Today I stopped at a light and when I went to go it sounded like the motor was going to stall. I tried again and same thing. I put the truck in L1 and then could go. When I got home I tried again and the same problem. I let it sit for an hour then checked the tranny fluid and it was fine and now the problem is gone. Please let me know if you have heard of this before and what it might be.

 

you need to check the transmission fluid with the truck parked on a level surface, and the transmission in nuetral AFTER it has reached operating temperature (after driving a short distance, say 3-4 miles) and with the transmission in nuetral, otherwise you will get an incorrect reading

also, im not sure what you mean by L1, the selector in 1st gear? it could be the tc not unlocking when it should, but i would check the transmission fluid the correct way first and add enough to bring the level up to the full line.

if this doesnt help the next thing i would try would be fluid/filter change DO NOT FLUSH THE TRANSMISSION it can cause more problems than it helps

also a little more information on your truck more specifically which transmission do you have, is it 4x4, or 4x2, if you dont know the trans which engine, have you dont anything else to the truck, lift kit bigger tires ect. and when was the basic maintance last done, specifically on the trans, and differential(s), this will let us help you better if we have an idea of what parts we are working with, thanks and HTH

 

I changed the rusted out tranny pan at 200k km and at the same time changed the fluid and filter. The truck now has 235k and haven't had any problems until now. I checked the fluid yesterday but I think it wasn't level because it was over the full line. The truck is a 5.9 4*4 and I haven't done any modifications. In regards to the diffs, I haven't touched them except to check the fluid which I haven't done lately. Yes I meant move the shifter one down from Drive, not sure what the proper name is but I called it L1 and the next one would be L2. It sounded to me like the TC was not engaging and the full torque was on the motor. Does the TC just go like that?

 

Sounds to me like you were in limp mode and stuck in 3rd gear.


Sounds like you need to replace the Governor Solenoid and put the correct level fluid in. You need to use ATF+4 in that transmission or ATF+3. Make sure you only add fluid to the right level as having an overfilled system can cause foaming.

Here is some info from the 1998 Durango Service Manual:


EFFECTS OF INCORRECT FLUID LEVEL
A low fluid level allows the pump to take in air
along with the fluid. Air in the fluid will cause fluid
pressures to be low and develop slower than normal.
If the transmission is overfilled, the gears churn the
fluid into foam. This aerates the fluid and causing
the same conditions occurring with a low level. In
either case, air bubbles cause fluid overheating, oxidation
and varnish buildup which interferes with
valve, clutch and servo operation. Foaming also
causes fluid expansion which can result in fluid overflow
from the transmission vent or fill tube. Fluid
overflow can easily be mistaken for a leak if inspection
is not careful.

FLUID LEVEL CHECK PROCEDURE
(1) Transmission fluid must be at normal operating
temperature for accurate fluid level check. Drive
vehicle if necessary to bring fluid temperature up to
normal hot operating temperature of 82°C (180°F).
(2) Position vehicle on level surface.
(3) Start and run engine at curb idle speed.
(4) Apply parking brakes.
(5) Shift transmission momentarily into all gear
ranges. Then shift transmission back to Neutral.
(6) Clean top of filler tube and dipstick to keep
dirt from entering tube.
(7) Remove dipstick (Fig. 10) and check fluid level
as follows:
(a) Correct acceptable level is in crosshatch area.
(b) Correct maximum level is to MAX arrow
mark.
(c) Incorrect level is at or below MIN line.
(d) If fluid is low, add only enough Mopar ATF
Plus 3 to restore correct level. Do not overfill.
CAUTION: Do not overfill the transmission. Overfilling
may cause leakage out the pump vent which
can be mistaken for a pump seal leak. Overfilling
will also cause fluid aeration and foaming as the
excess fluid is picked up and churned by the gear
train. This will significantly reduce fluid life.

Refer to the Maintenance Schedules in Group 0,
Lubrication and Maintenance, for proper service
intervals. The service fluid fill after a filter change is
approximately 3.8 liters (4.0 quarts).

 

I will check the fluid but I know when I changed the pan that the level was ok. BTW, where is the Governor Solenoid? Is there a way I can test this?

 

Look in here:

Do It Yourself (top questions and answers) FAQ's


You have to remove the Trany pan.

 

The problem has gatten worse, now I have a check engine light with the following errors:. P0743
Powertrain: TCC Enable Solenoid Circuit Electrical

2. P0753
Powertrain: 1-2 Shift Solenoid Circuit Electrical

3. P1597
No definition found.

4. P0720
Powertrain: Output Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction


Is it time to get a different vehicle?

 

I don't know where you go those codes but here is the correct ones. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...ine-light.html

P0753 Trans 3-4 Shift Sol/Trans Relay Circ
P1597 Speed Ctrl Switch Always Low
P0720 Low Output SPEED Sens RPM, Above 15 MPH

Looks like you need to replace the wheel speed sensor:
Speed Sensor/ABS Sensor Replacement
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen-...ensor-diy.html


Replace the Transmission Output Sensor as they go hand in hand:
Replacing Transmission and Output sensors for speedo and ABS issues
https://dodgeforum.com/m_963605/mpage_1/key_/tm.htm
https://dodgeforum.com/m_176879/mpage_1/key_/tm.htm


Replace the Trans 3-4 Shift Solenoid:
Solenoid Replacement and Location:
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen-...ml#post1695983



Remember to only use ATF+4 transmission fluid!

 

Do you think it could be a wiring issue? The fuse box is badly corroded and about a year ago the transmission would not go into overdrive and felt like it was starting out of 2nd or third gear. I removed the trans fuse, cleaned it up and it has been ok until now. I also have abs problems that are not resolved. Here is the post: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...1597-help.html
As you read I tried changing the rear speed sensor with no luck. My 4WD light also does not work.

Thanks for your help.

 

Could be the corroded terminals and it could be the harness that plugs into the trans. Check it as well.