A/T Converter Clutch - Harsh Engagement
NUMBER: 21-10-00GROUP: Transmission
DATE: September 15, 2000
SUBJECT:
47RE Harsh Engagement When The Torque Converter Clutch Is Applied
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves the replacement of the transmission valve body upper housing separator plate.
MODELS:
2000 - 2001 (BR/BE) Ram Truck
NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.0L GASOLINE ENGINE AND A 47RE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BUILT BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 15, 1999 TO AUGUST 14, 2000 (MDH 0915XX TO 0814XX).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The customer may complain that their transmission exhibits a harsh engagement. This harsh engagement will occur when the transmission is in or enters 3rd gear or overdrive (O/D). The customer may not be able to determine whether the harsh engagement is the result of a gearshift or is the result of a torque converter clutch (TCC) engagement.
DIAGNOSIS:
The technician must determine if the harsh engagement is the result of the transmission torque converter clutch engagement. The following steps are recommended.
1. Verify that the transmission fluid level is correct and that the transmission throttle cable is properly adjusted.
2. Drive the vehicle at a constant speed between 28 to 31 KM/H (45 to 50 MPH).
NOTE:
THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE DRIVEN IN A SAFE AREA AND IN A SAFE MANNER WHILE PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING DIAGNOSTIC TEST. OBSERVE ALL SPEED LIMITS.
3. Make sure that the transmission is in O/D and the TCC is locked-up. If necessary, the DRB III(R) may be used to create a custom monitor to display the needed transmission states.
4. While maintaining a constant speed, lift your foot off of the accelerator pedal and then reapply the accelerator pedal, but with a deeper (wider) throttle position while still maintaining O/D. The transmission should not be allowed to shift out of O/D during this maneuver, but the maneuver should cause the TCC to temporarily disengage.
5. Allow the vehicle to accelerate until TCC engagement occurs.
Note:
If the TCC engagement is harsh.
6. Steps 2 though 5 may need to be repeated several times to verify TCC engagement.
7. If a harsh engagement is noted during TCC lock-up, then perform the Repair Procedure.
8. If a harsh engagement is not observed during TCC engagement, or if a harsh engagement occurs during the 2-3 or the 3-O/D shift, the additional diagnosis is required.
PARTS REQUIRED
1. Inspect the new separator plate p/n 52118048AB. The correct plate will have a 3 mm (0.118 inch) wide slot at the torque converter clutch lock-up vent circuit (Figure 1).
NOTE:
VERIFY THAT THE SLOT SHOWN IN FIGURE 1 IS APPROXIMATELY 3 MM (0.118 IN.) WIDE. THE SEPARATOR PLATE IS INCORRECT IF THE SLOT IS APPROXIMATELY 12 MM WIDE.
2. Clean the separator plate to remove any dirt or rust inhibitor prior to installation.
3. Replace the transmission valve body upper housing separator plate and the transmission oil pan gasket (p/n 05012978M). Refer to the appropriate year Service Manual, Group 21 - Transmission and Transfer Case for removal and installation instructions for the transmission valve body and its upper housing separator plate.
4. Verify fluid level after warming up the transmission and cycling the shift lever several times.
5. Verify, and if required, adjust the transmission shift linkage and the transmission throttle valve cable per the appropriate Service Manual procedures.
POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
FAILURE CODE: P8 - New Part