Torque converter shudder and warranty?

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Intense-Dakota

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I have a 2017 Rebel (5.7, 4x4) with 90K miles on the clock and my truck has started to do what I feel like is the torque converter shudder. When going up a grade at a constant 45-50mph, it feels like I'm riding on a washboard or rumble strips. At 65-75 I am also getting driveline vibrations, but only slightly noticable. My question is two fold. Can I test this the old school way of pressing the brake or will that not work on the newer 8 speeds, and also has anyone had experience with warranties and this? I have an extended bumper to bumper warranty that expires in March, but when I had it in to the stealership about a month ago, they wanted to just do a fluid exchange on my dime ($3-400) instead of replacing the torque converter. I only tow a 1500-2000lb camper a few times a year, but otherwise never tow or haul anything. I would think TC replacement is in order which would be covered by warranty and also the fluid change at that time as part of the repair. Your thoughts?
 

ramffml

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I didn't know this was even a thing with the 8 speeds. Are you sure a simple fluid change won't fix it?
 
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Intense-Dakota

Intense-Dakota

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I'm not sure either. Just don't want to throw $300+ at the problem (fluid change) just to have the torque converter fail 2 months after the warranty ends.
 

JJRR

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My manual says nothing about fluid change on the 8-speed, it does on the 6-speed tho. Mine is a 2014 Ran 1500 with a lifetime warranty. I checked with my service manager to be sure and he agreed, nothing was mentioned in the manual about changing the fluid.
 

Daw14

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My manual says nothing about fluid change on the 8-speed, it does on the 6-speed tho. Mine is a 2014 Ran 1500 with a lifetime warranty. I checked with my service manager to be sure and he agreed, nothing was mentioned in the manual about changing the fluid.
Check with Zf the transmission manufacturer , their recommendations are fluid and filter at 60,000 miles . Dealers lie very often ,and your transmission may last a lifetime, however the manufacturer designed the piece and probably knows more about their product then ram ,who wants to sell you a new truck every few years .
 

A_mod_too_far

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I think you need to have it diagnosed by a shop that can test drive it with a scantool hooked up to watch the TC and make sure its operating within specifications or not before going too far down a rabbit hole of speculations

Requesting a TC replacement doesnt seem reasonable without a code or any concrete evidence. What if its just bad tires or something? Like how do we jump to Tc failure?
 

bigdodge

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Check your driveshaft. You could lose some balancing weights that may cause some vibrations
 

indept

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Check your driveshaft. You could lose some balancing weights that may cause some vibrations
^^^ This^^^
Not as much for missing weights which is rare but check the U-joints for rust around the 4 needle bearing cups. If there's rust the joint is probably shot. When the needle bearings go they dig little ruts in the U-joints which can cause vibration exactly like an out of balance tire and will cause vibration under load.
 

indept

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Check with Zf the transmission manufacturer , their recommendations are fluid and filter at 60,000 miles . Dealers lie very often ,and your transmission may last a lifetime, however the manufacturer designed the piece and probably knows more about their product then ram ,who wants to sell you a new truck every few years .
It will last a lifetime without an oil change, see definition below:

life·time
/ˈlīfˌtīm/,
Lifetime ends the day after the warranty expires.:deal:

:D
 

Wild one

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My manual says nothing about fluid change on the 8-speed, it does on the 6-speed tho. Mine is a 2014 Ran 1500 with a lifetime warranty. I checked with my service manager to be sure and he agreed, nothing was mentioned in the manual about changing the fluid.
First paragraph might interest you,reconmended service interval is 100,000 kms (62,500 miles) or 8 years which ever comes first


These are the factory instructions for checking the level on the trucks,the first paragraph is important,as you have to jack the truck up in the air a fair bit to level the pan rail.These are the instructions that come with a "brand new" 8 speed when bought from the dealer.
 

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huntergreen

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My manual says nothing about fluid change on the 8-speed, it does on the 6-speed tho. Mine is a 2014 Ran 1500 with a lifetime warranty. I checked with my service manager to be sure and he agreed, nothing was mentioned in the manual about changing the fluid.
My 16 clearly states lifetime fill.
 

pacofortacos

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Mopar Maxcare service contract thinks it is a lifetime fill also as there is now service interval in the owner's manual for the 8 speed.
However, they aren't going to change a converter without a code either.
SO, where does that leave you? Depends on if you are going to keep the truck for several more years or not.
If you are, you have 2 choices.
A. change the fluid and/or filter now.
B. leave it alone and hope it either fails or does no more damage between now and the service agreement expiration date - and change the fluid after that point if failure doesn't occur.
 

Jeepwalker

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What makes you think it's the T/C? It could be a few things.

You really need to have it professionally looked at. Have the best tranny guy at the dealer look at it. Find out in advance who the tranny guy at the dealership is ..and make sure they're going to be working on your truck the day you take it in. You don't want their mediocre guy working on it ..get thier most advanced tech. And if they don't come up with anything, take it to a tranny shop. See if their opinions match. There is a whole troubleshooting procedure in the service manual. That includes taking pressures too. It could well be something simple and inexpensive. (fingers crossed)
 
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