1995 Dodge Dakota SLT V8 4x4 175,000 mi

Ok, so if I let the truck sit for 4+ hours I can take it onto the highway and it runs fine. If I stop I can't get it to shift up and run about 3500-4000RPM going 55 mph.

Previous to this I would be running on the highway and the truck would have occasional "fits" where the rpm would bounce up and down approx 1000 rpm in and out of the correct gear. for a few seconds. (it happened only a few times and I couldn't get any suggestions on it when talking to the mechanic.)

A month ago I had to replace the transfer case and a joint connecting to it. (It blew up and I have picutures if you want to see it) They did put in a new seal and the Transmission fluid level is fine. ATF4 only. (I think this is unrelated to my current issue)

I've read through the theads and have had many similar issues that other owners have had with dakotas:
corroded wire in the harness
blower resister issue
ABS/Brake light issue

I read a suggestion to try a TPS and put a new one on last night. It didn't fix the problem but I can't say it didn't need it either.

I have seen some comments about a temperture sensor in the transmission or a OD solonoid. Is this the direction I should be looking? Any hints as to how to self diagnose further? If I should go this direction is this something I would have to drop the pan on? I've never done that and I'm not sure I'd know what I was looing to replace.

 

The TV cable is adjustable and can shift the shifts around. Try adjusting it. The FAQ in this section has a link on how to adjust it. It is located just a few posts above this one.

 

Ok so I looked at the TV cable and it doesn't appear to need to be adjusted. But the speed control cable on it doesn't seem very snug. It has some slack in it. Could this be something that is contributing to my issue?

 

I am having the same issue with my 94 Dakota 2wd. When I first start out it shifts through all gears fine. I can select od off and on with the dash switch, no problem.
Once the truck is warmed up, if it down shifts out of od, I can't get it to go back into od. I have checked my fault codes and there are none. What I do notice is that when it down shifts, it down shifts hard. I don't think it is electrical because if I select the od switch off when it won't upshift, there is a different pitch sound. Has anyone heard of worn seals in the valve block causing this?
Not trying to hyjack your thread but hoping we both can find a solution to a common problem.

 

I would suggest that you go to a shop (or if you're handy and have access to a 0-300 psi pressure gauge) and have the pressures check while in OD, if the TV cable is OK. The accepted pressures should be between 68-72 psi in OD with a closed throttle, 90-120 psi and 1/2 to 3/4 throttle and as high as 130 psi at wide open throttle.

 

Today I change the tranny fluid and filter and checked the adjustment of the TV cable. Again the tranny shifted normally until it was warmed up, then it wouldn't shift back into od. If the pressure is low when in od, is that caused by the valve block? And what would be easier, overhauling the valve block or going to a wreckers and replacing the tranny? The truck has over 310,000 kilometres and I don't know how much longer I can keep it on life support.

 

if you're tranny is slipping in OD, it means that you are probably going to need an overhaul. From my experience, you're taking a 50/50 chance getting a junkyard transmission, but if you want to go that route, they usually run about $250-$500 USD. A rebuild will cost you around $2500-$3000 USD.

 

swap the fluid guys. it's the cheapest solution. if that does not work then look above.

i had many problems with my tranny but i kept it going by swapping the fluid every year.
check out what i did after 7 years of slippage. (mazda 7475, pictures, may camping)