[AT] 98 Dodge 3500

Stephen Offiler soffiler at gmail.com
Sat May 23 03:41:14 PDT 2009


Steve W:
Good points.  I've heard of those problems with Packard connectors.
You've been-there-done-that.  The only thing that throws me is how a
corroded connector knows which gear the transmission is in.

Kevin:
I am guessing that your Check Gages light comes on because of poor oil
pressure because the engine is running so bad.  You've probably got
stored trouble codes, and a code reader from the local parts place
might provide some clues.  I caution you that the DTC's (diagnostic
trouble codes) you get off a reader are CLUES but they are not
plug-and-chug solutions!

I'd like to revisit my earlier comments about new engines being a lot
like old tractors.  Spark, fuel, air, compression, timed correctly.
Here's one that you DON'T find on old iron:  EGR (exhaust gas
recirculation).  EGR, an emission control, can only be used at certain
times (like steady highway cruise for example) so it is switched on
and off as appropriate by the computer.  If you were getting EGR at
idle it would make the engine run pretty much exactly as you describe,
if not kill it outright.  If there is a way to figure out EGR state
without a scan tool (like, which wires control EGR and when do they
get voltage) you can test the theory.  I do NOT have a clue why EGR
command would go haywire with the transmission gear selection.  It
could imply a sensor in the transmission is sending totally whacko
signals to the computer that are making the computer think it's time
for EGR.

Steve  W?  Thoughts?

Steve O.

> The problem with the Packard style connections is that they appear to be
> very secure. In reality there are quite a few that look great but the
> backside of the connector doesn't seal and they get water/air in them.
> Then they corrode and you get intermittent connections. Another problem
> is if the wire insulation gets nicked, water will wick through the wire
> into the connector with the same result.
>
> Scan tools are a great help BUT only if you have kept up to date and
> know what it is your looking at in the first place. Sort of like handing
>  someone a voltmeter and telling them to see if the alternator is working.
> If they don't know that they need to measure the voltage with the engine
> running you get the wrong answer.
>
> The CPS on the Dodges vary, some have the connector on the CPS itself,
> Others have a 6" pigtail with the connector on it. There are also at
> least three different connection configurations as well.
>
> Steve W.
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