Have a 1999 Durango 5.2 liter engine 318 and the 44re 4WD Electronic Transmission. Code P0753 came up when scanned. Has no 1st gear or Overdrive. Only shifts between 2nd and 3rd gear. Check engine light is on. Also don't have reverse lights on when in reverse, could this cause it to fall into trans 'limp' mode?

Fixes I've tried but not successful so far:

1. Pulled negative cable off battery and turned the key on to clear codes. The Check engine light came right back on when started, P0753 only code. Shift solenoid A electrical code.

2. Jumped the Trans relay under hood and also swapped out for a known good relay (horn), they're all the same. Can feel the relay actuate when plugged in with the engine running. So, it's not the relay.

Here are my possible solutions to this problem:

1. Replace the neutral safety / reverse light switch on the tranny.

2. Drop the pan, pull the valve body and replace the OD solenoid and governor solenoid and sensor. Replace the fluid and filter.

3. Get a new PCM

Want to fix the problem without buying and installing parts that don't fix the issue. So, thought I'd ask the experts. Will post up results on this fix as I'm sure others have (or are currently having) this problem.

What's the most likely cause of this problem?

Side note: Sold my 1985 IROC Z-28 (bought for $1k sold for $1800) and got this 1999 Dodge Durango SLT for $1900. Really like it. Nice condition and plenty of room. If it didn't burn gas it'd be perfect, lol.

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated!
VT247

 

i would start by replacing the solenoid (this will be your lack of OD issue most likely) and the nss, but check to see if you can wiggle the shifter and get the reverse lights to come on, sometimes the shifter is just really picky about where it will trigger the lights on the 98-00 trucks

 

P0753 Trans 3-4 Shift Sol/Trans Relay Circs

I'm thinkin replace Governor assembly with all solenoids. Might wanna think about the valve body as well. Replace the filter, adjust the bands, and fill her up with ATF+4 fluid only. I like Valvoline ATF+4 Fully Synthetic.


I don't think the neutral safety switch would do anything like this.


Also could be the wiring harness at the Transmission is corroded or a bad connection.

 

i belive the nss also switches the reverse lights, maybe thats the second half of the 1st gen trucks were the functions are combined.

 

Im leaning with shrpshtr here. Solenoid issue. Thats the code thrown, and it really explains your issues. Its always hard for me to imagine one thing can screw up so many big things, but that's how it is with today's cars.

 

What you need to do, is find out what causing the P0753 code. Hydra and shrp have good points. But I think you are looking for some information to help with problem. Im posting part of a pdf flie, If you would like the rest just send me a pm.

Symptom:
P-0753 TRANS 3-4 SHIFT SOLENOID/TRANS RELAY CIRCUITS
When Monitored and Set Condition:
P-0753 TRANS 3-4 SHIFT SOLENOID/TRANS RELAY CIRCUITS
When Monitored: Continuously with the key on.
Set Condition: This code is set if the voltage detected on the 3-4 Shift Solenoid Control
Circuit at the PCM is different than the expected voltage.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
FUSED B(+) FEED TO THE TRANS CONTROL RELAY OPEN
TRANSMISSION CONTROL RELAY DEFECTIVE
3-4 SOLENOID WIRING HARNESS INTERMITTENT DEF
3-4 SOLENOID WIRING HARNESS OBSERVABLY DEF
SHIFT SOLENOID CONTROL CIRCUIT OPEN
SHIFT SOLENOID CONTROL CIRCUIT SHORT TO GROUND
SOLENOID AND HARNESS DEF (SOLENOID CONNECTOR)
SOLENOID AND HARNESS DEF (SOLENOID CONTROL CKT)
TRANSMISSION RELAY OUTPUT CIRCUIT OPEN
TRANSMISSION RELAY OUTPUT CIRCUIT SHORTED TO GND
PCM DEF (3-4 SOLENOID/TRANSMISSION)
PCM DEF (TRANS 3-4 SOL/TRANS RLY CKT)
PCM DEF (3-4 SOLENOID CONTROL CIRCUIT)
PCM DEF (SOLENOID HARNESS AND PACK)
358
TRANSMISSION

 

Thanks for all the insight about the code. I've got it up on jacks ready to pull the pan. Next day off is Thursday. Will pull the pan off and then the valve body as it has to be lowered to get the OD solenoid out. First repairs will be the gov pressure sensor, the gov solenoid and the OD solenoid, new filter, gasket and fluid.
VT247

 

All hail Master Tech......

Yes the neutral safety switch (NSS) sends signal to the key switch relay and PCM on all models. I'm awaiting the pan being dropped and findings?

 

Took off the shift lever ones a 13mm and the other a 7/16. Disconnected the neutral safety sensor and removed with a 1" socket. Removed the round 8 plug connector. Dropped the transmission pan, 13mm bolts. Took out the filter, allen head wrench. Unbolted the valve body bolts. The valve body dropped and the actuator piston and springs came out. Removed the C clip from the shifter arm on the valve body. Took out the Governor, removed the solenoid and sensor. Removed the solenoid pack with star head sockets. Ordered the parts. Ordered the neutral safety switch, governor sensor, governor solenoid, OD Solenoid pack. May install a rear speed sensor later, the ABS & Brake light are on as well. Hope this fixes it. May wind up having to get a PCM but I hope not.

Here are some pics that may help someone with the 44RE transmission and needs to remove the valve body.
VT247

 

How is your fix going?


My 200 5.9 Durango has the same exact problem. Code P0753, no first, no overdrive.