Just started having an issue with the truck. I'd type out all of my troubleshooting procedures but there might be a character limit on the forums :P

The rundown: 1994 Dakota 3.9. Auto transmission. Engine runs strong. First gear seems to have disappeared completely. If I put it into first, it goes nowhere - just revs. When in drive, I'm very slow to get off the line until I get up around 15-20 mph. I assume that's because I'm actually "starting" in 2nd.

When I'm moving, it's good. No problems on the highway at all. Upper gears seem fine. When I'm near a mountain, it's bad. Real bad. Figure I should tap the real experts for wisdom before every shop tells me it needs a new tranny

Thanks in advance!

 

Probably need to drop the valve body and take a look...could be a stuck valve, governor issue, or bad servo....assume your reverse is ok so the band is probably fine.

 

Yep, no problems with reverse at all. The only other thing I noticed and omitted from my initial post was that if I start the engine and immediately drop it down to first gear, the amps will measure really low almost to the point that I expect the engine to stall. During normal driving conditions, everything is good.

Guess I'll park it until I get a chance to get under there and check it out. I have extremely limited experience working with any transmission so it'll be a learning experience ;]

 

Don't spend money yet. There is a Service manual on the FAQ page for the 46rh and 42rh tranny. My 94 auto has the 42rh which is probably what you have. You'll have to sign into google to open it.

 

So after doing a ton of research on the 42RH/E it seems like the most likely culprit is going to be the governor pressure solenoid. I also often read about an accompanying sensor that should be replaced at the same time. I can't seem to find this part on rockauto or anywhere else for this year (it shows up in 96+ models of the dakota). Was this pressure sensor a later addition to the transmission or am I just not able to find this part anymore?

 

Well if your truck is a 94 then it's a 42rh which is hydraulic control not electric...the 42re which is electric came on the 96 truck. So I don't think there's any sensor.

 

Another note Dodge redesigned the 42RH in 95 so there will be parts differences.