tranny noise

Hey everyone,
I know that there are a lot of posts about tranny noises, but I couldn't find anything already adddressed that sounded quite like my problem. I have a 2001 Ram 1500 2WD. When I am driving and have no accelleration, positive or negative, and the truck shifts into overdrive it sounds and feels as though I am driving over "rumble strips" . It is just like driving on the side of the interstate where they pour the strips of tar to wake up wayward drivers. If I press or release the accelerator it stops. This seems to be occurring more frequently. Any suggestions?

There should be 2 possible reasons.
1. Engine missfire
2. Torque converter clutch chatter

I would most likely say its #2 by the way you describe it. Actually, you describe it very well. You've been driving on the side of the interstate alot, haven't you? LOL. :) Just kidding...

Anyways, I'm not trying to make fun of your position. Its just, usually I hear "like driving up a dirt road with washbaords on it" statement.

Something is going on with the torque converter clutch. When you press or release the throttle(Know as tip-in or tip-out) this dissengages the torque converter clutch(TCC). Thats why it stops making the noise.

Theres a whole lot of reasons why this happens. Mainly, from whats going around in the tranny world is, not enough TCC apply pressure. Now, this is just a diagnostic across the net, so I could be a million miles off, but...


Are you towing much or hauling stuff? How many miles on rig?

There should be 2 possible reasons.
1. Engine missfire
2. Torque converter clutch chatter

I would most likely say its #2 by the way you describe it. Actually, you describe it very well. You've been driving on the side of the interstate alot, haven't you? LOL. :) Just kidding...

Anyways, I'm not trying to make fun of your position. Its just, usually I hear "like driving up a dirt road with washbaords on it" statement.

Something is going on with the torque converter clutch. When you press or release the throttle(Know as tip-in or tip-out) this dissengages the torque converter clutch(TCC). Thats why it stops making the noise.

Theres a whole lot of reasons why this happens. Mainly, from whats going around in the tranny world is, not enough TCC apply pressure. Now, this is just a diagnostic across the net, so I could be a million miles off, but...


Are you towing much or hauling stuff? How many miles on rig?

#2 sounds like a good candidate. I have close to 80,000 miles on it. I used to use my truck to haul frequently when I was in business as a home improvement contractor. Haven't carried much other than the kids for the last 20,000 miles or so. Thanks for the tip. Any guess as to cost to replace/ repair? PS. I used to drive tractor trailers over the road, so yes I have much experience dosing off and riding over rumble strips. Makes ya feel safe out there don't it? :naughty:

The converter clutch fails because there isn't enough oil pressure being directed at it. What i'm saying is, the TCC is just the effect, the cause is in the valve body. They make the converter clutch apply so it won't discomfort the driver. At the same time, when you put a load on it, it still has a comfort(soft) apply. Its actually slipping into engagement.

With this being said. You can either replace the torque converter every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

Or replace converter and have someone recalibrate the valve body. So it almost actually feels rough(Firm) as the TCC engages. This way more oil pressure is being directed at it.

Then one other thing I must mention. Most shops will not recalibrate a valve body without going through the whole transmission.

Hope this little info helps...

This is the EXACT same problem my husband & I are experiencing with our newly-bought 1998 1500 RAM 5.9L. We got a 12 month warrenty. Do you think this is something that would be covered under warrenty? (says it gives $1000 towards transmission).