picture). Did my incompetant brothers find any codes when they scanned it? Did they get the current part number and run it on the MDS to see if any updates were available? IF you are indeed experiencing the lock/un lock prob I would definately see if you can have the JTEC updated, but the only way to do this is to read the current pn with the scanner and run it on the MDS computer and see if there is a revised part number. If you had the current pn I could look it up right now as I do have access to dealer connect.......if your nice .

 

Good one, J-Body!

 

Hi J BODY,

My Truck has been doing the rapid TC lock/unlock which is intermittent. It seems to be more noticeable when I am towing my fifth wheel( I think because I am moving the throttle more than usual). If I press the throttle more than normal, it will at times do the tc "dance", however at other times it wont...

Would this be due for the potential reflash

 

The TC tries to lock up, then immediately unlocks. Happens over and over again. Like I said, the dealer maintains that my truck has no trans computer and insists that the apps replacement is the answer. They wont scan the truck, or do anything else other than talk about the apps replacement.

 

hi
if the dealer insist that its the apps have you tried resetting it

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...n&onlynewfaq=1

 

yes I have tried that with no success.

 

J BODY,

I understand your frustration when a blanket statement is made about dealer incompetence and dishonesty, but you have to admit that in this case, the dealer apparently has it all wrong. Even though you obviously have a good grasp on what his issue is and how to resolve it, the dealer he is dealing with obviously (by your description of how it should be diagnosed) does not. When a person is factory trained and the dealership is charging $80- 100 dollars an hour, you should be able to demand a higher level of expertise.

I have had several good experiences at different dealerships for all kinds of equipment and several terrible experiences also. I wish all service techs had your level of knowledge.

sgT,

Find yourself a new dealership with better service people. It will be worth the drive.

 

Sgt if you are living near another dealer you better go find a better doctor (as previously mentioned by others). If the repair is out of your pocket the first thing I would try is the update (you too vtailflyer). I've searched for the tsb on some years and it doesn't even come up under the specific vin, but being the flash is easy that is what I try first and it usually takes care of the prob. If you are in small town usa and your stuck with one dealer you may want to try talking directly with one of the techs. The TSB that applies is 18-02-99 and it has word for word instructions on what to do. Keep us updated.

 

hey now sgt be nice as jbody is totally correct on his tsb number. he is giving you some of that 80-100 dollar advice for free. i wish i got that much for diagnostic time. for the most part this is a great site with a great bunch of people. there are a few who i guess have had bad a experience with a dealer but we are not all that way. hey if you dont like your dealer try pepboys . sorry to rant guys just tired of being called a theif. good luck on your repair sgt.
d12

 

I understand where you are coming from, but as a dealer tech im sure you know exactly the behavior i am referring to. And although i do not mean to criticize any of you directly, i have yet to have a good experience with any service department of any dealer i have been to, ever. My expectations at this dealership are that I will get charged for a new APPS and install labor, but they will not touch the apps and just flash the computer instead. I will go take a drive to another dealership and hope for better luck. If it is indeed the apps, i can do that myself but given that i need the mopar computer to do the reflash, its kinda out of my hands. Thanks for all your input, guys. Im really hoping i can get this resolved before i take this truck on a 1700 mile trip this week. I can only imagine how annoying it would be to drive that far with this problem.....

 

Being annoyed with the problem is one thing but to have a problem that might cuase damage is another...

Do you hunting around for your dealers and do a bit of sweet talking... I changed my dealer/service dept. mind around to think my way was easy as take her out for breakfast! Now I don't get that BS.... And if it not right she will make it right!

 

Besides what J-body has come up with, i did have an output speed sensor cause a no lock-up condition and was throwing codes for V/B,torque converter problems. Replaced output speed sensorafter numerous hours down the wrong path. Turned out to have clutch material clinging to the tip of the sensor,upsetting the reading. I would at least try to pull it out and have a look at it. I had no codes for the speed sensor either.