Dodge Dakota Auto Tranny Problems

13

Comments

  • raptor01raptor01 Member Posts: 45
    (jkillion) I have a 00 dakota V-6 Auto with a trans leak also (1700 miles). The dealer has replaced a seal and a pan gaskets. After I clean the lower bell housing it will stay dry for about 5 or 6 days then the leak slowly returns. Not as bad as it was, more like a slow seep now, but reguardless it shouldn't leak at all. Also, I don't believe it kicks down to a lower gear when I try to accelerate briskly (Tach stays low and acceleration is similar to the Love Boat). Usually this happens when turning left or right onto a busy highway. Keep me posted if you elect the lemon law.
  • bucky44bucky44 Member Posts: 19
    Anyone know if there are any websites which have vehicle electrical schematics for download??? The dealer manuals are too damn expensive and I don't have a warm and fuzzy feeling about the aftermarket books. (Have purchased many over the years and thought they were too general and vague. My problem needs a manual specific to the model.)

    By the way, I have a 94 SLT ext.cab 4x4 with 83k and I've had <average luck with it. Defroster problem since day 1, replaced u-joint (48k), radiator (55k), and front axle seals 4 times. (yes, 4!!) The front axles were also replaced the last time too. Fortunately, the first 4 times were covered under the 7/70k warranty, but they're leaking again and it looks like it's all me this time!$!$!$!$

    I now have an electrical problem with the steering column wiring. Several weeks ago, I set the tilt wheel at the lowest position and the heater fan and power windows quit working and the air bag warning light came on the moment I locked it in place. I've practically torn the dash apart trying to trace wiring, but to no avail. Any help would be appreciated.
  • jkillionjkillion Member Posts: 2
    (Raptor01)
    Go to the Website to see the TSB's on your truck http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/servicemmy1.cfm
  • myersedmyersed Member Posts: 102
    Jeff-- had to reply this way because my ISP is not properly managing the mail and won't upload properly- so here it is

    I believe I must have gotten it from their Annual Report ( I get one every year) - I threw away my last one from DaimlerChrysler because I was pissed off about the price dropping almost $40 a share since Daimler bought out Chrysler. I tried to locate the full Annual report with all pages on the net, so as to help you find their primary officers- no luck. I did locate one CEO - see below. He was in charge of the area specified and his name came right off of the Daimler Chrysler siite, under financials, then management. I could not get any more than that.

    When I prepared my letters, I believe I went one management level lower, to get to Officers of "Quality" and "vehicle manufacturing". With Chrysler now under German regulations, they may not even include the level of management details in their annual report like I was used to seeing in the old Chrysler package. I do not remember. Like I said, I threw mine out but, you might send out a note to see if anyone has the last Annual report. Corporate headquarters is listed below. Don't make the letter too stiff or look like it might contain silly-putty - you know that C4 looking stuff.

    James P. Holden
    Passenger Cars & Trucks Chrysler, Plymouth, Jeep® and Dodge

    1000 Chrysler Drive
    Auburn Hills, MI 48326
  • tlynn1tlynn1 Member Posts: 24
    to ; all 4.7 automatics. your tranny may be slipping and you may not know it, Check this out to see. when engine is cold and you get on the highway set cruise control at any speed, say between 45 and 65 mph. take note of the rpm, (this will remain pretty constant on level road). now as engine gets to operating temperature, watch the rpm. My rpm at 60 mph cold is 2300, after warmed up 60 mph nets 1800 rpm. when the tranny gets warm the rpm will drop just like its changing into overdrive. this is the case in any gear and also with od off. and the rpm will vary going up or down a hill and also if you apply a little gas. this rpm change is telling me the tranny is not hooked up until it gets warm. at 42 deg. air temp. it takes about 5 miles to warm up. at about 70 deg. it takes about 3 miles to warm up. after it warms up, no more slip. All you guys with the 4.7/auto please try this and post results.
  • themacguythemacguy Member Posts: 417
    Yeah, I notice a little of this 'slippage' when cold - take it reeaallly easy on the service road getting onto the highway in the morning (with O/D off). I wonder if it has anything to do with the trans cooler. I'm sure bpeebles, a_j, myersed, bookitty, or ? will know something about this weirdness. Anyway, wondering if the cooler loop has a malfunctioning warmup valve (or any warmup valve at all). If not, I will soon be asking my tranny expert - he really is QUITE good with these things - what's up. Heck, this is important, I'll ask him tomorrow...

    ;-)
  • frank12frank12 Member Posts: 20
    from what I have heard this is normal....I know my wife's grand prix and my bother's intrepid does the same exact thing....the transmission doesn't go into overdrive right away because this helps the engine and transmission warm up faster, which saves on wear and tear.

    All automatic transmissions behave like this now....
  • damatondamaton Member Posts: 5
    I have a 2" suspension lift and a 2" body lift for a newer stlye 2WD Dakota. I need to sell them asap. My truck is a lease and I need to turn it back in. The body will fit on a 4 wheel drive reg. cab also. The suspension lift is by fabtech. email me at matthew.goss@gm.com with any questions. My asking price is $100.00 for the body lift (complete) and $175.00 for the suspension (with shocks)
  • tlynn1tlynn1 Member Posts: 24
    Frank. For the duration of warm up, the shift to od is distinct. the slip will occur even when od is off, Also it will slip in any other gear selected manually, I took it to dealer today, They done a control flash which is supposed to alter the shift sequence to be more desirable and to cure any hard shift. It was hoped that this flash will cure the slip when cold.
  • wanabajawanabaja Member Posts: 4
    Am very excited about the 2000 Dakota 4x4 Quad. But the dealers tell me that the 4.7 engine is unavailable due to the engines popularity in higher margin vehicles -Durango/Jeep Grand C. Reading these notes re:autotrans I think they may be trying to stop the bleeding until they fix the problem. But sounds as like the 5 speed manual I'd want is OK? Please let me know if you have any info on the 5 speed 4.7 engine. I'm used to truble free Toyotas. Also how much mpg does the 3.92 axle ratio cost you over the 3.55? I've read that the 3.55 is true to its rated 18 highway/17 with 4x4. Anyone get a 4.7 delivered lately?
  • drake77drake77 Member Posts: 1
    I am looking at extended cab or quad cab trucks. Am looking for one that has the least amount of problems. Also needs to be automatic.
  • tuckmiddletuckmiddle Member Posts: 37
    I've been reading these sites for months and almost didn't buy a Quad because of the stuff on here. I'm sure the guys/women are telling it like it is. I bought my 4x4 off the lot here in ATL, got $2,500 or so discount and off I went.
    Auto is fine, no ticking, bad hearing anyway, engine is marvelous, synthetic oil stopped the "yellow crud" and the auto does a little thump once in a while. My last three trucks have, all GMC, never been back to the shop for warranty work or exploded stuff and I'm hoping this is the same. Gas mileage is crummy, about 15.5 with mixed driving. The overhead mileage doohicky said 17 on a fillup that was on the highway and I went about 100 miles before slowing up. Mixed that with some commuting and sure enough 15. I've got K&N filter and flowmaster muffler. The 4.7 could care less. It's a marvelous running, full of pep mother that is not going to do 18 unless you're luckier than I. That's ok, all my full sized GMC's got the same!
    I never in a moment thought I'd own a Chrysler product, but I sure like the size, it seems gigantic over the Nissan. Looked at a new Ranger, whateven they call it, at the Ford dealer the other day. It's also seems a lot smaller than the Quad, I did not measure it cause I could care less.
    I've only got 3,000 miles, but sure seems super to me. I did jump on an extended warranty though!!
    Lotsaluck
  • poolguy1poolguy1 Member Posts: 9
    Evidently Oklahoma is Ford country. Checked on the Farm Bureau site for Oklahoma, they only offer 500 off if you purchase an F-series truck from Ford, nothing mentioned about Dakota. Doesn't matter, I'm still going with the Dakota. To whoever was asking about the CD player, it should play CD-R's just fine, but only a few of the latest players will play CD-RW's.
  • themacguythemacguy Member Posts: 417
    I believe, in my humble opinion, that you've summed up the DQC better than all the rest of us combined.
  • robaynerobayne Member Posts: 5
    1. Picked up our 2000 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 on January 7, 2000
    2. Drove vehicle 36 miles, put it in park.
    3. Upon restarting the vehicle 20 minutes later, it would not go into any gear.
    4. Put vehicle in neutral--could not be pushed by two men.
    5. Called 1-800 chrysler #. Vehicle was not in the system yet.
    6. Eventually it was agreed that chysler would tow the vehicle back to the original dealer rather than the closest dealer.
    7. Contacted lawyer Saturday morning-told we had little recourse after the vehicle left the lot unless lemon law came into effect.
    8. Lawyer recommended writing letters tot he dealer and Chrysler stating lack of confidence in the vehicle. Did so.
    9. Monday morning...cancelled check through the credit union.
    10. Monday mid-morning called dealer. Informed by mechanic that the entire transmission was blown. "Looked like shrapnel inside, planetary gear controls nearly unrecognizable"
    11. Dealer orders new transmssion.
    12. I ask for a different truck.
    13. Dealer says he'll go along with it if chrysler does.
    14. Call chrysler customer service, immediately given case number. I explained the situation.
    15. Chrysler Customer service contacts dealer the same day.
    16. By Tuesday they are allowing us to order a new truck. (it should be here any day).
    17. We have been loyal Chrysler customers for many years so we were happy with the general outcome. Overall, we have been inconvenienced, but we are glad no one was hurt...
    18. We are hoping the transmission difficulty was just a fluke...
  • tuckmiddletuckmiddle Member Posts: 37
    Man, what a story.

    I'm wondering why you elected a new truck. Transmissions are easy enough to replace and should affect nothing else.

    Yours is the worse I've seen here. Saw a Durango at the Dodge dealer that barely made it off the truck; they replaced the trans of course.

    You didn't say if it was the trans on the 4.7 or 5.9 , I'm sure you know they are different.

    Good luck with the new one. Make them drive it untill it gets 37 miles!

    Another reason for extended warranty on this combination.
  • robaynerobayne Member Posts: 5
    You gave too much credit in assuming I knew there were different transmissions in different vehicles. I am an automotive novice, but I am learning now. We purchased the 3.9 SMPI V6 with a four speed automatic transmission. We elected a new truck because Chrysler was so willing to give one and the mechanic noted that he couldn't guarantee that there wasn't other damage. Generally speaking I was freaked out about the truck and I thought it would just keep having problems. It was built three days before Christmas and I thought maybe the assemblers might of had other things on their minds.
  • tlynn1tlynn1 Member Posts: 24
    slip condition as reported on post 108 is still evident after dealer flashed new settings on transmission controller. Guess I'll call dodge tech.
  • raptor01raptor01 Member Posts: 45
    Get a different lawyer. You have (had) 3 days to cancel and walk away from any vehicle purchase you made. I'm sure your credit union is smarter than your lawyer.
  • robaynerobayne Member Posts: 5
    Does the three day cancellation apply to vehicle purchases in every state? I spoke with our family lawyer, then to an additional one and they both said that in New York, the lemon law was the only protection and that contract cancellation clauses did not apply to motor vehicle purchases in New York. I would like to know for sure in case this situation comes up again, so I guess I'll contact yet another attorney. thanks for the advice.
  • raptor01raptor01 Member Posts: 45
    Recently I purchased my truck in Florida (where I live) my credit union is in Utah. I had a few problems (trans leakage) with my truck and asked my CU to hold the check. They informed me when you make a major purchase, house mortgage, car loan etc... you have a three day window to cancel and walk away from the deal. I remember when I closed on my house the mortgage company had me sign papers acknowledging this 3 day cooling off period. This leads me to believe it's a national law and not state by state, however, I'm not a lawyer. Any lawyers out there want to enlighten us? I'll check with the base legal office when I get back in town on Friday.
  • tiltboytiltboy Member Posts: 63
    Hey, I talked to a dealership in Oklahoma, and they said the rebate would apply to other states even if you bought from Ok. I guess your out of luck if you live in Ok. or the two other states not associated with Farm Bureau. I live in Alabama, and was told I would get the rebate from Farm Bureau Alabama after delivery. Anybody with any info on this topic, please help! Thanks
  • tlynn1tlynn1 Member Posts: 24
    TheMacGuy, About your 4.7/automatic slipping, Have you talked to dealer yet? My dealer called me two days after I had the controller flashed and I explained to him it was still slipping. He's looking into it.
  • rwillhomerwillhome Member Posts: 5
    Does anyone know of a site where you can print out Chrysler TSB's (Technical Service Bulletins) or how to get them some other way?
    http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/servicemmy1.cfm.
    I want the FULL DETAILED bulletin. The dealership can't seem to fix my 4.7L w/Auto Trans, so I am investigating.
  • themacguythemacguy Member Posts: 417
    Been too busy to get to the dealer - tried once, we couldn't 'mesh' our schedules - let you know as soon as I can. However, since this has come up, I've noticed that my 'slipping' and yours may be unrelated. I'm wondering now if mine is simply 'hunting' as it slides from 3rd into O/D. It gives me absolutely NO problems when towing or with some aggressive driving.
  • stvdmanstvdman Member Posts: 62
    Is the tranny just slipping or is it shuddering a little when it shifts?
  • 11741174 Member Posts: 8
    rwillhome, I read your posting and I called Dodge and asked were I could get the tsb's. They said that I could get them from the dealer or from a public library. I checked my local library (Los Angeles, CA) and they do not have them. You may want to try your's..
  • rwillhomerwillhome Member Posts: 5
    Interesting that they may be in the library. Thanks for your input......
  • 11741174 Member Posts: 8
    rwillhome, let me know if you have any luck at you library. thanks
  • tlynn1tlynn1 Member Posts: 24
    stdvman, mine is slipping, I can even pat the accelerator while at constant miles per hour and get a 500 rpm variation. Now this happens only while the engine is cold, approx. 3 to 5 mile distance, in any gear, od on and off.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    (tlynn1) Why do you think this is 'bad' or 'wrong'?
    An automatic Xmission is simply a hydraulic pump that is driving the rear wheels. Slippage is part of the operation. Perhaps you are just noticing that the 'lockup' action of an automatic tranny is not functioning. This is most likely 'programmed' into the operation of the xmission to allow faster warmup. (The 'slippage' causes shear of the hydraulic fluid thus heat is generated.) Once the xmissin is above the 'target' tempurature, the 'lockup' action is then engauged to provide better fuel economy.

    This is all conjecture.... you may have allready accounted for this function.
  • raptor01raptor01 Member Posts: 45
    Just wanted to let you know I haven't forgotten about you. I contacted a lawyer at base legal office and he's going to research the 3 day ruling, weather a State or Federal law. Did you get your new truck?
  • tlynn1tlynn1 Member Posts: 24
    bepeebles, I don't know if this is bad or wrong and dodge has not told me either way. If its normal, I need them to say so, if not, I don't want some serious problem to arise like a shot tranny at 60k, 80k 100k or 300k miles. (big expectations huh). I do understand your possible explanation, and I have considered that a fluid slip may not cause damage, but I was concerned that the bands were wearing during this slip.
  • robaynerobayne Member Posts: 5
    Thanks for looking into the three day issue. The dealership said the truck was shipped on February 21, but as of this morning it was still listed as "in train transit" We are looking forward to the new truck as the 1988 Oldsmobile Firenza with 175,000 miles in New york's salty winters is about to croak!
  • raptor01raptor01 Member Posts: 45
    Robayne - A base lawyer informed me you have three days to change your mind (in every state) if and only IF the item was purchased in your home or place of buiness. I guess the bottom line is State by State if you went to their place of business to make a purchase. Good Luck with your new truck....RS
  • robaynerobayne Member Posts: 5
    We picked up our replacement truck today after a seven week wait. We have gone 38 miles and the transmission seems to holding up. There does seem to be a humming noise when I let my foot off the gas pedal. I was wondering if this was normal? I may just be paranoid after the last experience. (We got the radio control on the steering wheel and they are a great feature)!
    RoBayne
  • myersedmyersed Member Posts: 102
    Finally got my service manual. Much better than any previous Chrysler manuals I have purchased. Not as comprehensive as Ford or Chevy though.

    Just discovered that my V8 tranny (multi-speed) is not a "lock-up" type torque converter- All of their other models are. No wonder they recommend that you do not tow in overdrive.

    Also discovered that the multispeed final tranny ratio is .75 as opposed to .69 with the other transmissions. If reliability holds maybe it's worth it. Just can't see how pressure discs would ever outlast a true-lockup. Also explains why the owners manual requires fluid change every 30,000 miles or so- whereas others are at 50,000.

    Combining slippage from a non-locking torque converter and a higher final ratio- we easily reduce fuel economy 9% (.69 x 1.087= .75) At todays prices of $1.50 plus a gallon, that's quite a bit over a year.
  • themacguythemacguy Member Posts: 417
    I had already planned on changing my tranny fluid/filter at shorter intervals, now FOR SURE I'm going to! This multi dealy sounds and acts like my Yamaha KT-100 Kart with the (Horstman) 3 disc wet clutch setup. Although when it finally reaches temp IT locks up & flies (at 10,500 rpm).
    Explains a lot, thanx.
  • jimbuckjimbuck Member Posts: 16
    With only 500 miles on our new Quad, as I stopped for gas, we had smioke coming out of the hood. Open the hood and found tranny fluid all over. Checked level and could not tell where it was with the twists. Went right to dealer. Upon closer inspection, it appears that there is fluid all over the passenger wheel well on the outside. Will know more on Monday.

    Jim Buckingham
  • cheffycheffy Member Posts: 4
    I have only 10500 miles on my 1999 dakota adn I took it in cause of the trans......
    it does not shift properly and it takes too much gas to drive.......... I only get about 10 mpg on the highway......
    The dealership tells me that there is nothign wrong..... what do I tell them I am taking it back to them on monday to get somethign done......

    I am lost what to say to get somethign done to get it fixed

    Cheffy
  • marsha7marsha7 Member Posts: 3,703
    While I am not rendering any legal advice, isn't the 3-day right to cancel valid if you have not received the product? I am sure if you signed the papers, paid a down payment, but have not received the product, you can cancel within 3 days, but if you drive the vehicle off the lot and put wear and tear (minimal, of course) on it, can you still return the vehicle on the third day for a full refund? If so, I am unaware of it.
  • raptor01raptor01 Member Posts: 45
    According to my loan officer at the CU I had three days to decide if I wanted to keep my truck. As a matter of fact they held the title to my trade-in and the dealer pay-off check until I called them on the third day.
    During that widow my dealer offered me any other truck on the lot. I asked my dealer to throw in an extented warranty at no cost and he flat out refused. I told him to put the plates back on my trade-in and that I would pick it up that evening and hung up. Within ten minutes he called back and gave me the extented warranty. Next Friday I will talk to base legal again and be more specific this time.
  • marsha7marsha7 Member Posts: 3,703
    clearing that up.
  • jimbuckjimbuck Member Posts: 16
    Talked to the ealer. A clamp to the trans cooler came off. did not know how much fulid they added. Going to check it now. As bad as the fenderwell was, it was a lot.
  • raptor01raptor01 Member Posts: 45
    Talked with legal today and here is the info they provided:
    > 1. There is nothing which would legally permit the person to get their
    > money back (absent any unique Florida law which I'm unaware of). Best
    > case,
    > they lose their deposit. Worst case, they're still on the hook for the
    > car.
    > Of course, the language of the contract is also of great importance
    > because
    > it will likely state exactly what is to happen in the event the buyer or
    > seller default. So, they need to look at the contract they signed.
    >
    > 2. Again, absent any unique Florida law, once they sign the contract,
    > it's
    > their car. Some dealers have a policy which allows the buyer to return a
    > car within 30 days if they're unhappy with it, but that is just the dealer
    > being consumer friendly; it's not based on any legal requirement.
    >
    > 3. When you go to the dealership, the 3 day rule is generally not
    > applicable. Legislators figure that if you go to their place of business,
    > you intended to be there and you're stuck with the situation if you just
    > can't say no to the salesman.
    >
  • spike50spike50 Member Posts: 481
    Has anybody taken out an ext. warranty on their
    Dakota?

    Has anyone taken out a ext. warranty from a third
    party provider as discussed in another part of the Edmunds website under "CarBuying Tips.com"?

    Although it might be too early to tell, has anyone had good / bad experiences with either the dealer offered or the third party warranty's coverage and "ease of use"?

    Any thoughts on any of the above?
  • jimbuckjimbuck Member Posts: 16
    My dealer said they did not honor GEICO extended warrant. Have it on the car insurance and is like $70 a year. Called Chrysler and they said they did not know anything about it. Canceled the dearler warranty and talked to the sales manager and he said that they did accept it but they had to wait for the inspector sometimes and that was a delay. Funny about they saying they did not accept it.

    Jim Buckingham
  • aprotintaprotint Member Posts: 2
    Anybody who can assist. Placed my Quad order on 2/29/00. With all the talk of transmission problems, can anybody chime in with prices (dealer costs)on extended warranties. Sure would appreciate any help.
  • tuckmiddletuckmiddle Member Posts: 37
    My Warranty Gold from Edmunds was $1,300. Might be a little high, but I know they're reliable.
    I posted a long thing on this on one of the other boards.
    With 4,600 miles, it's been superb, but I'm hedging anyway.
    Be careful out there
  • jimbuckjimbuck Member Posts: 16
    For 5 years/100k miles, it was 1350 from Chrysler.
Sign In or Register to comment.