just wanted to throw this out to the masses and get some secondary, tertiary, etc. opinions. a few weeks ago my durango started and as i was driving, i noticed that the RPMs kept climbing. i live in San Francisco so i rarely drive over 25 MPH before i hit another stop sign or stop light. i finally took it to a transmission shop and they couldn't find what was wrong, so they said i need a rebuild that will cost me between $1600 and $2400. i have an OBDII reader and no fault codes came up. some folks say it may be as simple as an O2 sensor. has anybody have any issues like this?

2002 Dodge Durango
112K miles

 

Replace the transmission output sensor. Remember to disconnect the negative battery cable. Also the rear axel speed sensor (ABS) could also be at fault as they work together.

The output sensor tells the trans when to shift. This is a comon issue.

 

im having the same issue i thing its the valve body i changed the output speef sensor and there's no change plus wouldn't the speed sensor throw a cel code.

 

thanks for the tips hydra and glen.

i took her to get a second opinion. this time, the mechanic tested the sensors and found fault codes. he mentioned a temperature reading sensor, saying "it was running at a million degrees." he said he'll drop the pan and replace all the sensors and solenoids. if the pan is dirty, he said he would stop and ask if i want to do the rebuild. he finished with saying, "i'm pretty confident that the sensor and solenoid replacement will fix the problem."

let's hope he's right!

 

Yes a valve body can cause the issue, and many other things. However a simple test can tell you the difference between electrical and hydraulic issues, at least in the 46RE, 44RE 42RE, and Rams version 47RE. However if you have a 45RFE or 545RFE which is electrically controlled well good luck.

Considering neither of you left your vehicle information I'm making a "guess" as to the issue.

Not necessarily, if you are getting a miss reading it throughs everything off and won't throw a code.

Here is something that can help diagnose what may aid you for the RE transmissions and it's in the FAQ: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...-problems.html

 

I just recently replaced the trans in my Durango, and I am still having the same problem (I have to let off the gas for the truck to shift from first to second, and second to third. It shifts to fourth just fine). Could it be a computer issue? I mean it seems strange that it would be bad on two tranny's in a row, or is it THAT common of a problem. Thanks for any help.

 

It's a very common issue in the RE transmissions. Also note that the rear axel speed sensor notes 0-20 MPH on the same circut. When one goes out it like to take out the second so I replace them in pairs, noted make sure the negative battery cable is disconected and isolated.

A lot of the time a shop will swap transmissions but not eletrical hardware. If you had an issue before then you'll most likely have it now. Do the test I posted if you have a RE transmission.

You also could be in need of a Throttle Valve Cable adjustment (T.V. Adjustment), it's on the kick down cable at the throttle body. Right where the cabel body meets the holder and the inner cabel goes into the throttle bady linkage that outer sheath can be adjusted. You pull the plastic holder up and out of the holder and you adjust it so it doesn't pull or slack.

ADJUSTMENT VERIFICATION

(1) Turn ignition key to OFF position.
(2) Remove air cleaner.
(3) Verify that lever on throttle body is at curb idle
position (Fig. 240). Then verify that the transmission
throttle lever (Fig. 241) is also at idle (fully forward)
position.
(4) Slide cable off attachment stud on throttle body
lever.
(5) Compare position of cable end to attachment
stud on throttle body lever:

²

²

²

²

ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE

(1) Turn ignition switch to OFF position.
(2) Remove air cleaner if necessary.
(3) Disconnect cable end from attachment stud.

Carefully slide cable off stud. Do not pry or pull
cable off.

(4) Verify that transmission throttle lever is in
fully closed position. Then be sure lever on throttle
body is at curb idle position.
(5) Pry the T.V. cable lock (A) into the UP position
(Fig. 242). This will unlock the cable and allow for
readjustment.
(6) Apply just enough tension on the T.V. cable (B)
to remove any slack in the cable.

(7) While holding the T.V. cable in the set position
push the T.V. cable lock (A) into the down position
(Fig. 242). This will lock the present T.V. cable
adjustment.

NOTE: Be sure that as the cable is pulled forward
and centered on the throttle lever stud, the cable
housing moves smoothly with the cable. Due to the
angle at which the cable housing enters the spring
housing, the cable housing may bind slightly and
create an incorrect adjustment.

(8) Reconnect the T.V. cable (B) to the throttle
bellcrank lever (C).
(9) Check cable adjustment. Verify transmission

throttle lever and lever on throttle body move simultaneously.

 

i have a 99 5.9 4x4 with 136000 miles and I've only replaced the front trans speed sensor. but i did notice the abs and brake light comes on immediately even when i had to replace the battery

 

Thanks for the help Hydra.

 

Replace the rear axel speed sensor like I've stated twice.