Socha_62,
Thank you, also, for the advice. I had read else where about the Throttle Positioning Sensor and wondered about it as well. I picked up some vacuum check valves (not installed yet)today. Next week I plan to schedule my trans work BTW Wayne C, I have not had the chance to read the code yet. Really curious about what that is all about. Socha, would the TPS throw an alert code?

You guys are great. I really appreciate your expertise

 

Hey Socha,

I just put a Fastman TB on yesterday and my bolts were #25 torx, not phillips. Are older models different? I've about had it purchasing all this metric, torx, hex crap for relatively simple repairs. By the time I acquire everything, the nextvehicle will probably be allSAE.[&:]

 

Actually it is torx, your right. Thanks for correcting it Its been quite a while since I had my TB off and cleaned it!

And yes the TPS can throw a code is the voltage values get out of the specified ranges. Normally is seems that the TPS is malfunctioning but within normal range, so the TCC locks and unlocks but throws no CEL.

 

Wayne C,

Took my ram by the tranny shop today. Tech checked it out, found nothing wrong with the trans. No slippage, fluid was good. After all the checks he test drove it and found that it did surge on cruise control but did not drop out of OD. I didn't expect it to since it was pulling the trailer. He hooked it up to the machine and found the error code to be a fault with the evaporative system. Rest the alert, engine light went out and has not returned. I asked about a fluid change and flush. He said fluid change was okay, although he didn't see anything wrong with my fluid. he also said, definitely not a flush unless I wanted serious OD problems. I am back to the check valves and TPS.

 

Socha_62,
I bought a couple of universal check valves at NAPA. They had the wrong outlet sizes, so I didn't want to "gerry-rig" the hoses to make them fit. I feel each joint is just another potential for a leak. I will go to the Dodge dealertomorrow and try for the OEM valves. If the solves the problem, great. If not, I will be on to the TPS the following day. Again, thanks for your input. All these comments helped a lot while at the trans shop today. I was somewhat knowledgeable when discussing the issues with the tech and he could see I wasn't a complete dunce and tell me anything.

 

Sounds like, as mentioned above, you need to replace the tps. Also keep in mind, if you are towing any weight at a speedbetween 50-65mph in od w/ 3.55 gears you have very little engine vacuum to spare.

 

The load pulling the trailer is basically trailer weight only. I haul remote control aircraft using the same route every weekend (practically). I guess my main cocern is that I had not experienced the OD, HVAC, or Cruise Control issue until about a month ago. The last time out it was especially bad. May have had a bad head wind, I don't remember.

 

The pre-bent vac line under the battery has gotten several. Cracks enough to leak and loose vac. What RPM are you running while towing. As stated above, if it's just above idle to 1600 the cruise will have a hard time staying constant. The motor is getting older too.

Oh yea. Welcome.........

 

Please don't fall into the trap of replacing things without TESTING them 1st (TPS). If you have one, hook up a ohm meter (anolog is best for this) to the terminals and move the throttle plate slowly and watch the reading. If it stumbles or jumps then the TPS is bad. It should be a smooth transition between closed and WOT.
I don't get the flush issue at all. Every year since new I have done a fluid/filter change before towing/camping season and at 30 and 60K miles ran Sea Foam Trans flush through the system and done a complete drain ('cept for the TC) and never a problem. Plan to do it again at 90K. Don't know why that would mess with your OD. Can you explain? Did the shop?
WC

 

BTW, do you recall the code the shop pulled from the truck? Many times with the evap. system it needs to run throug a complete warm up cycle more than once. Don't be surprised it the engine light returns. If it is an evap. leak (its also a vacuum leak) and that could be some of your trouble.
And good call on the OEM check valve(s). More joints = more potential leaks.
WC