Ok, I have a 92 dakota 318 5.2L with 227,000 miles on it. All original motor, trans, and rearend. When I am driving, the trans will shift into second and then out of nowhere right after it shifts into second it sort of like slips or acts like it wants to go into 3rd right away. I added a bottle of the lucas transmission fix, but that didnt seem to help anything. Could it be the bands out of asjustment?? I am thinking of going ahead and changing the filter and fluid, and adjusting the bands to the proper tourque. What type of fluid is reccomended? Thanks

 

As far as the odd shifting, I don't know... sorry.
Attached are the instructions for adjusting the bands (in case you don't have them).
As stated in the Gen 1 FAQs, you can use: ATF+3, ATF+4, or synthetic (such as Amsoil or Mobil 1 that are approved for Chrysler transmissions).

 

Umm, my manual says to use dextron fluid, and it says it right on the dipstick too. So why go with the atf+3 or atf+4? Is there something better about these oils than dextron??

 

Are you sure the manual and the dipstick say dextron???? Are you sure you have a dakota if it does??????? My book says Mopar atf +3 or equivalent for auto. trannys.

 

I guess Chrysler used to recommend Dexron fluid in their transmissions. At some point they migrated to their own blend.
Ya know what, I will make a few phone calls tommorow, because this way it will clear up confusion I have too.
"I will not make a statement regarding this issue until I gather some more information." How about that?
Oh... erock: I must have posted right after you. IIRC, there was another user on there with a late 80's Dakota that said the same thing.... so I wouldn't think two could be wrong. I dunno, sounds weird to me too though.

 

Yes im sure of it, lol. I also hava a haynes repair manual for the 87 through 96 dakotas, and it states to use dextron II in all of the trannys for these years.
Thanks

 

Hmmmm. Thats true, two could not be wrong. I've never heard of it though. But I have never had an auto dakota so who knows. If it says dextron thats what I would put in it. But thats because like I had said previously, I am borderline obsessive compulsive when it comes to these things.

 

True, I would believe what is on the dipstick and actual owners manual.

Perhaps for a few years (like yours) it was ok, but I know for a fact that in at least 1996 you were supposed to use ATF Plus (which, you can use the current ATF+3 or ATF+4).

Bah, oh well. I will still make a few calls, but I guess I would say you can go ahead and use Dexron.

 

Ok, thanks guys. Now does anybody know what could be causing the shifting problem? Let me explain again- Starting from a dead stop (say at a red light or something) I will accelerate normally, it shifts up to second, and then right after it gets into second gear it hesitates (the transmission) and acts like it wants to go into third, but it stays in second. The engine rpm rises about 300rpm when it does its hesitation. It is almost like a slipping sensation. So could it be the bands needing adjusting??
Any thoughts are appreciated!

 

Ok, as far as fluid usage, I found the answer.
IAW TSB 21-010-06, in 1989-current Dakotas, "ATF+4® is recommended for all vehicles equipped with Chrysler
Group automatic transmissions EXCEPT FOR THOSE NOTED ABOVE." (The exceptions included the new CVT transmissions, the Sprinter transmissions, and a few others none of you have).

As far as ideas for the 2-3 shifting, I have no ideas.