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Dodge Dakota Transmission Problems

1024 messages,  Last post on May 07, 2013 at 9:14 AM

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Messages Page 77 of 103

#760 of 1024 5th update: dakota trans problem by circuitryder

Mar 04, 2010 (3:44 pm)

5th update: 2001 dodge dakota/5.9/46re: the lockup converter has returned to its old habit and won't lockup at highway speeds. I suspect it is the catalytic converter causing the problem (CEL relit; lastly it was the cat). Cat is rattling; I will replace it. Asked the Dodge tech about the TPS: would it cause a TC problem if the TPS did not set a code; he said no. So, about the only thing left is the cat.

#761 of 1024 Re: 5th update: dakota trans problem [circuitryder] by dasboot72

Mar 04, 2010 (4:59 pm)

Replying to: circuitryder (Mar 04, 2010 3:44 pm)
I have just now read your last 2 posts. I am a Chrysler trans tech and have been for 15 years. When they said they reset the pcm I was like 'what?' You do not have a fully electronic transmission where you can 'reset' the pcm/tcm. Now if you had a 4.7L and a 45RFE then a quick learn will sometimes alleviate shift issues. There is nothing for the tech to reset on your truck. And a faulty TPS will not always set a code if the problem is too quick for the PCM to realize its a problem.

#762 of 1024 Re: 5th update: dakota trans problem [dasboot72] by circuitryder

Mar 05, 2010 (5:50 am)

Replying to: dasboot72 (Mar 04, 2010 4:59 pm)
thanks for checking in, dasboot! The tech told me he reset the parameters via his scan device. Whatever he did really corrected the problem with the lockup for at least 50 - 70 miles of driving. Then, the lockup failure at highway speed returned, and the CEL was relit (haven't checked that new code, but I suspect it is the same one he found, which is the catalytic converter). So, what did he do? BTW, he did test drive the truck with the scan device (at least that's what I understood he did) and said that the lockup was functioning normally. He was a nice guy, but I did have to be pretty clear that the trans was actually NOT locking up. He did find that the cooling fan clutch had failed, and I replaced that immediately.
Now, are you saying that the TPS can cause this steady, non- lockup condition at highway speed without setting a code? Should I simply replace the TPS just to be sure? How big a impact on the lockup mode of the trans does the catalytic converter have? And lastly, how good is the "adaptive learning" of the TCM/PCM? If there is a parameter caused by some sensor that leads to a highway speed non-lockup condition, then the problem that causes the sensor to record a out of range condition is corrected, will the computer go back to "good" operation? Does that question make sense?
Your input is greatly appreciated. I'm really guessing now about the problem...

#763 of 1024 Re: 5th update: dakota trans problem [circuitryder] by srs_49

Mar 05, 2010 (6:13 am)

Replying to: circuitryder (Mar 05, 2010 5:50 am)
On your CEL and catalytic converter codes...
 
What specifically was it? Was it something about catalytic converter efficiency low, or something like that? Worn out O2 sensors can sometimes mislead the emissions diagnostic system and lead it to think the cat is bad. Depending on the code, I would replace the rear (first) and front (second) O2 sensors first, and see if that clears up the problem. That's less than $300 for 2 or 3 O2 sensors vs $1500 or more for a cat.

#764 of 1024 Re: 5th update: dakota trans problem [circuitryder] by dasboot72

Mar 05, 2010 (11:09 am)

Replying to: circuitryder (Mar 05, 2010 5:50 am)
First, the RE series of transmissions does not have any kind of adaptive learning. Your engine has adaptive learning for fuel trim via the PCM. I would fix any known issues first (Cat Converter). One way of finding a TPS prob is to grab the connector at the TPS with the engine running at idle and give it a good wiggle. If your RRM's change you have a TPS / TPS connector issue. What the tech was looking at while driving was the Governor Pressure and RPM. You can also adjust your throttle pressure cable to make your shifts quicker or later also effecting the TCC.

#765 of 1024 Re: 5th update: dakota trans problem [srs_49] by circuitryder

Mar 05, 2010 (7:41 pm)

Replying to: srs_49 (Mar 05, 2010 6:13 am)
dasboot, the converter is rattling. Tech said that was evidence that the converter was bad. I'll follow your advice.

#766 of 1024 Re: 5th update: dakota trans problem [dasboot72] by circuitryder

Mar 06, 2010 (2:23 pm)

Replying to: dasboot72 (Mar 05, 2010 11:09 am)
Dasboot, I changed the TPS and did a test drive: no change. At least the TPS is now out of the equation! I had the code read: P0432 - downstream O2 sensor out of range. The cat is rattling, too. So, I suppose this points to a bad cat.
 
On the test drive, I noticed that torque converter lockup (which is the primary problem) was fine up to about 60 - 65 MPH, then tended to unlock. Also, if I accelerated (like to pass), the converter unlocked as expected, BUT it would not relock once normal driving resumed. I could slow down to say 50 MPH, and the converter would relock, and I could slowly reaccelerate to 60 - 65 in lockup. Now, what do you think of this explanation: if the cat is bad, then emissions increase as speed/acceleration increase, up to the point where the emissions get out of range, and the computer signals the torque converter to unlock. Is this how the system works?
 
So, I'm going to replace the cat. It needs it anyhow. If you have any other suggestions, I'd appreciate them.

#767 of 1024 tranny issues by geoman182

Mar 06, 2010 (3:30 pm)

I have a 2002 dodge dakota slt 4.7 4x4 with 90 k. Today i took the truck off road a little bit but didnt even do anything extreme like mudding, just went to a little pond in the woods. I also parked the truck on kind of an incline and pulled the parking break. when i got back on the hard road i noticed it was slugish, then it shifted from 1st and 2nd fine but would not shift into 3rd and just stayed inbetween 3000 and 4000 rpms. also when i slowed it would not down shift right away. and when i was going down the road you could hear a loud rattling noise. I recently just changed my tranny fluid atf 4 valaline and changed the filters. any advice would be helpful. thanks

#768 of 1024 Re: 5th update: dakota trans problem [circuitryder] by dasboot72

Mar 06, 2010 (7:40 pm)

Replying to: circuitryder (Mar 06, 2010 2:23 pm)
for sure fix the fauly Cat Con but you should try to play with the throttle pressure cable adjustment and see if you can get the truck to do what you want it to. At the throttle body the Throttle Pressure cable has a white clip that can be raised to release the cable in its bracket for adjustment. Try playing around with that. The PCM will only inhibit TCC lockip during an overheat event, and of course in the event of 30% + throttle angle, a brake switch going on, or a certain amount of calculated engine load. The odge tech should of varified the correct lockup fuction during his test drive. That is why I say maybe you need to tweek the throttle pressure cable for your own liking. Just use a small screwdriver to lift up that white clip and be careful not to break it.

#769 of 1024 Tranny Problems? by batchelorpad

Mar 08, 2010 (7:47 am)

I have a 2003 Dak w/v6, 4 speed auto. When cold, shift into reverse causes engine to shudder and shut down. If I apply a little pressure to the accel, it will clear up. Second, when hot, a shift into overdrive causes a shudder & the tach goes crazy. No codes come up! ANY help would be great. Thanks

Messages Page 77 of 103

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