Hello all. I own a 97 1500 4x4 that started life with a 318.I came across a 98 1500 4x4 that had side collision damage and a 360. I had removed the 318 and trans and had the 360 and transmission installed as one piece. I did save the computer an VIN from the wrecked truck. Since the change over, my truck had not shift properly. I took it to a transmission shop, had it rebuilt but it still is not right. The shop said the computer is not talking to the transmission. I own the fact that I was ignorant to the changes between the 97/98 transmission. Any ideas what needs to be done so I can go back to enjoying my truck? I really miss driving her

 

Which computer are you using? Which T-case are you using? In 97, the VSS was on the tailshaft of the t-case, in 98, that went away, and the PCM used the rear wheel speed sensor instead. If you are using the 97 PCM, then I bet your speedo doesn't work..... and if the PCM doesn't know how fast you are going, it doesn't know what to do with the trans either.

If you are using the 98 PCM..... the way things worked changed DRAMATICALLY, and the 97 harness, and 98 pcm will not work together.

I *think* if you use the 97 t-case, and computer, everything should play nice together, just need the PCM flashed for the larger engine.... I think.....

Welcome to DF!

 

The pcm was flashed to accommodate the 360. The t-case is from the 97 and has the VSS. The speedometer does in fact work. Fluid level is good. Truck will not upshift on it's own and will not go past second gear. And that is with manual shifting and playing with the throttle. Since the rebuild, I haven't been able to drive her. This is truly aggravating and disheartening. Thanks for the input though

 

Might try unplugging the 8 pin connector on the trans, and take it for a drive. You won't have any automatic function at all, no TCC or O/D either. Gotta shift manually. See if it will go into the gear you tell it to, when you tell it to.

Check engine light on??

Also, did the 98 trans have the provisions to mount the t-case shifter??

 

Ok, so I unplugged the 8 pin and took her for a ride. Even on the manual shift, the truck did not respond to the manual commands. First to second when cold, and that was it. After warming up, no second. And that is on the manual shift. And yes the 98 trans does have the linkage provision, shifts into 4wheel drive,and does work as it should. Thanks again for the follow up

 

Who rebuilt the trans? You have a mechanical problem there somewhere.

 

325 transmission in West Palm Beach, Florida. I had initially brought it in for a leaking front seal and I had lost reverse. Had it rebuilt and got it back three days later. Upon pick up I noticed it would not downshift on it's own. And would not go into overdrive. Told them it wasn't shifting right and was told to drive it around for a bit. I did and it was still the same. I brought it back and was made to wait 32 days before it was looked at again. Finally got it back and nothing is fixed. They then put it on a scanner and told me the problem was with the computer. Before the seal leak and reverse failure, I had no problems with the set up. I'm not a tranny guy and don't know what I'm looking at when looking at them but I'm going to bring it to another shop and see what their findings are. Figured it was something they did.....

 

Interesting. Did the transmission shop provide any codes as to what made them think it was a PCM issue? Also, when you took the transmission in for the rebuild, did the shop remove and re-install the transmission in the truck? I ask, as many shops only want to do a transmission rebuild job from end to end so that there is no finger-pointing.

As HeyYou mentioned, it really sounds like a mechanical issue. That shop needs to address the issue or provide some compensation in return for not fixing the issue, especially if they pulled the transmission, rebuilt it and re-installed the transmission into the truck.

 

If it won't go into third with the electronics disabled, it isn't a computer problem.

 

The shop did not provide a code. They had put it on the scanner and said that power was not getting to the transmission. And yes, it was a complete rebuild. They put to he truck on the lift, and tore it down. I did see it out of the truck. In all honesty, I have no interest in sending it back over there. Probably wouldn't get it back for 60 days this time and that is with a two year warranty.....