I have a 1999 Dodge Durango 4x4 and the transmission has been acting up lately. It just started to feel like its slipping. When I am driving along it seems like the transmission is slipping in first or second gear. Second gear is bad. In second gear the RPM's go up about 500 and then drop back down. When the RPM's go up you can tell something’s slipping because your not picking up speed. In second gear it will do this about three times before its time to shift. That’s just with the gas pedal about half way down. When I am in first it slips but not as bad. Since this started it lags when its time to shift also. For instance, it will drop out of second gear, the RPM’s will go up about 1000 then it will catch third or first depending on if its downshifting or not. Basically it takes a while to catch another gear and feels like it slipping in gear. The transmission fluid is fairly new and full. It doesn’t smell burnt or look discolored at all. I also hear a rattling noise when the throttle put down just the right amount. I don’t know if this could be related or not. Does anyone have a clue as to what the problem is or if its and easy cheap fix or expensive. Thanks a lot.

Chad Stradling