Hello,

My dad has a 95 1500 Ram with the 3.9 V6/42RH combo (4X2).

The trans shifts and operates perfectly, but he started having problems with it stalling in drive-thrus and stop sign/lights. From my research, this is a classic case of a bad torque converter. I checked for DTC's and I get the "55" pass code. Engine runs and operates perfectly. I will need to pull the trans soon to replace the TC and I would like to ask if there is a specific brand TC I should get, or budget-friendly upgrades. The trans fluid is not as red as I would like to see, but it isn't brown and doesn't smell burnt. I *think* I got him to stop driving it before he did any serious damage to the trans but we'll see. What are some things I should be looking at while I have the trans out (other than the obvious: excessive shavings, chunks of metal, etc)? I understand that if there is damage to the trans it will have to be repaired, but i'm hopeful it is in reasonably good condition. The truck has about 112,000 miles on it, and has not and will not do any significant towing, or other heavy-lifting. This is a commuter vehicle that carries a few tools around to service rental properties. I appreciate any suggestions, recommendations, or reality checks....lol

PS: I checked through the "stickies" and other related posts, but there isn't as much data on the 42RH as the V8 options.

 

I would take a long hard look at the TCC solenoid before dropping the trans. The symptoms you describe point to a failed unit...... or a shorted circuit....

 

OK, i'll check into that, I assume it's in the valve body. Wouldn't a faulty solinoid generate a trouble code though? I'm new to Dodge, but Fords can generate DTC's when there is a problem with a solinoid in the trans (usually). I also heard that there is a removable inspection plate on the 42RH that allows you to check the torque converter. What should I be looking for, swelling, scoring, etc? I appreciate the help.

 

You can maybe pull a plate and see the outside of the TC, but, that is never very informative.... by the time it becomes visible on casual inspection, you are WAY past "easy fix" stage.....

Solenoid won't necessarily set a code. PCM only whines if the RPM doesn't drop when it engages, I am not entirely sure if it even CARES if it releases or not.

TCC solenoid was a common problem on 4L60's too..... (and MANY GM front drive cars.)

 

LOL I think I allready replaced one of those in my mom's Eldo. It was a 4Lsomthing, but wasn't a big deal to change if you pay attention to detail. I appreciate the suggestions and i'll look into what you said. I'll probably have a question or two more once I gather some more data.

 

My truck started doing the exact same thing a few weeks after I bought it, along with a strange ticking noise. Thought I was going to be replacing TC. Turned out to be the Crank Pos Sensor believe it or not.

 

I've been looking around on the internet and under the truck trying to figure out if there is anyway to prove its a bad TCC/OD solenoid without dropping the pan and VB.

With the key ON engine OFF I get a little over 9v between the orange and green wires in the three pin connector at the transmission (unplugged). I get nothing between the green and black (maybe brown) wire. I also noticed a strange whinning noise coming from the PCM when the key is in RUN. Can anyone tell me if i'm on the right track, or if there is anything in particular I should be checking for. I have a Haynes manual and an Alldata account for this truck but it doesn't give me much info about the TCC circuit.

 

If it does not stall when in neutral also, then there is nothing wrong with the TC.

 

Thanks, I hadn't considered that. Should I just rev the engine with it in neutral, or drive it around and shift into neutral before coming to a stop. Of course now that i'm ready to fix it the problem has become more infrequent....lol. I was hoping to verify that that all the signals and voltages the TCC and OD solinoids need are are at least getting to the transmission. Any idea why the PCM would be making a whinning noise?

I'd just rather not drop the pan and change the solenoids, refill the transmission with 60 bucks worth of fresh ATF, and find out that wasn't the problem and have to drain it all over again.

 

Well this most likely won't help as it's for an RE tranny and your's is an RH, but might as well give it read. http://www.socaldieseltrucks.com/for...roubleshooting