Hey guys, its been a while since I've been on here, but since the issue is beyond my personal knowledge, I figured I'd turn to you for help.

I drive a 1999 Dodge Durango 4x4 with a 5.9 V8 Magnum. It has 240,xxx miles, of which I am the 3rd owner. The previous owner was horrible with it, never maintained it, and he gave it to me for free 5 years ago to get rid of it. With alot of TLC I fixed the issues that popped up when I got it and since then. It burns a bit of oil, not a lot, maybe 1/4 quart every 6 weeks, speedometer stopped working a while back after the speed sensors failed (According the the Codes showing up), and I've yet to replace them because I haven't had the time due to working alot of hours.

However I give you all of this info in case something is contributing to the issue I am currently having. Today I got into the Durango, started it up, and took off. However as I accelerated it failed shift into 3rd gear, and it never did as I drove it about 2 miles total. Once back home I checked the fluid level and it was about 1/4 quart low, which I filled to the proper levels, and drove it again around the block, all the same issues. The low level on the transmission is a new issue, because I've never had that issue before.

Any ideas what the issue might be?

 

Welcome Back

Dodge say that if the engine uses a qt of engine oil in 800 miles, that is normal. On the transmission problem. If the transmission shifts 1st to 2nd gears normal and upshifts after 50 to 60 miles an hour, then you need a transmission seal kit. Transmission overhaul.

 

But he said he has bad speed sensors. If he has bad speed sensors, this will cause shifting issues too won't it? As far as I know, if the computer doesn't know how fast the vehicle is moving, it can't adjust the shift points properly, therefore causing shifting issues. I could be wrong tho..

 

The issue I am having though is it doesn't up shift at all into 3rd gear it just wants to red line in 2nd gear. However it shifts from 1st to 2nd just fine. I had wondered if the issue could be the speed sensors. I would like it to be something simple if possible.

 

If it was speed sensor, it wouldn't upshift at all.

 

Possibly the governor actuators located under the transmission where you remove the fluid pan may be sticking. I just got mine replaced when my tranny will not start off in first gear after rolling to a stop. Part ran me about $115 from dealer. New part works and no more starting off the line in 2nd gear.

 

Took it out yesterday with my dad, who has spent 35 years working as an automotive tech for GM to see what his learned ear had to say, and it failed to shift out of 1st. Since I live a block from the Holy Trinity of Auto Parts stores (Auto Zone, O'Reilly, and Napa are all next to each other in my area), I grabbed the speed sensors and switched them out in my driveway, it seemed to fix the problem. Now however my speedometer isn't working. Every other gauge works just fine, except for that part. Sounds like I might need a new cluster.

Also one other question that might sound dumb. How do I check the fluid levels on my transfer case, and differentials? and what do I fill them with if they need to be filled?

 

Try replacing the speed sensor on the rear axle. than may solve the speedometer issue.

The transfer case uses ATF+4 just like the transmission. On the rear of the case there are 2 plugs the upper plug is the "fill" and the lower is the "drain" it should be filled just to the bottom of the "fill" plug... i usually open it up and stick my pinky finger in there and if i can feel fluid its good.. if you have to top it off i usually just keep filling till it starts to dribble out...