Trans/ torque converter issue

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Spitfire2717

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Hey, yall, done a lot of research and really can’t find an answer or solution to what’s going on.

What’s happening: torque converter repeatedly unlocks, then locks again, doesn’t matter the speed, trans temp, or outside temp. Trans will also downshift randomly, while driving steadily (almost as if more throttle was given) and hang in gear before shifting sometimes.

What I’ve tried: I have a bi directional scanner, and looked through every sensor I could think of, pedal, throttle body, etc. and found no issues anywhere. I tried throttle body, and pedal, with no avail. I can hook up my laptop, or scanner and both show and confirm it’s going between locking, slipping, and unlocked. Truck is tuned (hp tuners) I tried removing the tune completely and using stock tune to no avail as well.

Maintenance that’s been done: bought the truck with 169k on it, with an and motor. Had a shop just do the motor because I got a really good deal. Don’t oil changes every 4-5k. Did trans service about 8k ago just changed filters and fluid.

It’s a 2013 ram 1500 5.7L 6sp 65rfe. Laramie if that matters.

Is it the torque converter that’s going out? Or is there something else I’m over looking?
I really appreciate you’r time if you’ve made it this far, and apologize if this wasn’t put in the right forum
 
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Spitfire2717

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Try driving with MDS off hit the + and - on the shifter til it says 6 then drive If this fixes it tune out MDS it does not age well.
Forgot to put that in post, mds was deleted when the motor was done last January.
 

Burla

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You can drive in tow haul and test that. Does this help it at all.

The rfe is known for cross leaking, and is an easier fix and can fix a lot of these type issues. You don't have typical tc symptoms, so see if you can increase fluid psi and see if this is actually the issue. Have you checked the fluid level? Might want to consider a valve body, they are a known issue and if it is original then it has lived it's lifespan. It is an easy dyi item compared to tc. You will want to replace solenoid pack as well.
 

Burla

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Ask ai the question is what I say is plausible.. If you end up changing the tc anyhow, then you will also have new brains behind it.

Yes, a faulty valve body can definitely contribute to torque converter issues, as the valve body controls the torque converter clutch solenoid, which is responsible for locking and unlocking the torque converter; if the solenoid malfunctions due to a problem with the valve body, it can lead to improper torque converter operation and potential damage to the converter itself.

Key points to remember:
  • Valve body controls the torque converter clutch:
    The valve body houses the solenoid that activates the torque converter clutch, which is crucial for efficient transmission operation.

  • Malfunctioning solenoid:
    If the solenoid within the valve body sticks or doesn't function properly, it can cause the torque converter clutch to engage or disengage at the wrong times, leading to wear and tear on the converter.
 
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Spitfire2717

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You can drive in tow haul and test that. Does this help it at all.

The rfe is known for cross leaking, and is an easier fix and can fix a lot of these type issues. You don't have typical tc symptoms, so see if you can increase fluid psi and see if this is actually the issue. Have you checked the fluid level? Might want to consider a valve body, they are a known issue and if it is original then it has lived it's lifespan. It is an easy dyi item compared to tc. You will want to replace solenoid pack as well.
Tow haul does nothing. Fluid level is good, and how should I go about changing the pressure? I should just be able to adjust it in the tune. And I don’t think it’s original, looked like it had been replaced
 
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Spitfire2717

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Ask ai the question is what I say is plausible.. If you end up changing the tc anyhow, then you will also have new brains behind it.

Yes, a faulty valve body can definitely contribute to torque converter issues, as the valve body controls the torque converter clutch solenoid, which is responsible for locking and unlocking the torque converter; if the solenoid malfunctions due to a problem with the valve body, it can lead to improper torque converter operation and potential damage to the converter itself.

Key points to remember:
  • Valve body controls the torque converter clutch:
    The valve body houses the solenoid that activates the torque converter clutch, which is crucial for efficient transmission operation.

  • Malfunctioning solenoid:
    If the solenoid within the valve body sticks or doesn't function properly, it can cause the torque converter clutch to engage or disengage at the wrong times, leading to wear and tear on the converter.
Yeah, is there anyway of testing that sort of thing without tearing it apart before I have to tear it apart and fix it? This is my only vehicle, so options are limited.
 

Burla

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If it is leaking a replacement VB would increase psi. There is a doohikie that someone sells plug and play I bet you know it, boosts it 15psi or so safely cheaply, I think sonax. Yes tune, but if you use a tune to boost psi you need to have a built VB to accept the psi. Plate or gasket upgrade and all of the fixings that come in the kit, pistons, accumulator plate and piston, seals and partridge in a pair tree or whatever comes in your kit. A VB is like an hour or two and maybe 2 star job outta 5, quick learn or flash might be needed though.
 
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Spitfire2717

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If it is leaking a replacement VB would increase psi. There is a doohikie that someone sells plug and play I bet you know it, boosts it 15psi or so safely cheaply, I think sonax. Yes tune, but if you use a tune to boost psi you need to have a built VB to accept the psi. Plate or gasket upgrade and all of the fixings that come in the kit, pistons, accumulator plate and piston, seals and partridge in a pair tree or whatever comes in your kit. A VB is like an hour or two and maybe 2 star job outta 5, quick learn or flash might be needed though.
Yeah I’ve seen it, and that isn’t exactly implausible, I boosted the pressure a little in the tune, and it did seam to have a positive effect. And monitoring line pressure, it does bounce around a measurable amount. And occasionally will jump up 50psi above desired when it doesn’t shift/downshifts
 

Burla

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rams have had some good reviews on the sonnax, read reviews.

Like you are saying, it is your daily, so the stuff I said keeps you in play and will be needed with a tc anyhow if it ends there, just saying.
 
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Spitfire2717

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rams have had some good reviews on the sonnax, read reviews.

Like you are saying, it is your daily, so the stuff I said keeps you in play and will be needed with a tc anyhow if it ends there, just saying.
Would I just be able to replace the VB and seals and stuff and not have any issues with it? Not wanting to cause any more problems with it, but also not wanting to have to pull the trans for a torque converter replacement
 

Burla

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If you do the work with a kit, it is a little more work, but a monkey could install a VB. Like I said, they main thing would needing a flash or relearn, probably happens more often then not this is the case. Hopefully someone with knowledge on alpha will tell you if you can do all this with alpha if you don't know. wild one or crash 68 ask around if alpha can flash VB. I am 99% sure it can relearn, and I believe it can pull a pin, but I never used it or needed it. I always figured when I need it I will buy it, lol. I think which year of truck also effects this.
 
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Spitfire2717

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If you do the work with a kit, it is a little more work, but a monkey could install a VB. Like I said, they main thing would needing a flash or relearn, probably happens more often then not this is the case. Hopefully someone with knowledge on alpha will tell you if you can do all this with alpha if you don't know. wild one or crash 68 ask around if alpha can flash VB. I am 99% sure it can relearn, and I believe it can pull a pin, but I never used it or needed it. I always figured when I need it I will buy it, lol. I think which year of truck also effects this.
Ah ok, if not I do have a proper bi directional scanner. And alfa. And check sonnax for the parts? Should I replace the solenoids as well? Want to fix it cheap, but not leave stuff out that’s important. But if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.
 

Burla

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well, yeah if it ends up being the tc, then not replacing those items that potentially are 170k miles old is risking the new tc, plus not doing them takes out any chance of potentially fixing the issue, and those items are known issues with the rfe. Mind you tc is the big enchilada because you need to drop the trans and replace rear main seal., these items are the chips and salsa before the meal. So my personal opinion, this is doing on the cheap as you aren't rebuilding the trans, just replacing the known weaknesses. Maybe someone else can give you a % that these items might fix your issue. Of course my point is it is needed anyhow, if you drop tranny it just needs to also include VB and solenoid pack, well worth it. I have no idea, but maybe see lubegard page if even they make a cheaper potential fix with an additive.
 
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Spitfire2717

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well, yeah if it ends up being the tc, then not replacing those items that potentially are 170k miles old is risking the new tc, plus not doing them takes out any chance of potentially fixing the issue, and those items are known issues with the rfe. Mind you tc is the big enchilada because you need to drop the trans and replace rear main seal., these items are the chips and salsa before the meal. So my personal opinion, this is doing on the cheap as you aren't rebuilding the trans, just replacing the known weaknesses. Maybe someone else can give you a % that these items might fix your issue.
Ah ok that makes sense. Thank you a lot. Would it be best to replace the solenoid pack as well? Or reuse the old one?
 

Burla

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solenoid pack and VB should be maintenance item imo, every 100k.

good watch..

 
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Spitfire2717

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Hemi395

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Looks like you guys have this covered lol I've been messaging with the OP on FB for a couple days and this is exactly where we ended up
 
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