2013 Charger SRT8 NAG1 Ghost Throttle?

[simonsez]

I've been battling a P0741 TQ converter clutch circuit performance code on this thing for awhile. In addition, it's had what I describe as a ghost throttle issue. If you are pulling a gradual hill and lean into the pedal it feels like a dead pedal until something changes and the car takes off, sometimes quite suddenly and violently. I wasn't sure it was transmission related until I captured it happening in the log I'm including below. I replaced the Tq converter clutch solenoid and all the valves in the valvebody seem to move without restriction. Both solenoids ohm'd within spec at 2.5 ohms. I followed diagnosis and checked the related circuits-all ok. Fluid and filter was changed less than 500 miles ago but already looks quite dark and stinky. No metal debris in pan. No other transmission issues, in fact it shifts amazingly. If you watch the end of the log, you can see me slowly push the pedal down and yet the throttle position doesn't change until the Throttle Torque Source changes from transmission to pedal. Most times the P0741 sets soon after an event like this. You can see the TCC mode go from Slip to Unlocked at the same time. TCC desired and actual slip frequently don't match. I'm assuming it's a TQ converter clutch issue and because of the fluid condition it's going to get a rebuilt transmission at the same time. My question is, can I adjust something in the tune to alleviate the ghost throttle issue until I replace the transmission? Possibly in the TCC desired slip tables or Apply Speed tables? I tuned out the TCC apply on this and the ghost throttle and P0741 doesn't happen. The log attached is taken with stock tune other than MDS deleted. The tune attached is stock tune with MDS deleted. I've never tuned a Dodge so I'm somewhat unfamiliar with the tables.

[TransGo Robert]

Your problem is all converter clutch slip related.

See the computer is trying to keep the slip down to 36 or so RPM but the clutch can't hold. The more you accelerate the more it would slips so the computer does not command any more throttle even though you are gradually pushing more and more on the gas pedal. Eventually the computer gives up, throws in the trowel, cancel the lock-up command, gives it throttle and there you goes the engine RPM up 1000 or so all of a sudden. Code P0741 is a tad misleading as it says circuit performance so people think it has to do with the electrical circuit so they replace the solenoid, conductor plate, wires and such but in reality they are talking about the hydraulic circuit not performing as it should. In other words the lock-up clutch is slipping more than the maximum allowed value when the solenoid is commanded to deliver maximum apply force to the clutch.

All this to say you need a minimum a new torque converter, the transmission should also be gone through to correct wear point in it that caused the converter to go bad in the first place.

[simonsez]

That was my assumption. It's nice to hear it confirmed from someone who knows. Following diagnostics for that code did seem a bit misleading. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.