1997 Dodge Cummins - Auto Transmission Issues

Improper pressure setting at torque converter. Bad torque converter

I think you have it correct. I would guess that the lock up torque converter is not releasing. Or the converter is not working correctly. I believe that it is the stator that will cause low acceleration,and transmission overheating. This could be the problem.

The best test for a bad converter that I know of is a stall test. Get the engine up to normal working pressure, attach an accurate tachometer to the engine. Hold the brakes as hard as you can, and floor the throttle. Read maximum rpm, and compare factory published numbers. DO NOT hold the throttle for more than a few seconds. The transmission temperature will climb at the rate of 1* per second. If the rpm is high, the transmission or converter is slipping. If the rpm is low only a small amount, the engine ie usually low on power. If the rpm is down by about one third, that is a sign that the stator has failed. Unless the OP can get his pressure adjusted, it looks like he will need to replace the converter.

is there any way to adjust the pressure setting? or is it purely get bent over and trqconv needs replaced?

I believe most have an external regulator valve. Also a port for attaching a gauge.

Sounds to me like the torque converter clutch solenoid is acting up. This is a problem that will come and go as the transmssion heats up and cools down.

A torque converter clutch solenoid should be replaceable from the oil pan, without dropping the transmission out.

ive held the brakes to the floor and just floored it to see what the rpms did as a quick test and they didnt climb at all. but as soon as i lifted off = stall immediately.

going to take it to a shop today and see about that solenoid or sensor it would have.

The TCC solenoid is the cheapest repair that you can do to a transmission. The part is cheap and should be readily available. The labor not much more then a transmission service where the pan is dropped and the filter changed. Unfortunately, Dodge transmissions take a "special" ATF which is expensive.

The problem is due to the torque converter staying in "lock-up" mode. The torque converter is usually electronically "locked" and "unlocked" with reference to vehicle speed and drive selection (1,2,3,4,N,R,OD). The vehicle speed sensor could be faulty and if so the speedometer indication would be intermittent or incorrect. Your vehicle also has an on-board electronic module that accepts the speed feedback signal and processes it for display and transmission shift points. Also the transition/shifting from gear-to-gear is controlled by this device which could be failing or suffering from poor electrical connections. Since it is an intermittent problem, you might want to check all of your electrical connections and the torque converter "lock-up" control solenoid connection (located on the transmission) and make sure the connection is clean and firmly attached. Many times the transmission mechanics break the plastic retainer on the connector by improperly removing it. Another thing to check is the vacuum pump and accumulator (if your vehicle is equipped with one) system as a diesel does not provide enough vacuum and some diesel vehicles in the 90's use the vacuum for controlling transmission and other vehicle functions. My advice to you is spend the money ($150) to purchase a genuine Dodge service manual for your truck that includes the transmission section and follow the instructions closely. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Take it back to your friends shop and ask them to fix it, it's mechanical there is a warranty and they'll handle it if you take it to them first.