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

Sponsored Recommendations

Best Body Shop and the 360-Degree-Concept

Spanesi ‘360-Degree-Concept’ Enables Kansas Body Shop to Complete High-Quality Repairs

Maximizing Throughput & Profit in Your Body Shop with a Side-Load System

Years of technological advancements and the development of efficiency boosting equipment have drastically changed the way body shops operate. In this free guide from GFS, learn...

ADAS Applications: What They Are & What They Do

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...

Banking on Bigger Profits with a Heavy-Duty Truck Paint Booth

The addition of a heavy-duty paint booth for oversized trucks & vehicles can open the door to new or expanded service opportunities.