- Staff
- #281
It's a PCM in his 96, but most refer to it as an ECM.
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6.5L TD Motorhome repair/repower
- Thread starter 3bals
- Start date
OK, was asking because some TCMs have a real hard 1-2 shift. You have to shut the key off then that clears the problem til the next time. Was just thinking maybe you had similar prob.
I got an email from the installer, they are contacting the transmission people to see about a warranty.
Apparently switching out the PCMs didn't rectify the shifting issues. (I didn't think it would) Like I told my wife at the time we first noticed we were having transmission issues, "the tranny is junk now". Now it seems they might be agreeing with my first impression.
I understand that they had to check out all the other possibilities though. It just sucks because it going to take more time.
Apparently switching out the PCMs didn't rectify the shifting issues. (I didn't think it would) Like I told my wife at the time we first noticed we were having transmission issues, "the tranny is junk now". Now it seems they might be agreeing with my first impression.
I understand that they had to check out all the other possibilities though. It just sucks because it going to take more time.
- Staff
- #285
It's better to get it fixxed now than to be 2000 miles away from home and it goes out. I have a feeling the installer will be stuck with the tab though. At least you let them handle all of it so none of it is on you.
hookedup50
Well-Known Member
You also don't want that tranny ,even if they figured out the issues. If it were my luck it would live till the day the warranty expired, then die. This is a good thing even though it sucks.
Will L.
Well-Known Member
Yeah make that transmission come out no matter what. If you ran a new engine with so little oil it started messing up how are you ever going to get 150,000 miles out of it.
Glad this is a local shakedown to get the issues worked out. When 6.5 stuff of mine rolls out of the garage and doesn't have issues, well, it's the only time I have good luck. Bad luck more than makes up for this rarity. 
If the transmission slips and doesn't get "Static" friction quickly there isn't anywhere for the heat to go in the small bands and clutches. So parts burn up and warp quickly. If you feel a missed shift get out of the throttle NOW! Otherwise parts just burn up quick. Not saying this happened as you could have a simple electrical issue in the trans.
I have had issues filling transmissions that the TC drained out from sitting (6 months) and then changing the oil and pan filter. Being careful driving around when they ran out of oil I stopped and added more oil. Took like 9 quarts and 4 stops till it was full and quit missing shifts, but, managed to not burn it up.
If the transmission slips and doesn't get "Static" friction quickly there isn't anywhere for the heat to go in the small bands and clutches. So parts burn up and warp quickly. If you feel a missed shift get out of the throttle NOW! Otherwise parts just burn up quick. Not saying this happened as you could have a simple electrical issue in the trans.
I have had issues filling transmissions that the TC drained out from sitting (6 months) and then changing the oil and pan filter. Being careful driving around when they ran out of oil I stopped and added more oil. Took like 9 quarts and 4 stops till it was full and quit missing shifts, but, managed to not burn it up.
The last info I heard this afternoon was that they were in contact with the transmission people. The consensus between the two at this point is to switch out the shift solenoid to cure the shifting problem.
I'm not totally on board with that fix though and actually I don't think it will be the right fix. If they get it to shift right with that fix, I'll drive it like I stole it and stay within 200 miles of home. Hopefully then I'll really trash it and they'll have to replace it like they should do now and be done with it.
We'll just have wait and see what they come up with.
I'm not totally on board with that fix though and actually I don't think it will be the right fix. If they get it to shift right with that fix, I'll drive it like I stole it and stay within 200 miles of home. Hopefully then I'll really trash it and they'll have to replace it like they should do now and be done with it.
We'll just have wait and see what they come up with.
Will L.
Well-Known Member
Just keep taking it back to them "it drives ok for a bit then starts shifting hard and maybe slips"
Next week "nope that didn't fix it what else can we try?"
Next week "it's still acting up, I think I might have to rent another rig for an upcoming trip, you guys want to try something else?"
3-4 days after that "nope that didn't fix it, sure you guys don't want to just pull it out at this point?"
They will figure it out that the constant hassle isn't worth it and just eat it, which is what they should do right now.
Next week "nope that didn't fix it what else can we try?"
Next week "it's still acting up, I think I might have to rent another rig for an upcoming trip, you guys want to try something else?"
3-4 days after that "nope that didn't fix it, sure you guys don't want to just pull it out at this point?"
They will figure it out that the constant hassle isn't worth it and just eat it, which is what they should do right now.
Here's the latest.
I got a call yesterday afternoon from the tech. He said they got the shifting issue fixed. They found a bad wire. I'm wondering if it was one of the wires that were too close to the exhaust that got the covering melted? They said I could take it for the weekend, but we were already out of town (by car) and besides that, how would we find a camping spot on July 2nd or 3rd?
So, I'm guessing that the transmission itself is OK? They said the fluid was clear and no burnt smell. Maybe I caught it in time before it got too low and kept checking it and topping off all the way home. Just because there was nothing on the dipstick, doesn't mean it was totally dry?
I got a call yesterday afternoon from the tech. He said they got the shifting issue fixed. They found a bad wire. I'm wondering if it was one of the wires that were too close to the exhaust that got the covering melted? They said I could take it for the weekend, but we were already out of town (by car) and besides that, how would we find a camping spot on July 2nd or 3rd?
So, I'm guessing that the transmission itself is OK? They said the fluid was clear and no burnt smell. Maybe I caught it in time before it got too low and kept checking it and topping off all the way home. Just because there was nothing on the dipstick, doesn't mean it was totally dry?
Husker6.5
135' diagonal 16:9HD, 25KW sound!
It's just been non-stop fun and adventures since we picked that beastie up in Reno, hasn't it Jody?
I'm beginning to think my motorhome is jinxed or cursed in some way.
On the way home to MN from buying it in Reno in 2011, we had to stop in the middle of the night and switch out the PMD
Camping in 2011 went well. I even used it as my camper at a wildfire for 3 weeks in Oct where I was the medical unit leader.
2012 started out with the misfire in #8 and another PMD switch along the road in a construction zone. Also on that trip, I had to have the front wheel bearings replaced. I again used it as my camp at another wildfire and had to have the wheel bearings replaced again, because the first guys didn't do it right.
2013 was the summer from hell. First the cab AC didn't work, then I had electrical issues along with the bad rocker that ripped a hole in the valve cover and then the no start in Lincoln. Then I broke my leg 2 miles into the Grand Canyon. Also the house AC went out that summer too.
2014 I ordered the new engine and transmission in June. It arrived in Nov along with a broken transmission. We finally got another transmission in Dec.
2015 on March 3rd, a day after a 10 inch snow storm, I finally took the motorhome in for the repower. That's when we discovered they sent the wrong water pump and didn't send the injectors. While we were waiting for that, it was discovered that the transmission was completely wrong. We sent that back and waited another month for a refund, so I could order a different one. Now it's getting into April/May and we were planning a 6 week summer cruise with it starting on June 7th. Well one little problem after another came along and it was 6/25 before we took off. No test/shake down cruise, just go. First we chopped our trip in half because of the timing and then the transmission issues 600 miles into it. A week and a half later we took of on another small trip that was supposed to last 4 days. We made it 95 miles before the driver's side rear caliper hung up and nearly started on fire. The cruise control didn't function anymore either and the cab AC was intermittent. We spent the night in a campground and were towed home the next day. Now it is sitting in the shop and my wife's vacation is over and she's back to work.
I know it sounds like whining, but it's just the facts.
On the way home to MN from buying it in Reno in 2011, we had to stop in the middle of the night and switch out the PMD
Camping in 2011 went well. I even used it as my camper at a wildfire for 3 weeks in Oct where I was the medical unit leader.
2012 started out with the misfire in #8 and another PMD switch along the road in a construction zone. Also on that trip, I had to have the front wheel bearings replaced. I again used it as my camp at another wildfire and had to have the wheel bearings replaced again, because the first guys didn't do it right.
2013 was the summer from hell. First the cab AC didn't work, then I had electrical issues along with the bad rocker that ripped a hole in the valve cover and then the no start in Lincoln. Then I broke my leg 2 miles into the Grand Canyon. Also the house AC went out that summer too.
2014 I ordered the new engine and transmission in June. It arrived in Nov along with a broken transmission. We finally got another transmission in Dec.
2015 on March 3rd, a day after a 10 inch snow storm, I finally took the motorhome in for the repower. That's when we discovered they sent the wrong water pump and didn't send the injectors. While we were waiting for that, it was discovered that the transmission was completely wrong. We sent that back and waited another month for a refund, so I could order a different one. Now it's getting into April/May and we were planning a 6 week summer cruise with it starting on June 7th. Well one little problem after another came along and it was 6/25 before we took off. No test/shake down cruise, just go. First we chopped our trip in half because of the timing and then the transmission issues 600 miles into it. A week and a half later we took of on another small trip that was supposed to last 4 days. We made it 95 miles before the driver's side rear caliper hung up and nearly started on fire. The cruise control didn't function anymore either and the cab AC was intermittent. We spent the night in a campground and were towed home the next day. Now it is sitting in the shop and my wife's vacation is over and she's back to work.
I know it sounds like whining, but it's just the facts.
btfarm
America First!
Never ending saga Jody. I'd consider torching it by now.
I'm guessing, I'll just have to keep moving forward. Can't torch it, as I have more into it than what they would pay out. Besides, when a firefighter has a fire, they really look into it and I don't need those troubles too. (I know you were just kidding)
I got a message that they have it fixed again, but I don't know any details yet.
I got a message that they have it fixed again, but I don't know any details yet.
This is simply par for the course. If it makes you feel better I have more money in Patch (~$15K) than the 2003 Dodge is worth! If I had to pay labor I wouldn't own it...
Now that it's running you need to take a few trips on your own to continue it's shakedown.
PMD sounds like it's overheating in it's location or voltage/ground spike issues.
It took me 4 years to figure out the AC on Patch and the first summer was 'expensive' as many parts failed. Wound up replacing everything but the evaporator, relocating the coil diode so the high pressure safety switch (A R134A Conversion add on) wouldn't weld shut and blow out the high side or pop the relief and lastly put the trans oil cooler in the proper flow order to keep condenser and trans temps down. (Hot trans oil in front of the condenser caused extreme high side pressures and system venting on startup in 'cool' 110 degree weather.) The first summer found bad hoses, seals to the compressor hose blew often, and the clutch on a reman compressor failed nearly making us walk. Many cans of freon dumped in and wasted from leaks the first year with long hot trips in 121 degree weather. The AC works very well now with the VOV and proper condenser cooling. But again it took 4 years to get it perfect. It's eaten 3 compressors in that time mostly due to o-ring compressor body leaks.
If Propane Duracool wasn't illegal here I would have been using it... I'd even convert the other R134A krap we own to propane. Lower high side pressure and lower vent temps. = better MPG.
Now that it's running you need to take a few trips on your own to continue it's shakedown.
PMD sounds like it's overheating in it's location or voltage/ground spike issues.
It took me 4 years to figure out the AC on Patch and the first summer was 'expensive' as many parts failed. Wound up replacing everything but the evaporator, relocating the coil diode so the high pressure safety switch (A R134A Conversion add on) wouldn't weld shut and blow out the high side or pop the relief and lastly put the trans oil cooler in the proper flow order to keep condenser and trans temps down. (Hot trans oil in front of the condenser caused extreme high side pressures and system venting on startup in 'cool' 110 degree weather.) The first summer found bad hoses, seals to the compressor hose blew often, and the clutch on a reman compressor failed nearly making us walk. Many cans of freon dumped in and wasted from leaks the first year with long hot trips in 121 degree weather. The AC works very well now with the VOV and proper condenser cooling. But again it took 4 years to get it perfect. It's eaten 3 compressors in that time mostly due to o-ring compressor body leaks.
If Propane Duracool wasn't illegal here I would have been using it... I'd even convert the other R134A krap we own to propane. Lower high side pressure and lower vent temps. = better MPG.
As far as the PMD, the first one to fail was in the stock location, The second one was a Heath PMD/heat sync kit with 1200 miles on it when it failed, mounted behind the bumper.
The cab AC has everything new, except for the evaporator.
That's the odd part about this project, I figured I'd get ahead of it all by replacing as much as I could, to ensure safe and happy trails. Guess not!
The cab AC has everything new, except for the evaporator.
That's the odd part about this project, I figured I'd get ahead of it all by replacing as much as I could, to ensure safe and happy trails. Guess not!
hookedup50
Well-Known Member
Most of us have more $ into our rigs than they are worth. Like WW said, is we had to pat for the labor we wouldn't own them. The same can be said about my jeep and Datsun. On these old vehicles, you just keep up with replacement of old parts. I replaced everything under the hood, did the front end over, interior, cab rust and the list goes on. Now the electrical gremlins, and not the grounds. I hope this helps you feel better and that you are not alone. Oh, did I mention that there is an injector clatter on the drivers side that has the truck grounded till I can sort it out. Meaning I will be buying new Bosch injectors from Leroy, cause the rebuilds I got 20K ago are junk. I can't even blame Walt cause I didn't dare install his new ones. If anyone wants his(SS) new marine injectors, you can have them for shipping costs.