2000 ram 1500 rpm's bounce up/down at 55mph help plz

[netmech]

Ok i got a 2000 dodge ram 1500 with 80,000 miles on it. its a 2wd with 5.2 engine. When cruising at about 55 mph the rpms will bounce up and down a few hundred rpms.. any ideas guys ?

[HEMIDAZE]

Not too uncommon for Dodges. This is the torque converter clutch kicking in and out. It is based on current driving conditions and can't decide if it should lock or not. A slight press on the gas pedal will stop it.

[netmech]

Oh... it is just a little annoying.. no way of fixing it ? is it harming anything ?

[HEMIDAZE]

I haven't found any yet. Mine only does it when I am in cruise control, OD locked out, cresting a hill while towing my 6000 lb camper. So basically its about 3 times a year for me. I think I read somewhere a while back that there is a kit you can buy that holds the lock once it is engaged until you get below a certain speed but I don't remember who had it. I usually just bump my cruise a couple of MPH. It's a lot cheaper. I complained to my dealer and he said he wants to take a ride to witness it. Yea I'm sure he will take a 300 mile round trip to central KY with me just to be there when it happens. You would think they could reprogram the parameteters to solve it pretty easily, like hold the lock until the strain is greater.

[NyGregg]

I have a 2000 Sport quad with the 5.2 and 46RE tranny with the same problem. I've been to MULTIPLE quality shops for diagnosis with each telling me a different answer.
Basically, it's the torque converter. They use a Lock-up converter in these. I've spoken to other local owners with the same problems who have gotten it repaired after much chasing. The torque converter slips, the computer doesn't read the slip because it falls between the lock-up and lock-out rpm. It thinks it's functioning properly. To repair it, you MUST use a FACTORY Dodge lock-up converter. Aftermarket or shop rebuilds don't work. The problem will persist. Also a cheap and simple item that should be done is there is a plate in the trans in the valve body that you can either drill out to a specified diameter or buy the replacement plate from the dealer. What this doesis increase the fluid pressure to the front pump and aids the converter. the part is about $2.00; with labor, a shop will charge about $250.00 total. Good luck and watch out for your steering box leaking at the pitman arm. You will need a complete rebuilt box.

[samdodge]

Originally Posted by HEMIDAZE

I haven't found any yet. Mine only does it when I am in cruise control, OD locked out, cresting a hill while towing my 6000 lb camper. So basically its about 3 times a year for me. I think I read somewhere a while back that there is a kit you can buy that holds the lock once it is engaged until you get below a certain speed but I don't remember who had it. I usually just bump my cruise a couple of MPH. It's a lot cheaper. I complained to my dealer and he said he wants to take a ride to witness it. Yea I'm sure he will take a 300 mile round trip to central KY with me just to be there when it happens. You would think they could reprogram the parameteters to solve it pretty easily, like hold the lock until the strain is greater.

I have had this problem with my 1999 Dodge Diesel for a couple of years. I clean the connector on the firewall on the drivers side occasionally and it fixes the problem for a little whilel.

[scoutinkeith]

I know this is a little late, but I had the same problem with a 99 ram that I used to have.
the isue on mine turned out to be the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor).
the output voltage from the TPS was fluctuating, even wile holding a steady speed. this fluctuation in voltage was causing the computer to "think" I was applying throttle, which caused the computer to send a signal to the trans to unlock the torque convertor.

before I discovered the info about the TPS, I too thought the problem was with the transmission, and had taken the truck to multiple shops, only to have them all tell me that the trans was fine.