Hi all,
two days ago, my 2000 dakota 4.7l 4x4 automatic simply stopped shifting.
at all, into any gear.

It starts, runs and sounds fine etc.
I can move the shifter to any gear and nothing, the lighted indicators show P,D,1,2, etc. There is no noise or anything as if its even attempting to engage.

Except when going back to PARK there is a very light whirring sound ?

it was running absolutely perfect up until then after accelerating from a stop sign, it all just went away. no noises, hesitation, slipping or anything to indicate.

I have seen a few similar posts regarding speed sensors but that issue seems to be related to just certain gears (above 2nd?) - at least the ones I read so far.

Any ideas or similar issues known ?
Any help greatly appreciated!

 

I just remembered that on one occasion when shifting all the way down to first (from park) the lighted indicator did not go past 2nd although the shift lever obviously moved into that position.

I shifted backup up, then down and the second time the indicator did show 1st and the gear did engage.

that was a month ago and it never did it again.

 

well, now it just made a horrible grinding noise when I shifted down through the gears and put it back to park.

Guess it's a pretty bad mechanical failure.
Dang.

 

I would contact Dodge's customer assistance Dept and find out if there are any recalls for your vehicle.
I recieved a recall notification about a transmission/shifting related part. I don't remember what it was, so I don't know if it has anything to do with your problem, but perhaps it's worth a quick phone call or email to find out? If it IS a recalled part, you'll get it replaced or repaired for free, as did I.