2000 Ram Torque Converter Lock-up: Bad science, good results

Back in April I posted about a torque converter lock-up problem that I was experiencing on my 2000 Cummins 2500. Since that time, every time I drove the truck, at about 45 MPH the torque converter would jump in and out of lock-up. For months I dealt with it by stomping on the accelerator or eventually it got so bad I had to shift out of overdrive, especially while towing. I tested what I could on the APPS and the brake pedal without solid conclusions. Anyway, it eventually got so bad I had to do something. As a last drastic measure, I tried these two fixes, and if they hadn't worked I was off to buy the $480 APPS the next day. The fixes were to "reset" the APPS and to reroute the alternator ground wire. Well to my surprise, one of the fixes worked (don't have a clue which one) and the problem hasn't presented itself again in 2 weeks/500 miles. The only suspicious thing I observed was the ground wire was laying across and in contact with the alternator, so I relocated it and shielded it. If that was indeed the problem, kudos to Tony Garcin at Dunrite Converters for sharing! It could have been a long time before that was discovered. While I don't know which fixed it, if the problem reoccurs at least I know it's electrical which gets me somewhere (and I suspect if it's the APPS it will resurface).

Anyway, thanks to all who responded. I offer this in the hope that it helps someone else along the way.

While I was on a roll, I finally installed the fuel pressure gauge that Roy and Tom had advised years ago. It was an easy fix with the parts from Geno's.

Jack

How to reset the APPS:

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How to shield the alternator ground wire:
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(about 2/3's downthe page)

Original post:

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Reply to
jackvt80
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I had that problem with a 2001 Ram. I rarely could drive it on the freeway, even flat ground, not towing and the TC would constantly lock/unlock. The dealer replaced the TPS which did not help. They had no idea what to do and DCX was of no help in the matter. I finally talked to a Dodge transmission specialist. He said he solved that problem long ago. I do not know exactly what he did but it involved alternator noise causing the TC to lock/unlock. He rerouted wires and added a filter. Problem was solved. I have no idea why DCX could never solve the problem.

Reply to
miles

I also have a 2000 CTD 4x4 that experieneced the same problems. I also found the solution on this group. The local Dodge dealer said my TC was bad. The so-called best transmission mechic in town replaced the APPS. So after I had spent about $1000.00 my problem was still there. I didn't move the ground wire, I just shielded it and I purchased a noise filter from BD Power and installed it. Real easy, one end splices into the APPS power wire at the PCM and the other end goes to ground. I did both about the same time so I do not know which one fixed it but the important thing is that it is fixed. Two months now!!!

Thank You to everyone that gave me advice.

Reply to
dirtclod

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