Dodge 48RE partial engine stall/sudden engine rpm increase

Jan. 1, 2020
2003 and up, Dodge vehicles equipped with the diesel engine and the 48RE transmission may have a complaint of a partial engine stall at a stop followed by a sudden engine rpm increase.

Complaint:
2003 and up Dodge vehicles equipped with the diesel engine and the 48RE transmission may have a complaint of a partial engine stall at a stop followed by a sudden engine rpm increase. This sudden engine rpm increase may be difficult to overcome with the vehicles brakes.

Once the vehicle takes off it may be also noted that the upshifts are firmer than normal as the Torque Converter Clutch is On. Note: this complaint does not include a complaint of stalling in both Drive and Reverse, as this is typically caused by a defective torque converter, a restricted cooler and or a stuck TCC Switch Valve.

Cause:
The cause may be, that the Torque Converter Clutch solenoid, located in Figure 1,  is partially restricted, causing the Lock-up valve and Lock-up switch valve to stroke applying the Torque Converter Clutch. The 48RE transmission unlike the 46/47RE has 1st gear TCC capability, and when the solenoid is mechanically restricted it will cause the TCC to apply in 1st gear. The ECM, on these Diesel applications can bring engine rpm up when the TCC is applied to keep the engine from stalling.

Note: Customers that have had this complaint have found that if the vehicle is hard to stop, pushing the selector in to neutral, with the brake depressed will stop the ECM from driving up the engine rpm and will allow the vehicle to stop much easier.

Correction:
To correct this condition, replace the Lock-up and Overdrive solenoid assembly, as they are assembled together.

Subscribe to Motor Age and receive articles like this every month…absolutely free. Click here

About the Author

Wayne Colonna | POWERTRAIN PRO Publisher

Wayne Colonna is president of the Automatic Transmission Service Group (ATSG) in Cutler Bay, Fla., and a frequent speaker/instructor for transmission training around the globe.

Sponsored Recommendations

Learn how ADAS utilizes sensors such as radar, sonar, lidar and cameras to perceive the world around the vehicle, and either provide critical information to the driver or take...
Enhance your collision repair workflow with Autel’s IA900, a process-driven solution integrating precision alignment, bi-directional diagnostics, and ADAS calibration. Designed...
The Autel IA700 is a state-of-the-art and versatile wheel alignment pre-check and ADAS calibration system engineered for both in-shop and mobile applications...
Discover how the investment in an extended-height paint booth is a game-changer for most collision shops with this Free Guide.