I have 92 dakota sport with 318 and its a automatic with around 174k miles the motor still runs like new. My problem is when my truck is cold my reverse works fine but the when the truck is at operating temp. reverse doesn't work at all its like its in neutral. I've change the filter and the fluid is still good i even put some lucas trans fix in it too. and also when i go up a hill it upshifts then downshifts then upshifts again...can anybody tell me what is wrong with it?

 

Try adjusting the bands. The reverse band is adjusted with the trans pan and filter off, back-off the locknut and setscrew then tighten the set to 72 inch pounds, then you back-off the setscrew a number of turns accordingly to the year and style of trans you have[I don't have specs for all years], then tighten the locknut to 35 foot pounds. Adjusting the front bands is similiar but you can do it without removing the pan. Somewhere in these Forums there is a link to a transmission specs text, I don't remember where or who. Also remove the valve body, take it apart and clean it thoroughly. I once had a trans that was stuck in first, all it was was a peice of permatex stuck on a valve preventing it from moving. John.

 

Thanks...so does that mean the tranny is still good or do i need a new one?

 

With as many miles as the truck has the clutches are probably worn. The bands could also be worn alot. Mainly , if the friction material on the bands and clutches are not burned from slipping, the trans could get many more miles. If the fluid wasn't burned the friction surfaces probably are not burned. Burnt surfaces are junk no matter what adjustments are made. It is rather diffucult to check the band surfaces while the trans is in the vehicle, but the low/reverse band can be checked. That link for trans specs is: www.scribd.com , type in "Dodge Trucks" in the search window. The manual gives you everything about Dakota transmissions. I've taken apart 200K mile trannies that came from running vehicles , the clutches were metal to metal and the car ran.