Failing torque converter?
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Failing torque converter?
I have a '97 Expy 5.4 with just over 100K miles on her. Lately the transmission felt like it was disengaging and re-engaging when I would step on or release the throttle.
I took it in to the Dealership and they said last night the codes stated that the Torque converter was failing.
Today they called and told me that they had to do a new software load on the transmission and it had to set from 6-8 hours. Tomorrow they will be able to check it again and see if that fixed it or not.
I don't feel totally comfortable with this answer. I know this list has helped me many times and I was hoping to get an answer for this.
Does this sound correct? What other questions should I be asking the dealer?
Any other information I should know about.
Thanks in advance for the help!
I took it in to the Dealership and they said last night the codes stated that the Torque converter was failing.
Today they called and told me that they had to do a new software load on the transmission and it had to set from 6-8 hours. Tomorrow they will be able to check it again and see if that fixed it or not.
I don't feel totally comfortable with this answer. I know this list has helped me many times and I was hoping to get an answer for this.
Does this sound correct? What other questions should I be asking the dealer?
Any other information I should know about.
Thanks in advance for the help!
Postmaster
Joined: May 2002
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From: Annapolis, Maryland
Grey169-
That sounds a little odd to me. Seeing as how there's no way for the average joe to introduce changes in the software, so what would've caused a change?
I'm going to go ahead and move this thread to the Transmission forum - those guys are bit more familiar with the ins and outs on these transmissions. If you object, have Boss_358 (Transmission forum moderator) move it back here.
I hope they can help you sort this out!
Please let us know how it turns out.
XXL
That sounds a little odd to me. Seeing as how there's no way for the average joe to introduce changes in the software, so what would've caused a change?
I'm going to go ahead and move this thread to the Transmission forum - those guys are bit more familiar with the ins and outs on these transmissions. If you object, have Boss_358 (Transmission forum moderator) move it back here.
I hope they can help you sort this out!
Please let us know how it turns out.
XXL
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I think that what they are describing is a download from the factory tech source via modem to the ECM. Sounds odd, but I've gone through this before with GM with my son's 91 Silverado. What they do is connect your vehicle via modem to the factory tech help, then blank out the ECM in your vehicle and then reload the factory software. There's a volume of data that takes a while to load, but I don't know how long it actually takes.
This is usually reserved for troubles that the dealer can't find, oddball driving problems, that sort of thing. The shifting you described sounds like a failing TCC - throttle control solenoid - that locks the converter into OD. It's calibrated through the throttle position sensor. If the operating parameters of the TPS get weird, then the shifting gets weird too. The converter keeps locking and unlocking at a lower speed than is normal, so you really feel that engagement/disengagement. The TCC is in the tranny, the TPS is on the engine. Usually though, these will throw a code that is fairly easy to diagnose. You may want to get more info regarding what the dealer is actually doing. If a sensor or solenoid is failing, new software won't help it.
This is usually reserved for troubles that the dealer can't find, oddball driving problems, that sort of thing. The shifting you described sounds like a failing TCC - throttle control solenoid - that locks the converter into OD. It's calibrated through the throttle position sensor. If the operating parameters of the TPS get weird, then the shifting gets weird too. The converter keeps locking and unlocking at a lower speed than is normal, so you really feel that engagement/disengagement. The TCC is in the tranny, the TPS is on the engine. Usually though, these will throw a code that is fairly easy to diagnose. You may want to get more info regarding what the dealer is actually doing. If a sensor or solenoid is failing, new software won't help it.
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chevdog,
The dealer called me on Thursday and stated--like you said-- that the download didnt' help. His tech team didn't have anyone qualified to work on it so on Monday they are going to have the shop tranny guy take a look at it. I am also going to let them know about what you had stated. It sounds much more reasonable then a simple re-prog of the computer. Thanks for your help and I will keep updates on this link.
The dealer called me on Thursday and stated--like you said-- that the download didnt' help. His tech team didn't have anyone qualified to work on it so on Monday they are going to have the shop tranny guy take a look at it. I am also going to let them know about what you had stated. It sounds much more reasonable then a simple re-prog of the computer. Thanks for your help and I will keep updates on this link.
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Well, The dealer called yesterday and stated that all of the sensors are reporting correctly. Every sensor is showing exactly what it is supposed to be doing. They are now "convinced" that replaced the computer module in the truck will fix it. They believe that the computer processer is not calculating the correct lockout times and that is what is causing the problem. The believe that if the computer is replaced this will be fixed. I am not so sure about this but it is still under warranty so.........
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I just got the truck back. The dealer replaced the computer and the truck is REALLY shifting different. THe shift points feel all wrong and it doesn't seem like the same truck. I do understand that maybe the truck was never shifting right since I have had it but it really doesn't feel right. I just thought that I would post that the computer replacement seems to work.
Thanks for all of the help!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for all of the help!!!!!!!!!!!!
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From: Oklahoma
Grey, Go back to the dealer and test drive several trucks with the same engine/trans. combination that you have, this will give you a better idea if your transmission is shifting right. If it is markedly different have the service manager ride with you so that he can see the problem. If you still cannot get satisfaction call Ford's help line. Did they ever change the torque converter? Good luck
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No... They never touched anything close to the tranny. All they did was a few measurements and readings from several sensors and then replaced the computer. That is a great idea. I will go and take a few for a spin!
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
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From: Annapolis, Maryland
Originally posted by grey169
I just got the truck back. The dealer replaced the computer and the truck is REALLY shifting different. THe shift points feel all wrong and it doesn't seem like the same truck. I do understand that maybe the truck was never shifting right since I have had it but it really doesn't feel right. I just thought that I would post that the computer replacement seems to work.
Thanks for all of the help!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just got the truck back. The dealer replaced the computer and the truck is REALLY shifting different. THe shift points feel all wrong and it doesn't seem like the same truck. I do understand that maybe the truck was never shifting right since I have had it but it really doesn't feel right. I just thought that I would post that the computer replacement seems to work.
Thanks for all of the help!!!!!!!!!!!!
The transmission computer tailors its shifting properties to your driving, so you will notice for the first 500 miles or so that it shifts kind of strangely (I always noticed mine kicking down gears when I let off the gas on the highway. After the computer gets adjusted to my school commute, it behaves itself).
Let us know if this helps!
XXL
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