Dakota Owner Needs Help with Limp Mode Woes

Dodge Dakota is stuck in second gear, even after a transmission swap.

The Dodge Dakota was popular when it existed, but as the North America market shifted away from mid-sized pickups, it was removed from the lineup. Many people still drive and love their Dakota, but as the newest examples of these trucks are nearing 10-years-old, they are bound to run into some technical issues. In most cases, those issues can easily be addressed, but from time to time, there are problems that seemingly cannot be solved.

One such problem with a 2005 Dakota was shared by Jason Boullion, but he only came to the forum after doing some expensive maintenance. With his truck stuck in limp mode and second gear, he turned to the forum with the hopes that someone can help him. So far, he is still looking for input as he chases this problem.

Dakota Limp Mode Issue

When the OP first introduced the problem with his 2005 Dodge Dakota, he explained what was happening and what he has already done to try to address the issue.

My 2005 Dodge Dakota is stuck in 2nd gear, and I have tried everything I know to do. I have changed the transmission, I have replaced both the pcm and the cpu. All to no avail. Can someone shed some light on my problem?

The first reply asked about the diagnostic codes, to which the OP replied with the following.

p0700; p0731; p0755; p0760; p0888; p1684

As you might imagine, after changing major components such as the transmission and the key vehicle computer systems without any improvement, he doesn’t know where to go next.

Community Input

The first person to reply to with things to check was SuperDak05.

make sure fluid is topped off, try going thru the gears when starting off, low to drive, if issue is still present then possible shift solenoid or valve body is screwed. other and last thought, disconnect battery for a few hours and see if computer resets itself

The next was Frank Guerra, who has experienced a similar issue.

You wouldn’t believe me but I went thru the same damn thing on my 03 Dakota. i was changing this an that. then i kick back for a minute and thought what was going on before. Well, I change out the front wheel bearing then reset the computer. Sure of **** it was that this whole damn time. Now, I’m not saying that it could be what’s going on with your but don’t overlook the simple things. I was driving back from the cost going back to San Antonio, TX. i should had thought of that from the beginning. sorry for the long reply.

However, with this information, the OP is still in the same situation.

Still in limp mode. I only have speed sensors in the transmission, and even though I left the battery undone for 24 hours, I am still in limp mode. I also have no power to shift solenoid relay. Also, still getting the same codes as before, p0700, p0731, p0755, p0888, and p1790. I have been advised to replace the transmission wiring harness. Can someone please help me, before I just give up and sell this thing for scrap???!!!

If you have any further input on how to fix the problem with this 2005 Dodge Dakota, click here to head into the thread!

Images: FCA 

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Patrick Rall

"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.

"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.

"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.

"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.

"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.

"Being based on Detroit," says Rall, "I never miss the North American International Auto Show, the Woodward Dream Cruise and Roadkill Nights, along with spending plenty of time raising hell on Detroit's Woodward Avenue with the best muscle car crowd in the world.

Rall can be contacted at QuickMirada@Yahoo.com

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