So I just picked up a 96 Dodge Dakota with the auto V6. It has roughly 260 thousand on it but the motor seems to run good. I have a weird transmission/shifting issue. When test driving, i thought the motor was very weak and thats why it was so slow. However, I later realized it only shifted once. This is where it gets interesting... The second day I had it, I was at the bank and when I left it wouldn't shift from first (in fact, this was the first time I had first gear.) I thought it was just a really weak motor but it was actually starting off in a different gear. Do these trucks have three gears AND overdrive? If so, then my truck is starting off in 3rd gear and then shifting into overdrive. I was wondering what would cause this? Thanks!!

 

The 96 transmission is computer controlled. It is possible something like your speed sensor is dying or bad wiring. Do you have a check engine light?

The transmission has 4 gears. The 4th is Overdrive.

We have the 96 service manual in the FAQ in this section. Take a look at it and see if you can diagnose your problem using it.

 

+1. That is way to hard to diagnose with that little bit of information!

It could be an electronic issue with a sensor (like the speed sensor Crazy mentioned), or it could be a hydraulic issue with the governor or throttle valve, or the valve body could be gummed up. You're going to have to start ruling things out!

Have you started with step 1... Check the fluid level and condition?

 

Thanks, I will check on these and I do have a check engine light that I was going to diagnose in the morning. I have checked the level and it is perfect along with a nice reddish color, not burnt or anything. Ill get back tomorrow!

 

260K on the truck must have had at least a couple of tranny rebuilds over the course. any idea how many miles on the current trans? can you get the histroy on the trans? it might just be tired..

 

Yes check your check engine light. It is very easy to do without scanner/ code reader. Check here. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...-96-codes.html

The link is also in the FAQ in this section.

 

Turns out the codes I got were, random miss fire, a separate miss fire code for each cylinder, both oxygen sensors pulled a code, and then: Governor low pressure malfunction and another code saying: Governor pressure sensor. Do you believe that the last two codes are my problem, if so, where is this located? Thanks Again!

 

Yes, I believe the governor codes are definately your problem!

As for where it's located... to be honest, if you have to ask that question, you're going to be best off taking it to a transmission shop to get it fixed! But to answer your question, the governor solenoid and pressure sensor are both located in the valve body. You can download the '96 FSM from the faq thread for more information on where it is and how to replace it if you really feel like trying to do so yourself.

 

you tube will show you how simple fix... this is a post test. I just joined

 

"limp mode" is 2nd gear. and "only" 2nd gear. if you are starting in 2nd it will be a slug!