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Stalls when first shifting the transmission into drive with warm engine?

Tiny
JON NORDBY
  • MEMBER
  • 1976 DODGE POWER WAGON
  • 5.4L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 1,200 MILES
With 360 engine running well, and warmed up, when first putting the automatic transmission in any gear, the engine stalls unless it is given a very high RPM. After getting it in gear, it continues to work normally and goes into gear fine when stopped and restarted. But the same thing happens the next "cold" start the next day. Transmission fluid is at the correct level and is new. It has a new torque converter. Help. Thank you very much.
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Saturday, August 20th, 2022 AT 2:06 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

First, I learned to drive in one of these. I wish I still had it. LOL

When it's cold and this happens, does the vehicle lurch forward or backward when it's placed in gear at idle and then stalls? Also, you indicated the torque converter was replaced. Was the transmission doing the same thing prior to the new converter?

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, August 20th, 2022 AT 9:49 PM
Tiny
JON NORDBY
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  • 7 POSTS
Thanks for the reply! Yes, it stalls when first put into any gear from warmed up idle. Just shuts off. It lurches when I give it enough gas to overcome the stall; only after digging a tire hole! Then it works fine. Once I am past this point it shifts normally.
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Sunday, August 21st, 2022 AT 9:14 AM
Tiny
JON NORDBY
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  • 7 POSTS
I forgot to mention that it always worked before, but it seemed to start just a few miles after the new converter. I checked ATF levels. All new ATF DEXTRON III.
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Sunday, August 21st, 2022 AT 9:17 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I have a feeling the new torque converter is bad. Something is preventing it from releasing when first started, so it's like releasing the clutch on a manual transmission.

Was this converter installed for you or by you?

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, August 21st, 2022 AT 5:21 PM
Tiny
JON NORDBY
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I did the engine but had the new converter installed by a friend on the working transmission. (He helped me with the transmission). Then we put the engine in. First I thought it didn't have enough fluid but that seems okay.
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Monday, August 22nd, 2022 AT 7:14 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Based on what is happening, the torque converter is my first suspect. Especially if this started when the new one was installed supports that idea.

Do you still have the original one? Was it replaced due to damage?

Let me know.

Joe
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+1
Monday, August 22nd, 2022 AT 8:36 PM
Tiny
JON NORDBY
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Thank you. The other converter is gone. After getting the project done, with engine & transmission working, the truck sat in a garage for 5 months. I wonder if the clutches or the pump might be involved given the sit-time, or if it is the indeed the converter?
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Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022 AT 10:26 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

The pump wouldn't have changed in five months. My first suspect, and I could be wrong, is the torque converter. By chance, did you purchase it online? I can't begin to tell you how many people are getting faulty parts online.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022 AT 7:17 PM
Tiny
JON NORDBY
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Got it from JEGS online. So yes. Thank you so much for your help.
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Wednesday, August 24th, 2022 AT 6:08 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

You are very welcome. They are reputable, so chances are they will replace it under warranty. The only problem is the labor.

If you have a chance, let me know how things turn out for you.

Joe
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Wednesday, August 24th, 2022 AT 6:47 PM
Tiny
JON NORDBY
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Well done and thank you again. I will.
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Thursday, August 25th, 2022 AT 5:27 AM

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