Skip to main content
Topic: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting (Read 1175 times) previous topic - next topic

Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

The transmission or drive train sometimes thunks / bangs / lurches when downshifting from 3rd to 2nd gear when coasting to a stop. Other times, it is pretty smooth when coasting to a stop from 6th gear to 1st gear. The gas pedal and brakes are not engaged. Anyone know if this is normal and/or what the problem / solution is.

It accelerates and shifts gears smoothly.
1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #1
When is last time the U-joints were greased? Do you have a grease gun to grease them?
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #2
2200 miles ago, with red heavy-duty grease.
1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #3
The transmission or drive train sometimes thunks / bangs / lurches when downshifting from 3rd to 2nd gear when coasting to a stop. Other times, it is pretty smooth when coasting to a stop from 6th gear to 1st gear. The gas pedal and brakes are not engaged. Anyone know if this is normal and/or what the problem / solution is.

It accelerates and shifts gears smoothly.
Have had two 3000 series and two 4000 series transmissions do the same thing. Was worried on the first one, but now think maybe ecm is just confused. As it only happened now and then, and no codes thrown,  I did not worry too much, because it was not constant, I ignored it. So far so good.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #4
Allison ECM 'learns' driver throttle style of driving to control shift points.  Sounds like you would benefit from an ECM reset so it can start over learning how to shift:

"Re-Learn is required when replacing the transmission, working on the transmission, installing a Shift Kit or adding horsepower. 

The computer that controls the Allison transmission has adaptive strategy that constantly adjusts shift clutch pressures to match engine torque and vehicle load.  It stores a database and records the relationships between rate of acceleration and throttle opening.  It also calculates engine torque output based on inputs such as fuel consumption, boost pressure, air density, temperature, throttle position and many other factors.   

To insure an ideal shift with maximum speed and minimal strain on the drive train the computer must 're-learn' when replacing the transmission, working on the transmission, installing a Shift Kit or adding horsepower.

Start the re-learn by making at least six sets of light throttle upshifts through all the gears, then make another six sets at 1/3, 1/2 and 3/4 throttle.  Downshift the same way by starting at light throttle and working up to full throttle. 

When the shifts are quick and smooth press the 'tow haul; button and repeat the previous re-learn process in 'tow haul' mode.  Re-learn normally takes up to two hours (this time can be significantly reduced by using Tech2 or PC based Allison software to clear the memory and place the TCM in the 'fast learn' mode).

During the relearn there will probably be some clunks, bumps and/or short flares, especially during the 3-4 shift.  This is normal."

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #5
Allison ECM 'learns' driver throttle style of driving to control shift points.  Sounds like you would benefit from an ECM reset so it can start over learning how to shift:

"Re-Learn is required when replacing the transmission, working on the transmission, installing a Shift Kit or adding horsepower. 

The computer that controls the Allison transmission has adaptive strategy that constantly adjusts shift clutch pressures to match engine torque and vehicle load.  It stores a database and records the relationships between rate of acceleration and throttle opening.  It also calculates engine torque output based on inputs such as fuel consumption, boost pressure, air density, temperature, throttle position and many other factors.   

To insure an ideal shift with maximum speed and minimal strain on the drive train the computer must 're-learn' when replacing the transmission, working on the transmission, installing a Shift Kit or adding horsepower.

Start the re-learn by making at least six sets of light throttle upshifts through all the gears, then make another six sets at 1/3, 1/2 and 3/4 throttle.  Downshift the same way by starting at light throttle and working up to full throttle. 

When the shifts are quick and smooth press the 'tow haul; button and repeat the previous re-learn process in 'tow haul' mode.  Re-learn normally takes up to two hours (this time can be significantly reduced by using Tech2 or PC based Allison software to clear the memory and place the TCM in the 'fast learn' mode).

During the relearn there will probably be some clunks, bumps and/or short flares, especially during the 3-4 shift.  This is normal."
Where is the tow-haul button? My duramax had that, but not my Foretravel.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #6
Yes, my coach does that too sometimes.  Do not know anything about a tow-haul button.  Always thought the memory was lost when the chassis batteries were disconnected, but maybe I am wrong.  Somebody educate me.
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #7
Maybe mode button?
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #8
It's normal.  I just live with it.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #9
Agree with above - happens sometimes, but no worries.  I notice it seems to occur when I am confused about whether I want to go or stop, like in busy rapidly-changing traffic situations.  When my throttle input becomes jerky, the transmission can get caught off-guard, which results in a harsh downshift.  Another good reason to try to drive smoothly...
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #10
Mine does it, the ones we have in the trucks where I used to work do it.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #11
I was told it was the torque converter working on the down shift. Mine sometimes does it in stop and go traffic.
Rick & Deborah Webster
2002 3610 U320 #5964
2014 Jeep Wrangler Sahara JKU- 'Copperhead'
Richland Chambers Lake, East Texas

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #12
I'm probably stirring the pot here... but what happens in the poor, old ECU when our spouse drives the coach??  Mileage probably gets better, huh? Tee Hee.
Jim

2002 U320 42'
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #13
Ours, like some above have posted, occasionally jerks/clunks. Have driven FD trucks equipped with Allisons that did the same thing.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #14
Normal.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #15
Not be argumentative against the majority but this problem ( thunks / bangs / lurches when downshifting from 3rd to 2nd from OP) does have some trouble shooting and some fixes for the 3000 & 4000 series. The thing is this problem may not drop a flag in the memory of the ECM. This is a starting place to keep you from just throwing parts at it.

The #1 cause is "Speed Sensor" signal quality caused by wiring issues. Like bad connections, chaffed wires, etc.
Loose output nut on 4000 series
Damaged tone ring on 3000 series (you may just want to live with this as it is a high $$$ fix) even a slight nick or ding can cause a spike in the signal. If it passes this spot at the exact right timing then this will cause a spike in the signal.
Speed sensors themselves failing.  Best way to check is watch the signals in a graph form, they should be smooth up & down. If spiking and erratic then they are the issue.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #16
Normal. Mine does it, has no codes.Trans gets caught between gears with it's pants down!
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #17
Inside the Allison Brain:  "OK, time to downshift to 2nd...........OH LOOK, A CHICKEN!"
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #18
When an automatic transmission shifts, are the little clutches gradually engaged or are they suddenly engaged. Like a manual transmission, rapid clutch engagment causes banging and complaints from my passengers.
1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #19
My 3060 Allison took some getting used to, having a "mind of it's own", but works fine in town.  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #20
Mine does the "clunk" going back into 1st when cold. It goes away after it's warmed up, but really surprises you at the first stop. I found it reduces when I manually shift down until it's at operating temp.
AKA Chuck
1993 U280 40' WTB, Build 4345, CUM 8.3 "Falcor", 2010 Honda CRV TOAD (Spock), 970W solar on roof
Full-Time traveler between Quartzsite AZ, Longview WA, Ellendale ND, and Lake City SD
The selected media item is not currently available.

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #21
Take the coach to an Allison dealer and have them hookup there computer, have it checked for wide open throttle and closed throttle, they can also check to see if someone has reprogrammed it.
 
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #22
Throttle position sensor may be sticking, out of adjustment, or just not telling the transmission you are at idle. I relocated my cable and made a world of difference.
1994 U280
Build #4451
"If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking"

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #23
Throttle position sensor may be sticking, out of adjustment, or just not telling the transmission you are at idle. I relocated my cable and made a world of difference.

Relocated the cable ..where/how...??pics please . :)  :)  :) 
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: Transmission / Drive Train Thunk / Lurch / Bang When Downshifting

Reply #24
Noticed some abrupt downshifts in city traffic.  Try turning off the retarder, worked for me.
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS