when i take off in my truck it takes off but for a split second it feels and sounds like it goes into neutral for the engine reves up? is the normal for the 93 dakotas it is a 3.9 v6 the cat is cut off if that means anything or are there bands in the tranny that need tightened?????this problem happens right before it shifts from 1 to 2nd and if i really get on it, it happens from 1st,to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd it just reves up like it needs time to shift i guess any ideals or has anyone else had this problem. my first dodge and i like it just need to get the bugs out .... the dakota

 

I also have a '93 Dakota, and there was a technical service bulletin (TSB) on these for the transmission shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. I never had mine done, but it does shift a little hard in those gears.

My heater won't get hot either; yesterday, I tried flushing the heater core, but no change that I can tell.

 

I would flush the fluid and change the filter. Add some lucas snake oil to the new tranny fluid. Bands can be adjusted that might be it. Two band adjustment's inside the fluid pan can acess when you change the filter. Instructions in the Chilton manual. Tighten the bands all the way and then back off a certin number of turns. When I do it on my 90 I adjust them 1/2 turn tighter than the book says.

 

mine does that also, kinda like you rev it in neutral and drop it int drive. it ususally happens within the first 10 min of driving