Two problems related to automatic transmission torque converter have been reported for the 1998 Dodge RAM. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
There is a lock up in transmission/torque converter. Computer program that tells torque converter when to lock up and unlock has a problem, causing torque converter to lockup and unlock sporadically. Dealer has nispected vehicle . Manufacturer has been notified.
Please refer to service bulletin 971017182997, NHTSA sb054220. This is what I am experiencing on my truck. I have no complaints with the dealer they did all they could. The torque converter locks up between 40 and 53 mph. I wanted them to fix it. They said all of the Dodge Ram pickups do this. The whole truck starts to shake between 40 and 53 and its due to the gear setting in the tranny and the engine rpm. This was designed by Dodge for fuel effeciency but causes the truck to shake due to torque converter lock-up. I was satisified that it wasn't just a problem with my truck when the Dodge dealer let me pick out a new Dodge on his lot with the same size engine and drive train, it had 6 miles on it (brand new 99'). When I drove the new truck it was considerably worst than mine and started to shake between 30 and about 53 but it shook more than my truck thru the entire range. I am concerned that this shaking due to torque converter lockup won't eventually shorten the life of the torque converter and possibly the transmission. I found your service on the internet, so I am giving it a try. Thank you.