[98FG59D]

Well it's been a long time since I been here but I still have my D.

On the way home today I slowed for an S curve and, as I came into the curve, it shifted out of overdrive. Then the overdrive didn't work all the way home; appoximately a 1 hr drive. I have 85K mile on her now, did a tranny flush at 38K, and added the Martin Saine VB. I had the bands adjusted at 65K and the tranny fluid level is OK and it's still red and doesn't smell burnt. Any Ideas?? Maybe the OD solenoid is bad?? I guess I'll have to take it somewhere to have the temperature checked to see if it's overheating.

Todd

 

[IndyDurango]

20K+ miles ago on the service, but you didn't say how long ago.

I think the OD operation is sensor based. Others will chime in who know better.

While you may be due for a service interval based on time, I'm thinking it's a mechanical sensor issue.

IndyDurango

 

[tomk]

I *think* you'll get a tranny-temp light on a '98 if OD is locked out due to transmission temp.

Does it work OK cold? (well, after the engine warms up.)

Toggle the O/D OFF button to make sure that's still working OK.

It's possible the TPS could cause this, but I'd expect other driveability problems.

?tom

 

[DCDAD]

Well it's been a long time since I been here but I still have my D.

On the way home today I slowed for an S curve and, as I came into the curve, it shifted out of overdrive. Then the overdrive didn't work all the way home; appoximately a 1 hr drive. I have 85K mile on her now, did a tranny flush at 38K, and added the Martin Saine VB. I had the bands adjusted at 65K and the tranny fluid level is OK and it's still red and doesn't smell burnt. Any Ideas?? Maybe the OD solenoid is bad?? I guess I'll have to take it somewhere to have the temperature checked to see if it's overheating.

Todd

Agreed, the TPS could cause this but I'm curious? does the OD still not engage? Just wondering if it works now that you've cycled the ignition. This would strengthen the suspicion of it being sensor related.

BTW, Tranny flushing = bad idea. You mentioned you did the MS valve body/band adjustment which would require a pan drop. Hopefully the filter was replaced at that time and they used GENUINE Mopar ATF+4. Anything less is a death warrant for your transmission.

Ron

 

[98FG59D]

I drove the D to work today and the OD didn't engage for a while and when it finally did, it was harsh. It felt like a WOT 1-2 shift. That isn't normal. I turned the OD off and it drove fine. On the way home, leaving the OD off, the tranny shifted "normally" and the torque converter was locking up after the 2-3 shift. I used my father-in-laws Superchip tuner to look for codes and I have none.

To clear things up a bit?

I had the tranny flushed at approx 30K (not 38K - can't rely on the memory any more I'm getting old) with the stock valvebody by a friend who worked for a dealership. I drove it for a week then my friend and I installed the MS valve body, put in fresh fluid, and changed the filter? and yes, we did use Mopar ATF+4 and adjusted the bands per Martin's instructions. I know the flush thing is usually bad, but I've had close to 47K mile since then with no issues up till now. I don't plan on anymore flushes. In 06 I was on vacation and had to have another dealership replace the fluids at 70K (memory was bad I had to look at the dealer ticket and it said 70K not 65K as previously stated) and adjust the bands per Martins recommendation (they noted that on the ticket so they couldn't be held responsible for not doing it per factory specs ) Now at 85K I'm pretty sure it's a solenoid. Thanks for reminding me that the 3-4 shift is an electronic solenoid. I was hoping it'd show a code but it doesn't.

I'll keep the TPS in mind also. Right now I have no other driveablity issues.

Tom is that the same avatar you've had for years?? I swear I remember that Llama from years ago :mrgreen: It's been close to 2 years since I logged on last. I know shame on me right ? I've had family duties and another toy got in the way of the D. It's always nice to know you guys are still around. Thanks again for the support. That's what I like about this forum.

Todd

 

[tomk]

When you say it didn't engage for a while, do you mean in time (until the engine was warmed up) or in road speed (until you were going faster then you'd expect to have to go)?

?tom

 

[Zeeman28a]

I've started to have a similar experience as well. Most of my city driving is under 3000rpm and it shifts in and out of OD quite frequently for no reason that I can see.

Sometimes, going from 3rd, the revs get up to about 3000-3500 before engaging OD. When downshifting from OD to 3rd or from 3rd to 2nd, there's a noticeable thump.

1. I was wondering if this might have something to do with the tranny.
2. with the AWD system.
or
3. With the humidity. It has been pretty humid the past couple weeks, adding up to about 12 degrees in temp. ie: We're at 24-27°C (75-80°F), but with the humidex, it can get up to about 36-40°C (97-104°F.)

No dash lights have come on indicating any problems.

Haven't had an issue on the highway. Once on, I set my cruise for 115-120kph (70-75mph) and, if I pass someone, it shifts from OD to 3rd no problem, accelerates past them, and then shifts back to OD once set speed is resumed.

I'm due for a tranny fluid change in Aug but the oil is clear and no smell. Last change was in Jan 2009 and I've put 8000km (5000 miles) on the D.

 

[qwassy111]

I'm due for a tranny fluid change in Aug but the oil is clear and no smell. Last change was in Jan 2009 and I've put 8000km (5000 miles) on the D.

It has been said here that you can't tell from the looks or smell of the ATF+4 of it's usefulness. Don't see how you could approaching another change interval. Only needs to be done every 30k miles Max or 15k miles if you do a lot of towing or offroading

 

[98FG59D]

When you say it didn't engage for a while, do you mean in time (until the engine was warmed up) or in road speed (until you were going faster then you'd expect to have to go)?

?tom

I left for work and the motor was cold. Did two stops within 1 mile, still no OD (before all this started, even when cold, it'd shift into OD.) When it did engage, it was at a higher RPM than normal. Stopped and turned a corner then went about 3 blocks and it was again at a higher RPM than normal when it shifted into OD. The motor was still cold when it did engage. If I remember right, people used to say that the tranny had to be a certain temp before OD would work. It's not that way with mine. Only in the winter, i.e. below zero or so, does my tranny ever "wait" to engage OD.

 

[Zeeman28a]

I'm due for a tranny fluid change in Aug but the oil is clear and no smell. Last change was in Jan 2009 and I've put 8000km (5000 miles) on the D.

It has been said here that you can't tell from the looks or smell of the ATF+4 of it's usefulness. Don't see how you could approaching another change interval. Only needs to be done every 30k miles Max or 15k miles if you do a lot of towing or offroading

I don't tow anything except maybe once a year when I'm helping a friend or a friend of a friend move. Usually less than 1000lbs. And I don't do any off roading.

The tranny fluid is that pinkish/purplish color, doesn't feel rough, has the usual tranny oil odor and no metal filings (I verified that with a magnet.)

Fluid Changes:
Every 2000km rad flush
Every 5000km oil/filter
Every 8000km tranny oil/filter
Every 25000km, differential and transfer case

About 80% of my driving is in the city with lots of stop and go traffic and lots of idling at lights. I do count that as wear and tear. I probably do it more than necessary, but I've gotten into the habit of preventative maintenance with all my vehicles? or so I thought.

Not sure what's going on with the tranny or the AWD system right now but just wanted to highlight the fact that I'm having a similar issue. Don't mean to hijack this thread, but we have a common enemy.

 

[98FG59D]

My wife drove it today and had no issues. Said she was running 1800RPM at 60 which means OD was working. So this is intermittant. I'm going to drive it to work tomorrow and see if I can't get more info.

 

[98FG59D]

Well I have been driving it for a couple weeks now and no issues. Even took it 100 miles from home, OD worked fine. Even spent the last 15miles in heavy stop and go traffic. I guess I'm stumped till something actually fails?