jackvt80

Back in April I posted about a torque converter lock-up problem that I
was experiencing on my 2000 Cummins 2500. Since that time, every time
I drove the truck, at about 45 MPH the torque converter would jump in
and out of lock-up. For months I dealt with it by stomping on the
accelerator or eventually it got so bad I had to shift out of
overdrive, especially while towing. I tested what I could on the APPS
and the brake pedal without solid conclusions. Anyway, it eventually
got so bad I had to do something. As a last drastic measure, I tried
these two fixes, and if they hadn't worked I was off to buy the $480
APPS the next day. The fixes were to "reset" the APPS and to reroute
the alternator ground wire. Well to my surprise, one of the fixes
worked (don't have a clue which one) and the problem hasn't presented
itself again in 2 weeks/500 miles. The only suspicious thing I
observed was the ground wire was laying across and in contact with the
alternator, so I relocated it and shielded it. If that was indeed the
problem, kudos to Tony Garcin at Dunrite Converters for sharing! It
could have been a long time before that was discovered. While I don't
know which fixed it, if the problem reoccurs at least I know it's
electrical which gets me somewhere (and I suspect if it's the APPS it
will resurface).

Anyway, thanks to all who responded. I offer this in the hope that it
helps someone else along the way.

While I was on a roll, I finally installed the fuel pressure gauge that
Roy and Tom had advised years ago. It was an easy fix with the parts
from Geno's.

Jack

How to reset the APPS:
http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/faq/faq.php?display=faq&nr=128&catnr=7&prog=1&lang=en

How to shield the alternator ground wire:
http://www.turbodieselregister.com/news/index.php (about 2/3's down
the page)

Original post:
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.autos.dodge.trucks/browse_thread/thread/c706293edf7f9fa4/0d7ebab565665f7b?lnk=st&q=2000+dodge+apps&rnum=1&hl=en#0d7ebab565665f7b

miles

I had that problem with a 2001 Ram. I rarely could drive it on the
freeway, even flat ground, not towing and the TC would constantly
lock/unlock. The dealer replaced the TPS which did not help. They had
no idea what to do and DCX was of no help in the matter. I finally
talked to a Dodge transmission specialist. He said he solved that
problem long ago. I do not know exactly what he did but it involved
alternator noise causing the TC to lock/unlock. He rerouted wires and
added a filter. Problem was solved. I have no idea why DCX could never
solve the problem.

dirtclod

I also have a 2000 CTD 4x4 that experieneced the same problems. I also
found the solution on this group. The local Dodge dealer said my TC
was bad. The so-called best transmission mechic in town replaced the
APPS. So after I had spent about $1000.00 my problem was still
there. I didn't move the ground wire, I just shielded it and I
purchased a noise filter from BD Power and installed it. Real easy,
one end splices into the APPS power wire at the PCM and the other end
goes to ground. I did both about the same time so I do not know which
one fixed it but the important thing is that it is fixed. Two months
now!!!

Thank You to everyone that gave me advice.