I have seen this in some older front and rear drive Chryslers. The lockup
mechanism in the torque converter is too sensitive to the load. On level
terrain, trying to hold a steady speed is difficult, even with cruise ctrl.
Subtle changes in the slope will cause either a accel or decel condition.
Since the lockup converter reacts to a load sensor, it will unlock the
converter when you take you foot off the peddle a certain amount therby
reducing the load and allowing the engine to decel. This will cause the
converter to "free-wheel" in a way so as to coast. This is due to the
engine speed being lower than the transmission input shaft. When the
lockup gets touchy, any amount of backing off the peddle will cause it to
unlock. Then when the engine speed increases above the transmission, it
relocks the converter. This is all governed by the governor in the
transmission. If it is malfunctioning, so will various systems in the
transmission. Sometimes it's clutch slippage or band slippage. Those are
the mechanical items. the electrical ones are usually the kickdown sensor
(if equipped), throttle position sensor, or another sensor that measures
governor pressure in the tranny. I know this sounds like a lot of
techno-babble but I have fought with many a mechanic about this particular
one. And after taking my own measurments, I replaced the governor and
fixed every single one. It's a pain, but try to get another opinion froma
transmission specialist. I was ASE certified and I didn't know everything.
I still don't, but I'm still learning from my experiences which is
something a school can't give you.
Smitty - KF4UQY
Raleigh, NC
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve.Knickerbocker@sematech.org
[SMTP:Steve.Knickerbocker@sematech.org]
Sent: Friday, November 21, 1997 4:26 PM
To: mbrandes@realworks.com
Cc: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
Subject: Re: DML: Transmission ?'s
______________________________ Reply Separator
_________________________________
Subject: DML: Transmission ?'s
Author: mbrandes (mbrandes@realworks.com) at MIME
Date: 11/21/97 2:25 PM
Ok guys.. it's not a Dakota question but you may be able to give me some
clues.
My sweetie drives a 1997 Dodge Stratus. We're having some small
transmission troubles that the dealer can't reproduce. Two things are
happening... 1) It takes a while for the transmission to engage when
shifting into drive. Not a really long time.. just longer then it should.
2) Occasionally at highway speeds the tranny seems to shift down and right
back up.. quickly. This happens on level terrain.
These aren't tantrum-throwing problems but would like to have them fixed if
they are indeed problems. Dealer says to wait until it gets worse. :-)
Matthew Brandes
============================
'97 Dodge Dakota SLT+
Black/Mist Gray Club-Cab, V8
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