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Dodge Dakota Transmission Problems

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Comments

  • keredkered Member Posts: 2
  • keredkered Member Posts: 2
    I have no reverse lights on my 2000 Dakota Club Cab 3.9l (not the bulbs). My friend wants to troubleshoot the neutral safety switch but could not find it. He checked in a Chilton's in the library but that did not list the location either. Anyone know where we could find it? Thanks, Kered
  • dustykdustyk Member Posts: 2,926
    On newer Daks the starter motor relay is energized through the clutch interlock switch (manual transmissions only). This switch receives current from a signal path in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). That signal in the PCM is initialized through the transmission range sensor (TRS). The TRS is located on the transmission near the valve body assembly, just above the pan rail. It should have a six pin connector attached to it.

    Regards,
    Dusty
  • gphillippigphillippi Member Posts: 7
    I am having same problem on a 2002 SLT, with 70K miles. Problem just started and dealer couldn't find anything wrong. I had truck towed for $120, then when they got to checking it, it shifted just fine! Of Course! A week later it happened again, I was able to muscle it into gear, which made a scraping sound from the shifter. I park level and never use foot brake. The key seems when I step on the brake, normally it smoothly moves to the floor and shifts fine. When it won't shift, the brake is hard, mushy and only moves 1/3rd of the way. Any thoughts here? I read comment on the pawl, what is that and can I replace or check it? Love my truck but live in fear I'll get stuck somewhere again.
  • scoopyexscoopyex Member Posts: 31
    I'm guessing from the fact that You muscled the tranny into gear that it's a standard transmission. There is no parking pawl in a strandard. That's something You only find in an automatic transmission because there are no gears to interlock to keep it from moving when it's parked. Your problem seems more related to a shifter that's gone hoopey or something mechanical in the transmission is jamming like a syncro or something in the shifter itself.
  • jnealjneal Member Posts: 247
    "When it won't shift, the brake is hard, mushy"

    I'm still trying to wrap my little pea brain around how the brake can be hard and mushy at the same time.... :confuse:
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    For what it is worth -- when the brake pedal is hard, that indicates that the vacuum is low.

    It sounds to me as if it is a problem with the brake system that is causing the issue with not being able to shift out of park. There are several "safetys" built into the system and they may kicking in due to low vacuum.
  • dakotaman1dakotaman1 Member Posts: 14
    I've read w/ interest some of the discussion here on failed Dakota trannies. Mine (automatic) just went south w/ 65K miles. Ugghhh!

    Engine has plenty of power - just seems not to be engaged w/ the drive train - almost like it's stuck in 1st gear.

    I hear about the TPS, but no engine codes posted to the dash. Wouldn't there have been a TPS message (OBD) posted?

    Any help or tips are gratefully appreciated!

    Thanks. :cry:
  • gphillippigphillippi Member Posts: 7
    That's what I thought and told both dealers, ya think they would have done something? Nope, I looked at brake fluid and it's sick [not cool!] very dark, 30K plus on it.Can we replace fluid and clean system ourselves or need a shop for this?
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    Brake fluid should be changed every 2-3 years REGUARDLESS of miles. Moisture is attracted to the brake fluid and eventually will corrode the system from the inside-out.

    It would not hurt to replace the brake fluid... but I do not expect it to help with your problem.
    PS: EXPECT some of the bleeder nipples to break off if you are not careful.
  • tjpooltjpool Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2003 Dakota, 6 cyl, with a similar problem. Where is the throttle position sensor located on the engine? Is it easy enough for a weekend mechanic to replace? Or should I take it to the dealer and request they replace it?
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    The TPS is held onto the throttlebody with some screws. It is relativly easy to replace with the proper tools.

    Personally, I would look elsewhere if the engine is "bucking".
  • moparman06moparman06 Member Posts: 1
    The issue with curious_gears 99 dakota is very common, i drive a 1997 Dodge Dakota 4x4 sport and the transmission does not want to take off in first, the trouble codes that i had read from the OBD II reader were "P1762 which read out Governor Pressure Sensor offset improper voltage" and "P1764 which also read out that the governor pressure sensor voltage too low." The GPS is a newer element too the mopar trannies it is only 9 years old in fact the first year it was included was on the year dakota i drive and it is a fairly cheap item and the link to the web site that is the only remanufacturing company of this malfunctioning piece is http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Sensor-Governor-Pressure-96-99-A500-42RE_W0QQitem- Z180040826826QQihZ008QQcategoryZ33727QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem or you can reach them at there own site www.artransmissions.net
  • dervin1dervin1 Member Posts: 9
    What is the transmission on this dodge dakota truck? Extended cab, AC.
    THanks,
    Dave
  • 70ss454_man70ss454_man Member Posts: 107
    standard 4 speed auto
  • 70ss454_man70ss454_man Member Posts: 107
    i had a very similar problem with my 1999 dakota, except it wouldnt shift into 2nd unless i let up off the gas.

    i took it into the dealer and they couldnt find anything, nor could my local mechanic. i changed the fluid and that went fine, but it still refused to shift. then it didnt want to go into 4th, but when it did this it would jsut start to shift then rev very high and then engage. i dont own the truck anymore, as i sold it during a week that it was driving normally
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    Correction: The "4 speed auto" is NOT the 'standard' transmission on the Dakota. The 4-speed MANUAL transmission comes "standard" on the Dakota unless you pay extra for an automatic transmission.

    I orderd my Dak from the factory (because is is cheaper to do so than purchase from dealers lot) I opted to NOT pay the $893 for the automatic xmission for the following reasons.

    1) Automatic xmsission requires MUCH more periodic maintainance.
    2) Automatic always gets worse MPG than manual trannie.
    3) I found much better ways to spend $893 on my factory-orderd Dakota. (like to get the V8 which gets BETTER MPG than the V6!!)
  • mike_1017mike_1017 Member Posts: 13
    I have 95 Dakota 6cyl 3.9l with automatic tranny. It died on me one day as I was pulling into a gas station. When I started it and put it into gear it would die. So, what's up?
  • mobilemecmobilemec Member Posts: 8
    The Dakota are equiped with a lock type torque converter. I had the same problem with my 94 Dakota.
  • mobilemecmobilemec Member Posts: 8
    I have a 1998 Dodge Dakota 3.9L, 4x4, Auto., and when it is cold, it has a hard time shifting into 2nd. Is there any advice on that? Not to familiar with dodges.
  • stealthb2stealthb2 Member Posts: 8
    If your problem is not fixed or figured out yet, I may have you answer. I have an 02 Ext Sport with 4.7 V8 with the same issue. Dealer had it three times in the last 12 months and finally told me the only way to fix is to replace the column. $1800 OUCH :mad: NO WAY! The shifter lock is spring-loaded and when you rotate the key a gate allows this lock to slide towards the driver. The spring is not allowing this when it is cold. Take the upper and lower column covers off and look for the lock blocking the shifter. Turn the key to unlock the column and if it does not retract, a simple push will allow it. This way you can see hoe it all works together (ignition, gate, sliding lock and shifter mechanism). I have some pics in a powerpoint if interested.
  • 99roadntrack99roadntrack Member Posts: 1
    I have a '99 Dakota R/T with the 3-speed w/overdrive auto-transmission. Now one day I accelerated from a stop and the tranny failed (went to redline) to shift into second until I let off the gas. Immediately after the tranny proceeded to slip and fail to downshift and was acting up. After that when I'd drive some where the first gear exchange from 1st to 2nd, the tranny would hold onto 1st till about 3500 RPM but every shift after that it would shift fine. Then one day I drove to a fuel station, same thing actino except when I left the fuel station it never shifted out of first... I changed the filter/fluids didn't help. The fluid showed no signs of excessive wear, burned clutches or bands. The wiring was sound. CAN ANYONE HELP?!?! Is there solenoids, fuses, wiring that could be bad? Any help would be great.
  • mike_1017mike_1017 Member Posts: 13
    What is a lock type torque converter?
  • mobilemecmobilemec Member Posts: 8
    Lock-up torque converters are used in those trucks. When the torque converter goes out thats one of the simtoms. I did not know what was wrong with mine and that is what the shop said. They wanted $800 to put one in. I took my truck home bought a new torque converter for $164 and its all cured.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    Dont forget that the torque-converter is really just a replacemet for a manual clutch. It is in-between the engine and the xmission.

    Most modern automatic xmissions use a "lock up" torque-converter. This just means that the torque-converter stops slipping (locks up) under specific driving conditions. It is intended to improve MPG by reducing the inherant waste of never "locking" the engine to the transmission.

    On some vehicles, when the torque-converter locks up... it almost feels like the xmission just switched to another gear. (A 4-speed automatic "feels" like it shifts 5 times)
  • eaglefeathereaglefeather Member Posts: 6
    I love my baby dakota i bought her broke her in perfectly handles great in snow hard packed ice desert rocks and sand
    im new to the forum i can see how you all love ur daks i feel you i need serious info i hope someone can help me :mad: :cry: :confuse: :sick:
  • edman40edman40 Member Posts: 1
    how to fix not shifting out of first gear.
  • dodge01driverdodge01driver Member Posts: 12
    Thank You stealhb2, you may be the one to help me. Your pics on powerpoint would be very helpful. I am ready to dive in to this problem. As a Father ... I really would like to give my Daughters a ride to school. This problem (of course) comes up when you really don't need it. Again your help is appreciated.
  • rbryanarbryana Member Posts: 1
    01 Dakota with 4.7....love it to death. Already has 130K on it. Recent (only) problem is when I am doing highway speed down a flat or slightly uphill road, it kicks in and out of O.D. Trust me, the "slightly uphill" should not be enough to kick down the tranny.

    Scenario: Going 60mph on a nearly flat road...tach shows about 1850 and sporadically kicks up to about 2200 and comes right back down a couple seconds later. I can hear the revs kick up (very noticeably) during this.

    Has been faithfully serviced every 5K for oil/lube/filters and every 30k per OEM spec...any suggestions?
  • sunburnsunburn Member Posts: 319
    Bad throttle position sensors are know to cause erratic transmission downshifting. It might be something worth checking.
  • stealthb2stealthb2 Member Posts: 8
    Remove the knee-blocker and upper and lower column covers. These use the star-type torque screws. In your column covers there are two screws with a large thread pitch for plastic and one deep inside that is a machine screw. All located in the lower cover. I apologize for the quality of the photos. It was hard to hold the scribe to locate items and keep the camera in focus. Let me know if the pictures do not help. As for the .ppt I need an address to send it to. I can not place it in this forum mail :shades:
  • dodge01driverdodge01driver Member Posts: 12
    stealthb2 ..... power point pics for steering cowers and keylock. This is dodge01driver, Thank You again. email address is harrya@charter.net
  • stealthb2stealthb2 Member Posts: 8
    If you can not open the .ppt, I have uplaoded the pics to my page in the members pages. Look for "stealthb2" and you will find the pics in my album. Cheers, "stealthb2" Jeff
  • dodge01driverdodge01driver Member Posts: 12
    Your a GOOD man Stealthb2 .... I do not know how to find your web page. A little direction would be apreciated. I tried loading power point and do have a small problem there that I will fix later. I need my truck before I will need power point. webpage .... PLEASE. Thanks again. PS. I did get your e-mail
  • stealthb2stealthb2 Member Posts: 8
    Glad to hear you found the pictures I placed on this website. Glad to help and if I run into any more Dakota problems, will put it on this site. Don't hesitate to contact me if you need assistance. I will help you through this. :shades: Stealthb2
  • amend1amend1 Member Posts: 98
    rbryana,
    It's your throttle position sensor. I had the EXACT same problem with my 2000 Dak. After the dealer screwed the truck up and I had to fix it myself, I discovered it was the TPS. It's a simple fix, too.
    Bill
  • dodge01driverdodge01driver Member Posts: 12
    Hey stealthb2, It worked GREAT, it's finished. The locking mechanism in the column was in fact dirty (not bad .. but enough) and dry. With a Q-tip I dug deep and cleaned it and with another Q-tip acting like a small sponge I used 3-n-1 oil to lightly lube the surface where it slides back and forth and other little parts that looked like it needed a little help. The whole job took me about an hour and a half. Your pics helped out nicely. It works GREAT now.
    My Wife Thanks You, My Daughters Thank You and I of course stealthb2 .. I salute you .. "You Da Man" :shades:
  • blk4x4blk4x4 Member Posts: 43
    sounds like your switch is going bad on your break pedal...Try putting your key to the on position truck off and push the pedal and try to shift out of park it should work.....
  • sellis1053sellis1053 Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2002 Dodge Dakota that occassionally gets stuck in park. The park shifter/cable has been replaced along with the brake switch. It happened again this morning and I was able to force it out of park. Any ideas?
  • blk4x4blk4x4 Member Posts: 43
    do you park in a garage were it stays warm or out it the cold? I'm guessing out side...If so them it probably the release in the colum sticking....Let me know and I'll tell how to fix it....They already talk about it in mess #71 so go back and read it ,they have all the details for you there.......GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!1
  • sellis1053sellis1053 Member Posts: 3
    I park it outside. I live in NC so it doesn't get too cold. It did start happening this winter when it got down in the 20's at night. I read some of the other posts, but if you can talk me through it I'd appreciate it.
  • stealthb2stealthb2 Member Posts: 8
    Check out messages and pictures from stealthb2. I had the same problem as did dodgeo1dodge out here in the desert of CA. I have explained the problem and a simple fix that took dodge01dodge about 1.5 hours to remedy. If you have any questions, look me up :shades: . "Stealthb2"
    Jeff
  • cartbcartb Member Posts: 1
    thanks for all your posts stealth, but the little plastic connector on mine broke (snapped) so for now i can get it in gear with a pair of pliers do you what that part is called?
    i called the dealer and w/o looking at it he wants @200-300 to fix it i would like and try to fix it my self if its not too hard i didnt read through all your posts because i dont think your connector was snapped.
    thanks
    brian
  • stealthb2stealthb2 Member Posts: 8
    Can you be a little more explicit on the "plastic connector"? Is it anything I have pointed out in the pictures? Is it in the area of the pictures? If it in that vicinity and is a non-replaceable part, dealerships will rape you with the cost of a new column (~$1500-$1800 installed). If you give me some more information, I will see if I can assist you. Jeff "stealthb2"
  • tyrant8499tyrant8499 Member Posts: 2
  • tyrant8499tyrant8499 Member Posts: 2
    I have a '99 dakota slt 4x4. Seems to have this faint whine only when tranmission shifts to overdrive. The whine doesn't seem to get any louder or softer but continues until I come to a stop. When moving again, it doesn't come back until it shifts into overdrive again. Transmission shifts smoothly. Noise seems like it's by the tranny and not the rear end like others have said in the forums.

    I researched and some say that it's normal and no wear on the tranny, then others say it's a problem. I also know that '99 dakotas are known to have tranny problems. Definitely couldn't afford a rebuild right now, even if I were to drop it myself, have it rebuilt, then install it myself to save money.

    Any advise would be really appreciated.
  • bytefixerbytefixer Member Posts: 2
    Hey stealthb2. I have a 2002 r/t that just started having the problem where it will not shift out of park after it has sit all night outside. Only started when temps have gotten below 15 degrees. After it warms up about 10 minutes it is ok. Sounds like might be same problem you have highlighted. Can you send me your ppt slides. You didn't mention what action is needed after you get the covers off. My email address is dsmith9@comcast.net. Thanks for the help.
  • bytefixerbytefixer Member Posts: 2
    I saw your messages between you and stealthb2. I am having a similar problem when the temps get around 10 degrees. I live in northern virginia and the temps have been below 10 every night for almost a week. Did you have success with the advice you got from steathb2?
  • gphillippigphillippi Member Posts: 7
    I am having the same problem on my 2002 and would love a pass along set of slides or tips on fixing. greg.phillippi@xerox.com thanks!
  • tkavanaughtkavanaugh Member Posts: 2
    just did a eng/trans swap on a 2000 (3 pin)with a 2002 (5 pin) on the neutral switch. Now I get a check eng lite and some crazy shifting patterns and can now start it in any gear. Is there a pigtail that will adapt my wiring harness 3 Pin connector to the 5 pin switch?
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