Ok, here is the story...Spent yesterday installing a TCI converter in my 2000 4x. For those of you who've done it yourselves, it's a chore. Once in, of course, ran it to get fluid circulating and to get proper level..then went to cycle thru gears and squeak, it kills the engine. well, This is'nt good. So I rechecked everything, all good. Ran diagnostics, all good. Got it into gear with a little throttle and ran it around with diagnostics, all good. even showed L/U @ proper speed, 90% pressure in trans (shift kit installed 6 mos. ago). So problems are as follows: Shift into D=kills eng w/o applying throttle--Shift into Rev=almost kills eng.--Eng idle with trans in drive/holding with brake=engine lugs, smokes, and starts building boost.--Shifting out of D or R into neutral or park=major strain on drivetrain/engine rev's.
Well, my 2-cents is that I got a screwed up converter that was manufactured way too tight. I can't find any other mechanical reason what so ever. Of corse it being Sun., I can't speak to TCI, and weekend people @ JEG"S (supplier) are not much help.
I would appreciate any input/experience any of you have had with a similar situation. Also, how far do you all think that Jeg's or TCI should go to correct the problem. Cost to R&R trans second time? Make sure no damage to trans occured? I have not pulled the plug on trans pan yet, but what if there's debris? Truck/trans has 61K on it, and was perfect prior to converter install. Fluid/pan was clean when we drained it yesterday. Just wanting more power to the wheels while towing, was the only reason for the converter in the first place...Now this. Not very happy today. Don't have alot of free time to screw with this all-over.
Sorry for such a long post, but I need insight badly this morning. If anything, just to make me feel better. Thx for listening!

 

Fill out your sig with info about your truck, example year, what mods have been done ect, this will help people who read your post

 

What type of stator did they use? A new one or a milled (shaved) one?

Worst case =

1. Too tight and the truck will die everytime you put into gear.

2. Excessive heat is made when driving in traffic.

3. Trying to tow something will almost be impossible.

4. Smoke is hard to control (even harder at high altitudes)


Best case =

1. Trucks ecm/pcm learns to idle again after a few miles.

2. Super tight TC's are great on the track.



Justin

 

The convertor I put in my wife's truck kills it when it is cold and put in drive. It didn't do this with the ez but does with the drag comp. It must be something with the computer that can't catch the load fast enough is all I can figure. I have the same convertor in my 97 and have no problem with it.

 

gwhammy,

What kind of converter do you have??

Four disk

 

If I remember right that is a common problem for some 2000 and 2001 owners that install tight converters and aftermarket injectors. There is an ECM reflash (TSB) that resets the zero-throttle calibration and speeds up idle throttle reaction time. I have a 2001 owner at work that had the problem after installing a DTT trans and EDMs. It was really bad in the winter and would die at every stop light if you didn’t feather the throttle to keep it running. He had the reflash done at the dealer (cost him $80) and it totally took care of it. Wish I could remember the TSB number…..I don’t recall much about it. Maybe someone more familiar with what I'm trying to explain will chime in.

 

Neighbor just pust a dunrite converter in a truck this weekend, no problems. It was 93 degrees out and it was running a edge ez. I have an 01 and will probably buy a tcs converter. Let us know what happeens.

 

Thx all for the response. I would like to hear from someone else who has experienced the same problem I am having, or did I, in fact get a bad converter. I spoke with JEGS and TCI today. Had a difficult time getting TCI to buy in to my idea of a bad converter. They thought I was crazy. Hopefully they will re-emburse any costs associated with install #2, along with the cost of any other trans service needed. Jegs is sending out converter #2, charged to my card, until they get #1 back. Had to cancel my Lake Havasu trip that I planned on leaving for Thurs, and now have to R&R the converter Sat. Not looking forward to this. Rather be floating on the water with a Corona in my hand. Thx again.

 

Let us now what happens...

 

Well...as the saga continues. Got converter # 2 in, and all is good. Had buddy @ trans shop install new pump seal & wear ring, along with bushing this time (don't ever want to have to R & R this again) So anyhow, looks like I did get a "BAD" converter. New one is awesome! Truck pulls very hard like I wanted it to. On the way home, went back by Trans shop for a Tire value re-flash. They were able to program calibration for speedo and shift points (tire value =revs per mile) even though I have 275/70-22.5's. As far as the truck goes, I am very happy. Now I have to work on Jegs crediting my card for Converter # 2, and get some labor reimbursement for the seccond R&R. I will keep you all posted.

 

Glad to hear ya get it figured out.

 

Good deal. So did you get the billet covered or just regular? Does it pull much hardser than the stock converter, and is lockup a lot smoother/quicker? Glad you got it going

Eric

 

did you pay to have the converter installed the first time? if not, you should not expect to get paid labor for a re-do

 

Eric, Yes I got a billett converter #142261. Pulls way better than stock. Converter with trans-go kit is the ticket for me. Converter=$489, shift kit=$89. Can't beat it.

WildBill, YES I did pay for the first install. I am pretty well equipped @ home, but I was'nt going to do this on my back with floorjacks. Fortunatly I have some friends that will let me work in their shop with them and assist. Still have to pay shop time & labor. First one, they came in on a Saturday cause there booked all week. Converter #2 had to be worked during normal business hours. They still worked me in, even though they were slammed w/work! Even with the proper tools and equipment, it's a big job! These guys are an authorized Cummins AND Banks shop.