2002 Durango, SLT, 5.9L, 4x4 AWD (electronic switch). ~100K miles No engine codes.

Fiance came home one day, no problems with the truck, no noises, drove fine. It sat for a few days and the next time she went to drive it wouldn't shift out of first. Reverse works, drive in 1st works, 4x4 also engages.

I've seen some people with similar issues, but it seems like there's a variety of things to check. I read one of the stickies that mentioned:

HAS FIRST/REVERSE ONLY (NO 1-2 OR 2-3 UPSHIFT)
1. Governor Circuit Electrical Fault. 1. Test using DRB® scan tool and repair as required.
2. Valve Body Malfunction. 2. Repair stuck 1-2 shift valve or governor plug.
3. Front Servo/Kickdown Band Damaged/Burned. 3. Repair/replace.


Also have been told to replace the speed sensor. Which ones and where? I don't have the cash to really drop on this and am looking for the cheapest solution short of taking it to the tranny specialist.

Thanks for the advice!

 

The speed sensor you want is on the tail of the transmission, it is the least expensive of the sensor to try (about $20) some have cured shifting issues with changing that but, most likely it is the governor solenoid.

When was the last time the fluid and filter where changed? i could also be its so dirty that its clogging up the filter and/or the sensors. IMHO, if its been awhile, id start with that.