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Why does my Automatic truck have a manual computer? #1773032
03/06/15 12:49 AM
03/06/15 12:49 AM
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San Diego
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So, my grandfather bought this truck when it was new and kept all his records for it. I looked through the folder and there is no receipt for replacing the SEMC. Anyways, is it possible the truck came from the factory like this?

The computer that is in the truck is an OE#4379891 and if you look it up it's a manual trans cal emissions SEMC. I called the parts store and they said OE#4379829 is the one for my truck. I suppose I should just order the 892 one? Would a manual trans computer even work in an automatic? I drove this truck from Lake Havasu to San Diego and then drove it for a couple years before I started having problems with the truck. Here is my thread where I'm chasing the hesitation, fluctuating idle, and stalling:

https://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/show...e=0#Post8434760

Re: Why does my Automatic truck have a manual computer? [Re: Instigate] #1773033
03/06/15 12:50 AM
03/06/15 12:50 AM
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Laveen, Arizona
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It could be that it has just a standard hydraulic 727 in it, therefore has no need for a computer to control it. Either that, or its been replaced incorrectly...


1949 International KB-2 "Mater" - 302/T5

1968 Dodge Dart GTS "The Drat" - 340/727

2006 Dodge Magnum R/T - Hemi

2016 Dodge Durango Limited - 3.6
Re: Why does my Automatic truck have a manual computer? [Re: Instigate] #1773034
03/06/15 01:14 AM
03/06/15 01:14 AM
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Fresno, CA
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What year?

Re: Why does my Automatic truck have a manual computer? [Re: Jim_Lusk] #1773035
03/06/15 01:23 AM
03/06/15 01:23 AM
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San Diego
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Quote:

What year?




89

and my ID tag says I've got the A998/A999.

8450730-11.jpg (60 downloads)
Re: Why does my Automatic truck have a manual computer? [Re: Instigate] #1773036
03/06/15 01:28 AM
03/06/15 01:28 AM
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San Diego
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The 891 computer is cheaper than the 829 so if I've been running on an 891 then I could get that yea? I don't think it has been replaced.

Re: Why does my Automatic truck have a manual computer? [Re: Instigate] #1773037
03/06/15 01:29 AM
03/06/15 01:29 AM
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Laveen, Arizona
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That trans is hydraulically controlled. No need for a computer to run it.


1949 International KB-2 "Mater" - 302/T5

1968 Dodge Dart GTS "The Drat" - 340/727

2006 Dodge Magnum R/T - Hemi

2016 Dodge Durango Limited - 3.6
Re: Why does my Automatic truck have a manual computer? [Re: GTSDart340] #1773038
03/06/15 01:32 AM
03/06/15 01:32 AM
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San Diego
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Quote:

That trans is hydraulically controlled. No need for a computer to run it.




I see, so I can get away with buying the cheaper computer?

Re: Why does my Automatic truck have a manual computer? [Re: Instigate] #1773039
03/06/15 01:36 AM
03/06/15 01:36 AM
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Laveen, Arizona
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I would get the one that matches what was in in it before. There are other differences than just the transmission.


1949 International KB-2 "Mater" - 302/T5

1968 Dodge Dart GTS "The Drat" - 340/727

2006 Dodge Magnum R/T - Hemi

2016 Dodge Durango Limited - 3.6
Re: Why does my Automatic truck have a manual computer? [Re: GTSDart340] #1773040
03/06/15 05:30 PM
03/06/15 05:30 PM
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Balt. Md
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Its actually called a SMEC meaning Single Module Eng Controller and your trans should have a lock-up converter controlled by the PCM (SMEC) from what I remember on that model and year. The trans is hydraulic but it should use a PCM controlled solenoid that works the lock-up converter from what I remember. But I am not 100% sure without looking it up or looking at the vehicle. It could be its not working the lockup if you are right about it and the PCM does not have the terminal for the lock-up solenoid. And if thats right the PCM would not set a code since it would not be looking for a lock-up solenoid circuit. Do you know if the lock-up converter is working ? But it may be some did not have lock-up its just I dont remember seeing any without lock-up that year but my memory could be off. Ron

Last edited by 383man; 03/06/15 05:39 PM.
Re: Why does my Automatic truck have a manual computer? [Re: 383man] #1773041
03/06/15 05:46 PM
03/06/15 05:46 PM
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Balt. Md
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Ok I just happen to have my 89 Service manual on the self and they did have non lock-up A-998 tanny's in 89. I guess I just did not see to many. Ron

Re: Why does my Automatic truck have a manual computer? [Re: 383man] #1773042
03/06/15 11:52 PM
03/06/15 11:52 PM
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Manitoba, Canada
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Ron I thought those transmissions still had the mechanical lockup in that year not the electronic? Or had that gone by the wayside?

Re: Why does my Automatic truck have a manual computer? [Re: DaytonaTurbo] #1773043
03/07/15 12:10 AM
03/07/15 12:10 AM
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Balt. Md
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Basically its all hydraulic other then the lock-up solenoid that closes the line vent so it will build presuure to move the lock-up valve over. The PCM controls when the solenoid turns on and off. I forgot what year they stared using the PCM controled solenoid to control the lock-up but the 89's have it. I think it was around 86 but it may have been earlier as I dont remember off the top of my head. Ron

Last edited by 383man; 03/07/15 12:13 AM.
Re: Why does my Automatic truck have a manual computer? [Re: 383man] #1773044
03/07/15 12:29 AM
03/07/15 12:29 AM
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San Diego
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Quote:

Its actually called a SMEC meaning Single Module Eng Controller and your trans should have a lock-up converter controlled by the PCM (SMEC) from what I remember on that model and year. The trans is hydraulic but it should use a PCM controlled solenoid that works the lock-up converter from what I remember. But I am not 100% sure without looking it up or looking at the vehicle. It could be its not working the lockup if you are right about it and the PCM does not have the terminal for the lock-up solenoid. And if thats right the PCM would not set a code since it would not be looking for a lock-up solenoid circuit. Do you know if the lock-up converter is working ? But it may be some did not have lock-up its just I dont remember seeing any without lock-up that year but my memory could be off. Ron




It's hard to make out but it says "DHA Lock-Up Torque Converter" on my equipment ID tag. What should I look for on the trans? I know it does have a loom going down to the trans from behind the passenger side valve cover.

Re: Why does my Automatic truck have a manual computer? [Re: 383man] #1773045
03/07/15 12:31 AM
03/07/15 12:31 AM
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San Diego
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Quote:

Basically its all hydraulic other then the lock-up solenoid that closes the line vent so it will build presuure to move the lock-up valve over. The PCM controls when the solenoid turns on and off. I forgot what year they stared using the PCM controled solenoid to control the lock-up but the 89's have it. I think it was around 86 but it may have been earlier as I dont remember off the top of my head. Ron




So it is controlled by my computer? I'm pretty sure my computer that's in the truck is the one that came from the factory.

Re: Why does my Automatic truck have a manual computer? [Re: Instigate] #1773046
03/07/15 12:40 AM
03/07/15 12:40 AM
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I want to say that the 4 speed automatics had an electronic lock up solenoid. The three speeds do not. Easy enough to tell, how many electrical connectors does your trans have?

One for the backuplights/neutral safety switch and one for the speed sensor to the computer. Unfortunately my bud's 89 was a stick truck.

Here's a link to the lockup solenoid for an 89 D150 with a four speed auto, there is no listing for the 3 speed. Note how the connector appears, do you have that?


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Re: Why does my Automatic truck have a manual computer? [Re: Supercuda] #1773047
03/07/15 01:06 AM
03/07/15 01:06 AM
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San Diego
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Quote:

I want to say that the 4 speed automatics had an electronic lock up solenoid. The three speeds do not. Easy enough to tell, how many electrical connectors does your trans have?

One for the backuplights/neutral safety switch and one for the speed sensor to the computer. Unfortunately my bud's 89 was a stick truck.

Here's a link to the lockup solenoid for an 89 D150 with a four speed auto, there is no listing for the 3 speed. Note how the connector appears, do you have that?




Pretty sure I do. I'll double check it and post tomorrow. This is the only picture I have of the tranny. I'll check it out.

Re: Why does my Automatic truck have a manual computer? [Re: Instigate] #1773048
03/07/15 01:24 AM
03/07/15 01:24 AM
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The only connector I see in that pic is for the backup lights/neutral safety.

I think I also see the speed sensor on the tailshaft that the speedometer cable plugs into. That tells the computer the road speed and I know in FWD cars of that vintage if it goes out you tend to stall coming to a stop.


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Re: Why does my Automatic truck have a manual computer? [Re: Instigate] #1773049
03/07/15 01:25 AM
03/07/15 01:25 AM
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First of all I would not trust what a part store shows as OEM for your truck. Verify the correct computer with your local dealer.

Re: Why does my Automatic truck have a manual computer? [Re: NITROUSN] #1773050
03/07/15 01:29 AM
03/07/15 01:29 AM
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Quote:

First of all I would not trust what a part store shows as OEM for your truck. Verify the correct computer with your local dealer.




Pretty sure he got the OEM part number off the current computer that he's pretty sure is original to the truck.


They say there are no such thing as a stupid question.
They say there is always the exception that proves the rule.
Don't be the exception.
Re: Why does my Automatic truck have a manual computer? [Re: Supercuda] #1773051
03/07/15 01:36 AM
03/07/15 01:36 AM
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Quote:

Quote:

First of all I would not trust what a part store shows as OEM for your truck. Verify the correct computer with your local dealer.




Pretty sure he got the OEM part number off the current computer that he's pretty sure is original to the truck.




Right but he is going by an aftermarkets listing. I find lots of errors in the aftermarket world. That's why I suggested he verify what is correct for that model with his dealer.
For what its worth I have run manual on auto tbi trucks and the will run fine. Just not correct and small issues like speed control may not work and also could have emission compliance issues.

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