Recently, I have been driving and while accelerating into 3rd gear, the car jerks, then I gear a thumping noise… What could this be?
RESPONSE
Since the thumping noise doesn’t occur until you accelerated into top gear I think it may be transmission related. It would be a good idea to check the transmission fluid level and make sure it is full and looks nice and clean. If the fluid looks dark or burnt, there may be a more significant internal problem. Could be a solenoid sticking internally in the transmission. There may be a code stored that may assist in locating the exact issue. The Dodge Magnum came with 2 different transmissions, the 42RLE and the NAG1. You may want to have a reputable transmission shop perform the computer diagnostics with there scan tool since they are kinda of expensive. An average scan tool will not pull transmission codes, they just pull engine codes. If by chance you do have a good scan tool that will extract transmission codes here are the procedures to follow.
42RLE PRE-DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE
Diagnostic Test
42RLE PRE-DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE
Low fluid level can be the cause of many transmission problems. If the fluid level is low locate and repair the leak then check and adjust the fluid level per the Service Information.
Always perform diagnostics with a fully charged battery to avoid false symptoms.
With the scan tool, read Engine DTC’s. Check and repair all Engine DTC’s prior to performing any transmission symptom diagnostics.
With the scan tool, read Transmission DTC’s. Record all DTC’s and 1 Trip Failures.
Diagnose 1 Trip Failures as a fully matured DTC.
Using the wiring diagram/schematic as a guide, inspect the wiring and connectors. Repair as necessary.
Perform the Shift Lever Position Test. If the test does not pass, refer to Symptom test for P0706 Check Shifter Signal.
For Gear Ratio DTC’s, check and record all CVI’s.
Most DTC’s set on start up but some must be set by driving the vehicle such that all diagnostic monitors have run.
Verify flash level of Powertrain Control Module. Some problems are corrected by software upgrades to the Transmission and Engine software.
42RLE TRANSMISSION VERIFICATION TEST – VER 1
1. After completion of the Transmission Verification Test, the Powertrain Verification Test must be performed.
2. Connect the scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC).
3. Reconnect any disconnected components.
4. With the scan tool, erase all Transmission DTC’s, also erase the PCM DTC’s.
5. Perform *PRNDL FAULT CLEARING PROCEDURE after completion of repairs for P0706 CHECK SHIFTER SIGNAL.
6. With the scan tool, display Transmission Temperature. Start and run the engine until the Transmission Temperature is HOT, above 43° C or 110° F.
7. Check the transmission fluid and adjust if necessary.
8. If the Powertrain Control Module or Torque Converter has been replaced, or if the Transmission has been repaired or replaced, it is necessary to perform the scan tool Quick Learn Procedure.
9. If the Powertrain Control Module or Front Control Module has been replaced you must reset the Pinion Factor in the Front Control Module.
10. Road test the vehicle. With the scan tool, monitor the engine RPM. Make 15 to 20 1-2, 2-3, 3-4 upshifts. Perform these shifts from a standing start to 45 mph with a constant throttle opening of 20 to 25 degrees.
11. Below 25 MPH, make 5 to 8 wide open throttle kickdowns to 1st gear. Allow at least 5 seconds each in 2nd and 3rd gear between each kickdown.
12. For a specific DTC, drive the vehicle to the Symptom’s When Monitored/When Set conditions to verify the DTC is repaired.
13. If equipped with AutoStick®, upshift and downshift several times using the AutoStick® feature during the road test.
14. Use the EATX OBDII task manager to run Good Trip time in each gear, this will confirm the repair and to ensure that the DTC has not re-matured.
15. Check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC’s) during the road test. If a DTC sets during the road test , return to the Symptom list and perform the appropriate symptom.
16. Erase P0700 DTC in the PCM to turn the MIL light off after making transmission repairs.
NAG1 PRE-DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE
Low fluid level can be the cause of many transmission problems. If the fluid level is low, locate and repair the leak then check and adjust the fluid level in accordance with the Service Information.
Always perform diagnostics with a fully charged battery to avoid false symptoms.
With the scan tool, read the engine DTCs. Check and repair all engine DTCs prior to performing transmission symptom diagnostic procedures.
With the scan tool, read and record all Transmission DTCs.
If the TCM detects and stores a DTC, the TCM also stores the vehicles operating conditions under which the DTC originally set and is located in scan tool under Environmental Data. Before erasing any stored DTCs, record any available data to assist in duplicating the conditions in which the DTC originally set.
Using the wiring diagram/schematic as a guide, inspect the wiring and connectors. Check connectors – Clean/repair as necessary.
Most DTCs set on start up but some must be set by driving the vehicle such that all diagnostic monitors have run.
Verify flash level of transmission controller. Some problems are corrected by software upgrades to the transmission controller. Verify no variant DTCs are present. If variant DTCs are present, perform their re spective test first.
If the TCM (EGS) is flashed, perform a EGS initialization with the scan tool to relearn variant coding.
NAG1 TRANSMISSION VERIFICATION TEST – VER 1
Reconnect any disconnected components.
Connect the scan tool to the Data Link Connector.
With the scan tool, erase ABS DTCs.
With the scan tool, erase PCM DTCs.
With the scan tool, erase TCM DTCs.
With the scan tool, display the Transmission temperature. Start and run the engine until the Transmission temperature is above 43° C (110° F).
Check the Transmission fluid and adjust if necessary. Refer to the Service Information for the proper Fluid Fill procedure.
If internal repairs were performed and the shift quality is still poor, it may be necessary to check the internal repair.
If the TCM (EGS) is flashed or replaced, with the scan tool, perform a EGS initialization to relearn variant coding.
If internal transmission repairs are performed or replacement of the Transmission Control Module, perform a TCM ADAPTATION procedure. (Refer to 8 – ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES/TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE – STANDARD PROCEDURE)
ROAD TEST PROCEDURE
Road test the vehicle. Make fifteen to twenty 1–2, 2–3, 3–4, and 4–5 upshifts.
Perform these shifts from a standing start to 72 Kmh (45 MPH) with a constant throttle opening of 20 to 25 degrees.
With speeds below 40 Kmh (25 MPH), make five to eight wide open throttle kickdowns to 1st gear. Allow at least 5 seconds each in 2nd and 3rd gear between each kickdown.
With the scan tool, read Transmission DTCs.