28 replies to this topic

[Yellow Jacket]

2009 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 4x4 with 45,000 miles. I bought it with 30,000 miles on it, and maybe half of those were towing.

 

I keep getting code P0740 (torque converter lockup malfunction) only while towing for about 100 miles or so. I can't detect any decrease in performance. The numerous times I've brought it in to the dealer and transmission shops, they have not been able to reproduce/identify the problem.

 

Dealer says that they've seen that before, and it's a broken snap ring INSIDE the transmission. The truck is out of warranty. The previous owner towed with it, probably a lot, and maybe heavier loads than he should have.

 

A transmission guy I trust says that towing with these vehicles without using the Tow/Haul mode can really put a strain on the transmission, causing failure.

 

Further diagnosis would require a teardown/rebuild of the transmission. In the best case scenario, it's a broken snap ring and I'm out labor plus the snap ring (probably $500-800). Worst case scenario, I'll need a new torque converter, so about $2100.

 

I can get a rebuilt Jasper transmission for $2700 installed, which comes with a 3 year/100,000 mile transferrable warranty.

 

I'm leaning towards the new transmission, for peace of mind, especially if I'm going to tow the car to Beevile one of these days. What would you all do?

 

[Speedy]

I think you answered the question already.  Get the new trans.  I'd keep the old one for spare unless you have to provide a core.

[toofart]

http://www.dodgetalk...highlight=p0740

[MoparManiac]

Read the fine print on that Jasper warranty,they may not cover labor if the trans fails.That Jasper Reman is cheap for a reason.They may want you to replace the trans cooler lines & cooler also.

[rdrdr90]

I've beat the shit out of 3 X45rfe's (2 4spds and one 5).  Seldom do major parts go bad.  The snap ring is a 20 dollar part, hell shift kits are like 50.  I would seriously doubt your 'veter is bad.  I would lean towards the solenoid.  One question....at temp, is your transmission fluid frothy?  Has it ever stalled out when slowing down to a stop, and started right back up immediately?

[Yellow Jacket]

Denis,

I'm not experiencing any of the problems in the thread you posted. The truck drives fine, even while towing the Challenger. I can't even tell there's a problem with the TC or lockup, or anything. The only way I know something's wrong is with the code. And when the code sets, I'm cruising along at 70 mph, not stopping or starting. There is absolutely no change in driving when the MIL lights.

 

Sean,

As stated, no stalls when slowing down or anything like that. I did discuss solenoid replacement with the transmission guy, but he's not even sure that's what it is without taking it apart, and committing to the labor. As I recall, though, that can be done on-vehicle, so it might be cheap just to try. I just hate the "let's throw parts at it and see if it works" solution. Of course, it's probably better than throwing a whole new transmission at it.

 

MM,

I'll look at that warranty carefully before I take the plunge.

 

Thanks for all your input, guys.

[lakersfan7272]

At highway speeds are you getting any vibration after it comes up to temp (while towing)?

[Williams RT]

Howie I would not buy a POS jasper engine or transmission.
#1. They are in Indiana, Indiana automotive things suck.
2. Jasper uses shit parts.
3. Have yours rebuilt if you go that direction and use quality parts.
4. Once again anything built in Indiana sucks, stay away from Jasper





















Did I mention Indiana sucks?

[Speedy]

Phil.

[rdrdr90]

Frothy fluid at temp?

[HemiSam]

LMAO @ Phil.

 

 

 

HS

[TorRed Dave]

Howie I would not buy a POS jasper engine or transmission.
#1. They are in Indiana, Indiana automotive things suck.
2. Jasper uses shit parts.
3. Have yours rebuilt if you go that direction and use quality parts.
4. Once again anything built in Indiana sucks, stay away from Jasper





















Did I mention Indiana sucks?

 

 

 that is funny considering those trans are built in the Kokomo, Indiana plant.  Sorry about your trans issues Howie.

[Williams RT]

 that is funny considering those trans are built in the Kokomo, Indiana plant.  Sorry about your trans issues Howie.

yep

[toofart]

As I recall, though, that can be done on-vehicle, so it might be cheap just to try.

 

That's what I was getting at with the link.  Converter clutch solenoid is a cheap fix.  But inspect all the harnesses and wiring too, these codes can often be set by faulty readings, nothing mechanical.

[ironchallenger]

Just buy a D1 

[Yellow Jacket]

John, no vibration at all while towing, and I've been up over 70 mph.

 

Sean, haven't checked the fluid at temp yet. I will today. Would I see frothy fluid just by pulling the dipstick? The transmission guy also said to check the fluid, but looking for color. Anything but red is bad. In increasing levels of severity: pink, brown, black.

 

Denis, thanks, I didn't realize that. Changing out the solenoid was the first thing he suggested, but I was hesitant to just start throwing parts at it without knowing what the problem is. Also, the fact that the previous owner towed with it a lot made me start to think that it was more than an electrical problem.

 

Phil, you think the stock transmission rebuild will be better than a Jasper? That would cost me only $2100 as opposed to the $2700 for the Jasper, but the warranty is only one year on the rebuild. Not sure about the quality of parts on the rebuild either. I need to have another conversation with the transmission guy.

 

Mani: wrong thread.

[Williams RT]

Yes rebuild yours if you go that route or go to a quality replacement seller. Jasper engines and trans are well know pieces of shit in our area! You have to remember a warranty is part of the price, that is why the jasper cost more. Like a pos starter from autozone, it has a warranty but who wants to replace it 3 times even if it is under warranty?

[rdrdr90]

Yes, look on the stick. If it is bubbly on the stick, and low, lemme know via PM. Pink is the color you want. Check the manual, or dipstick, but as I recall fluid needs to be checked in Neutral.

[Speedy]

Also smell the fluid.  If it smells burnt that ain't good.

[Yellow Jacket]

Fluid looks good. No burnt smell, and it was about this color. No foam.