I have a 1998 Dodge 2500 diesel with 100,000 miles. I am noticing that frequently that the torque converter is engaing. I am pulling a travel trailer. I'm 2000 miles from home. What should I do?

 

What exactly do you mean the torque converter is engaging? does it shift in and out of lockup? (would feel like gears changing with alot of ratio between them)

or is something else happening?

 

Thanks so much for the reply. I notice a different "feel" and the tach spikes-just for an instance. There is not a change of gears just something with the transmission and I assume it's the TC. Any ideas?

 

My 98 does the same thing between overdrive and lock-up mode, especially if I have it in 'overdrive off' and shift it into the 'overdrive on' position. As far as I kow, it's always done it, and I just had a new TC installed 6 months ago. (It was shuddering as it engaged) The new one does the same as the old in terms of having a quick, higher RPM for an instant when shifting.

You said you were 2000 miles from home; where-abouts are you?

chaikwa.

 

I'm in Jackson, WY. It does it when in overdrive or not. Sometimes 3 times in 15 seconds and then not for a while. think I can make it home?

 

One of two things comes to mind. You may try and reset your APPS (free!), Stop by your local Dodge dealer and have them flash update your JTEC controller.

 

Clean the battery posts. It is electrical noise from the alternator.
Then get a filter for the APPS line at the computer,call DTT 866-504-4002 DTT

 

Thanks so much for the advice. Will do tomorrow. Anyone else have a suggestion if this fails?

 

I dunno what to say about making it home. I'd be wondering what damage it's doing by the rapid locking and unlocking if the condition persists. If it were to stay in an unlocked condition, I would think the only damage would be to your fuel mileage. If you try the other suggestions offered here and they don't solve the problem, it might be worth your while to find out how to keep it unlocked if you can't tie up the truck while you're on the road to have it fixed.

To my untrained experience, it sounds like a bad TC, but with all the electronics on the newer trucks it could be something that controls it as well. That's why I think it would be worth your time to try the other suggestions first.

I had my TC replaced locally for $500 including parts and labor, and it came with a 1 year warranty as well, so the price isn't all that bad if it turns out you DO need to replace it.

Hope all this helps! Keep us all posted as to how you make out.

chaikwa.

 

Don't know if it's what you wanna hear. . .I used a tranny shop in Cheyenne, WY that seemed to know what he was doin. Small 3 man operation. All ATS had him do was pull my pan and describe to them what he found. Ended up they had me towed back to their shop NW Denver. When something starts going wrong with my rig on the road, I stop and have somebody check it out. My experience, if I keep runnin. . .it only get's worse. I'd have to search around for that invoice, left my receipt bag in my truck. . .sittin in Great Falls, MT waitin on um to get my rear axle in. I need a DOC in every state, breakin down on the road is the pitts. Hope you heal soon and it ain't real painful.



Cheers,
Steve J

 

Thanks for all the replies. I really do not know what to do. I am afraid if I go to a dealership it will be a rebuilt transmission regardless of what it is. Any other thoughts?

 

If they lean on you for a rebuild because of a well known "lock-unlock" prob, yes, it's time to move on. Most of the time it is electrical "noise" causing the jtec to command releasing the lock up and then applying it again. If it were me I would clean the battery terminals and reset the apps. It may surprise you. Worst case scenario is that it could be a seal issue, but 9 outa 10 is totally electrical. I've had pretty good success with flash updating 98-99's for this prob.

 

As the other members have stated,, you have nothing to lose by trying the APPS reset. You can find the procedure by CLICKING HERE

Good luck and hopefully this may help.

 

If it is the T/C unlock and locking, I would suggest to wire you a temp manual switch that keeps the T/C locked up till you got home, I was in the same situation 1000 miles from home in a 94 auto that started the lock and unlock and that is what got me home. Some one post the diagram for him to use I am unable to find it. Goodluck,,Rick

 

I found it http://www.tstproducts.com/Torque%20...p%20Switch.pdf Goodluck it helped me get back home till I could rectify the problem of lock and unlock, and when you get back home let us know and I will give you all the info on curing my unlock lock problem.. Goodluck,,Rick