Just curious I am taking in my 01 3.9 2wd Dakota in to have the automatic trans service, becasue in OD at about fifty it seems to have a flat spot it kind of lugs when you try to accelerate unless you step on it. When I turn the OD off the problem is gone any one else expericenced this? Thanks

Mike

 

How many miles are on you Dak? I bought a Haynes manual for mine just like I do for every vehicle that I have owned. It says that the Tranny has to be adjusted at 32000 and some other intervals. You might considering going to get one of these manuals. But I do almost all the work on my vehicles myself. It would help you even if you don't do your own work for diagnostics, troubleshooting and in general it gives alot of info that you won't find in the Dealer supplied "service/owners manual"

 

Mike, I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt here and assume you don't meant that it lugs in OD until it downshifts... Yes, your truck is going to be slow like glass bottled ketchup in final drive with a 3.9 liter V6. There's not much torque there and with these trucks it takes alot of torque to accelerate in final drive at lower RPM's (1800-2200) which is more than likely where you are feeling a "flat spot in your tranny". One possible reason the problem goes away when you turn OD off is that it downshifts into a higher RPM band and now you've got power to accelerate. Remember, you're working with a skinny motor on a FAT bodie!!!

 

I realize why it goes away when I turn overdrive off, this is a recent problem. Before OD wasnt as noticable at lower RPMs.
[quote]ORIGINAL: you're working with a skinny motor on a FAT bodie!!! theONLYr/t

Yes we dont all drive the gas pig R/Ts

 

I agree with theONLYr/t, you are driving a V6, unless the engine is stumbling or you have different symptoms than what you are describing. Sounds like a horsepower problem to me. Get that trans service done though. Good luck!

 

I just happened to remember that there may be a TSB for your truck. It is a flash that may help you with your problem. I believe it allows the truck to hold 3rd gear longer so it doesn't lug down. Might want to check with your dealer. Later...

 

Mine ; 2003 Dodge Dakota SXT V6 3.9L automatic trans 2WD, is doing almost the exact same thing. might have just gotten the answer to one of my earlier questions/gripes.

I get the almost same effect - get the Dakota doing about 50ish, get on the highway (I-95) and try doing 70ish, Dakota starts to strain to get there and even maintain that speed w/o burying my foot in the pedal. Not to mention when doesnt hold that speed, Dak bucks/jerks like a bull and just slows down. Didnt do that at first - Dak flew , did 60+ easily w/o no flat spots w/ OD on.