Lock up converter

[wizard]

Hey guys, Have a problem, or think it is a problem that I need more info about (in Laymans) terms that I can understand. I have a 2006 1500 Ram Hemi 5.7 with the mds system in it. When I start up the truck is automatically in O/D. Here's the problem, at about 20 mph the lock-up converter kicks in and really lugs the engine. I have to really get on the throttle to get past it and then of course the mpg's go to you know what. With gas being the way it is, I would like to stay in O/D but this stupid converter is driving me nuts. It also happens around 50mph as well. What is this thing doing and do I need it and can I get rid of it. I love the truck but I am ready to sell it because of this tranny system. Can anyone out there in truck land help me with info and if this is correctable, was this a design flaw for this year or what. I have 10k miles on the truck and it has been babied. Thanks, Wizard

[RapidTransit]

Hey Wizard! Sounds like you've got some serious issues with the tranny. What year is the truck? how many total miles? Btw, welcome to the site.

--Dave

[wizard]

Hey Dave, my truck has 10,700 miles on it. It's usually a garage queen. Has done this since I bought it. It just seems to lug the engine at low speed. When you start the truck you are automatically in o/d, you can then click once and you are in tow mode and click again and you are in regular mode. In o/d when you start out at 20mph it shifts and starts to lug and you have to really give it the gas to go through it. I try to stay in o/d to get better gas milage but at 60mph I am only turning 1500rpms which feels too low for the 5.7 hemi. what should I do? any suggestions? Randy

[jwhiteh]

That is what dodge automatics do. at least in trucks. When you are not accelerating ( holding a constant speed) the converter clutch engages. this is designed to increase fuel economy. i know, it freaked me out too the first time i noticed. instead of mashing the throttle, just let off then re-apply. it disengages the clutch. the low rpm's at 60 is how you save gas. other than that cyl. management crap, low rpm's are the best way.

so...its not a flaw or something wrong, its how the tranny works.