Trying a new repair shop to help fix Horton's issues. The main question was the OD, they tell me this van has a 3 speed with a torque converter lockup. It also is geared very low, shifts to 2nd at 15mph & 3rd at 25mph. The new shop says the van tranny probably tops out around 70mph. Is this possible??? How am I supposed to cruise down the freeway? They found the idle adjustment arm threads were stripped. It has been idling rough(I may have the terminology wrong on that) & randomly stalling. So other owners, can you tell me if the top speed is around 70 for the three speed?

 

Under light acceleration,
My 1/2 shift is between 10 and 15mph
my 2/3 shift is between 22 and 25
Overdrive will engage at 31 or so under very light/no throttle.
Lock up never occurs before 47 mph.

If My overdrive off button is activated, the engine RPMs are really high at 55 mph and I will not let it go over 60mph in 3rd for any length of time.

Under hard acceleration the 3 to overdrive shift happens at around 65mph.

If my VSS is being tempermental and not giving the ECM a signal meaning no overdrive or lockup, I will not drive over 55. I will pull over, open the hood and give the VSS a flick or 2 with my finger, then continue.
I should really get a new VSS as the interior contacts which the spinning magnet inside opens and closes at least 10 times per revolution, tend to stay together if left together overnight.

I believe in your previous thread, it was determined that you have a 4 speed with the fourth being overdrive, and no lockup torque converter.

If your gearing is like mine then I'd say it would nearly top out the RPMs in third at around 70.

But you have a 4th gear. Whether it is another gear or the torque converter locking, I do not know. A true 3 speed it seems, would be geared taller in third.

Get your mechanics to fix your idle speed actuator motor, and get your van away from them.

Call up a dodge dealer and read them your VIN number. They will tell you what tranny your vehicle came with. Then see if you can find if it has ever been rebuilt or swapped out.

You need a tranny expert, not a general auto mechanic.

And I will still put forth my hypothesis that the previous owner replaced the ECM with an ECM made for a 3 speed, and not a 4. They look identical, except for 1 or 2 numbers printed on the circuit board. It's something easy to cross off the list anyway.

 

FWIW, I have the 36RH tranny, it is a three speed with NO OD or TCC. I have been up just past 80 mph with plenty of pedal left to press. But mine shifts at about 18 to 20 into second and depending on acceleration rate between 30 (normal shift point) to 50 into third. Have seen it hold second up to 60 or 65 mph.

 

Thank you LY. I have the numbers written down that you posted for the ECM. Now I just need to check them. Every mechanic thinks this has a 3 speed with a torque converter lockup. I will find out what tranny it's supposed to have in case someone swapped it out. This shop knew about some typical Dodge issues that I've read on the threads, so I have much more faith in them. They can recommend the best tranny shop, if the idle switch replacement doesn't cure the lack of OD. I know it;s hard to diagnose this without seeing it, but I at least have a really good game plan from your suggestions.

 

MAR,
it's possible someone changed out the original tranny in this B250. It has the OD switch on the left dash. At 75-80 mph the tranny starts to shake & strain so I don't push it any further.

 

Don't know if this will help once you have the info from the dealer about what tranny came in the van. There is identification number group on the right side of the tranny near and below the dipstick tube just above the trans oil pan. The first nine digits should be the part number of the tranny, the next group will be the build date, 4 digits. Then the serial number. You can even give the dealer the trans number and have them tell you what it is.

 

Sound like third gear at its max. Believe you do have an OD type tranny.

 

Okay now I understand why your posted Mileage claims were on the low side, and I retract my leadfoot/ bothfoot comment from months ago.

I can get mine to shift into 3rd at 15mph if I back off the throttle at that speed.

I also have plenty of pedal left at 8omph, but pressing it to the floor does not do much more. I estimate mine will do 95 maybee 97, but far from redline, but I don't have a tach, yet.

I have set the throttle rod to get the shift points where I like them, rather than where the self adjust spring would have me tighten the nut. If I set it according to the Haynes manual is shifts real late with a hard bump. First gear seems real low on mine.

Is it possible that this throttle rod( if one exists on his tranny) is so far out of adjustment or stuck, that it is not allowing the O/D to kick in?

I know when I lost a clip it was shifting into third at 5mph. Wonder if the opposite it true.

Horton, double check the numbers I typed with those from the Cardone website and rockauto.

How many trannies did dodge use in a '90. Perhaps someone in the know can list them.

 

Not sure Dodge switched from rod to cable. Mine has the cable.

Don't think that is his problem since the other gears seem to be shifting on time.

 

the shop today thought it may be a 905 tranny? I thought maybe it was a 727. If I take the doghouse off tomorrow, will I be able to see the numbers or does this involve getting underneath it? I don't want to think some of these mechanics are giving me the runaround because I'm a woman. All your information has been an educational plus!