1991 Powertrain Slippage
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Joined: Dec 2006
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1991 Powertrain Slippage
1991 Dakota 5.2 LV8 4WD Automatic with 230K miles
I have a well used Dakota that has just begun to have powertrain issues. I am not sure if it is the transmission or the transfer case yet, and could use your collective help.
On my last outing, I suddenly began experiencing slippage. As the speed approached 7 to 10 mph, the engine would race without moving the truck (it would never shift into 2nd gear). I could let off the accelerator to let something engage, and then could move at the same slow speed again. It didn't help to keep it in 1st gear. There was pretty good torque while engaged - I was able to climb an 8" curb without problems (2WD). I wasn't sure if it was tranny or tcase, so I shifted into 4WD hi and low, but the same thing occurred. I could put the truck in reverse and after a significant hesitation (>10 s) it would engage and be strong. I was not able to get it to slip at any speed or condition once it was engaged in reverse.
I have seen postings elsewhere about slippage issues with OD when the transmission filter had issues. Ironically, I did not have any problems until I brought the Dakota in for a transmission recall a year or so back. When I got it back, there was hesitation with engagement upon a cold start (2 to 5 s). Prior to their work, there were no issues.
Other details: Prior to driving from Denver to OKC, I went to a lube shop. They reportedly checked and topped up fluids in the tranny, tcase, and differential.
My big question is do I just dump it? It is at a job site in OKC, and I live in Denver. I would like to bring it to our plant and make it a plant truck, where it would see only local trips.
I have a well used Dakota that has just begun to have powertrain issues. I am not sure if it is the transmission or the transfer case yet, and could use your collective help.
On my last outing, I suddenly began experiencing slippage. As the speed approached 7 to 10 mph, the engine would race without moving the truck (it would never shift into 2nd gear). I could let off the accelerator to let something engage, and then could move at the same slow speed again. It didn't help to keep it in 1st gear. There was pretty good torque while engaged - I was able to climb an 8" curb without problems (2WD). I wasn't sure if it was tranny or tcase, so I shifted into 4WD hi and low, but the same thing occurred. I could put the truck in reverse and after a significant hesitation (>10 s) it would engage and be strong. I was not able to get it to slip at any speed or condition once it was engaged in reverse.
I have seen postings elsewhere about slippage issues with OD when the transmission filter had issues. Ironically, I did not have any problems until I brought the Dakota in for a transmission recall a year or so back. When I got it back, there was hesitation with engagement upon a cold start (2 to 5 s). Prior to their work, there were no issues.
Other details: Prior to driving from Denver to OKC, I went to a lube shop. They reportedly checked and topped up fluids in the tranny, tcase, and differential.
My big question is do I just dump it? It is at a job site in OKC, and I live in Denver. I would like to bring it to our plant and make it a plant truck, where it would see only local trips.
Professional
Joined: Oct 2006
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RE: 1991 Powertrain Slippage
sounds like the transmission is slipping badly....till it can build pressure to fully engage the trans clutches might need bands adjusted. or it might be the tqconverter is draining all fluids and takes awhile to refill. my dads dakota did that. tobad your truck wasn't a 92 i've got a rebuilt tranny with 5000 miles on it i might try to sell.
Professional
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: springdale AR
RE: 1991 Powertrain Slippage
odds are its old fluid as well as loose bands pull your dipstick and look at the fluid also give it a sniff I'm thinking you'll find brown looking fluid and it will smell burnt if thats the case have the trans serviced but be prepared,you may wind up replacing or rebuilding it depending on the damage