My transmission randomly shifts strange... some times from a stop to about 45mph it will hold 1st and 2nd gear till 3500-4000 rpm and just shift real hard like it has a performance valve body in it. And if I'm in town just driving 40 mph the trans stays in 2nd or 1st and my engine rpms are real high, if i put it in Neutral and then back in drive it shifts...
Now i searched around and found that it could be a mis-adjusted TV cable, the internal bands in the trans , or a fluid condition issue.
Now the question i have is, does it sound more like a TV cable issue or is it the bands?
I don't want to go messing around with the TV cable, and have it end up being the internal bands just needed adjustment.
I have a 1999 Dakota 3.9L V6, 4 speed auto, with 96,000 miles. I just got it last month and I only put 300 miles on it so far, so I'm not sure what type of maintenance has been done, or if the bands were ever adjusted at all...
so whats your guess?
Thanks!

 

It may be the TV cable. It controls the shifts with the throttle. Check the service manual in the stickies for the procedure on how to adjust it.

 

It sounds like the Throttle Valve cable is out of adjustment or broken,but I also have seen a plugged catalytic converter cause harsh , prolonged upshifting.
Good Luck !