I have a 98 Dakota with a 3.9 V6 and the 44RE trans. I had noticed that, when taken on long trips, the overdrive would kick out and the O/D Off light would come on. It would stay like that till it cooled. I only drive the truck back and forth to work so it was an out of sight out of mind thing. I did however change the filter and fluid this Spring.
Yesterday after driving it for about 30 mins I started hearing some odd noise and the shifting into O/D was very hard. The O/D turned itself off and then the Trans Temp light came on. I pulled over and let it set till I got off work. After work I drove it home. It started acting funny right before I made it back so a turned off the O/D and everything was OK. Out of curiosity I turned it back on and it was like putting the breaks on. I have driven it 1 more time since then and I purposely turned off the O/D. It seems to now have a little trouble getting into 3rd.
From the research I have done this kind of thing seems common and I've read that replacing the accessible solenoids is recommended. I guess my question is did I wait too long or is it something I should try before taking it to the shop?

 

Its most likely toast but then again I was told the same thing When my od off light came on. I guess 4wd spinning at 3 grand for 100yards isnt too good on a tranny who knew lol. Its still working and shifting alright but you prob should replace the od solenoids that might solve your problem.

 

[quote=dodgeramguy85;2200487]. I guess 4wd spinning at 3 grand for 100yards isnt too good on a tranny who knew lol. quote]

lol, its more fun that way though.

 

[QUOTE=thunder98110;2200500]It was all that deep snow we got and had to get up to camp to plow it out atv couldnt even make it.

 

So you think it's shot but I should throw $200 at it first?
Actually, I was leaning in that direction.

Thanks.

 

Really its kinda hard to say these dodge auto trannys are so weird and as soon as mine goes im not putting any money into it. Im going to do a nv3500 (5 speed).

 

have you even checked the fluid level?

 

Fluid level was the first thing I checked. It was fine.

 

Switching to a manual sounds like a lot of work.

 

Actually if you have the skills like I do a swap can be done in a weekend. Even for a beginner its still not all that hard just takes a lil bit more time