RPMs rev up high and shifts rough?

It sounds like the input shaft sensor is not working but we should run the codes to see if any are stored.

Here is a guide to help us:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Here is the location of the sensor and how to change it out in case there is a code for it. Can I ask if the speedometer is working? Please start a new question for the 4wd light flashing. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

The only codes are some exhaust codes. The Speedometer works but he switched out the cluster before I bought it a year or so ago so it’s off by 5 mph. I can try to send a video of exactly what it does when it wants to shift if that would help.

Yes, a video will help me see what's going on. If you have exhaust codes, you could have a partially clogged catalytic converter or a weak MAF sensor. These will make the PCM think there is less vacuum in the engine so it thinks you are going up a hill which will make the truck shift late.

This guide can help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

Please go over this guide and get back to us.

I’m checking out the article now but here’s the videos. It’s hard to hear but I have to give it more gas for it to actually shift or it’ll just drag out a few seconds longer.

Yep, it is shifting late, did it shift late with the old cluster? Thanks for the videos, they help.

I think I remember him saying it did but I have no way of knowing for sure. I bought it over a year ago and have moved since, sorry.

Reading through the article there is a part about a rattling in the exhaust system. There is a rattle when the RPMs reach about 1800-2300 RPMs that I’ve never been able to find.

This could be the catalytic converter has fallen apart internally which will create the rattle.

Would that cause the transmission problems as well?

Yes, it will make the transmission shift late.

Okay, so if I disconnect the exhaust and cats from underneath, it in theory should run a little better, correct? I can test that when I’m home later tonight.

Yes, that is part of the test in the guide.

So, after much looking, I saw that the previous owner cut the cats out and clamped pipe in its place. That’s what the rattle was, was a loose clamp. Is it still possible for the tranny problem to be an exhaust issue? It still has the muffler.

It is possible, if you disconnect the exhaust from the muffler and drive it you should know if that was the problem. Also, I would try the input shaft speed sensor. Can you tell me which exhaust codes are coming up?

Yeah, it’s a P0157 and P0332 are my only codes but the 0332 is a knock sensor. I can’t remember if there was a disconnect before the muffler that’s somewhat close but if there is I’ll try it when I get back.

Also, would the 03 have an input shaft speed sensor? I know they were introduced in 04. Where would it be?

Yep, these should not affect the transmission shifting.

P0157 - O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 2, Sensor 2):

P0332 - Knock Sensor 2 Circuit Low Input (Bank 2):

The input shaft sensor is in the image below, if this doesn't work I would disconnect the instrument cluster and drive it to see if it is causing the problem. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

I disconnected the cluster and it still ran as bad. I went to look for the speed sensor and it’s blocked by the front driveshaft, the exhaust, and a scrape plate. I might just have it sent in for a rebuild because there is problems with the tranny, 4wd, and it’s leaking oil so bad it’s almost impossible to get the bottom clean enough to see anything.

Thank you for your help but this one is just beyond me to fix. I really appreciate your time and patience!
-Matt

Thanks for letting us know, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime. Please let me know if you find a solution.