My sons Dakota will not shift when floored it trying to pass. Occasionally it will shift at 5700 rpm but not often. It drives fine under normal circumstances. Please provide us with any details as to what this issue could be. Replaced the throttle sensor that helped for a few weeks. The check engine light before replacing sensor was showing random misfires.

 

Hi Erica,

I moved your post to the proper forum.

 

Dan where is my post now. I'm trying to help my son

 

2nd Gen Dakota forum.

Unfortunately, there isn't likely much that you can do to diagnose this. It's an electronically controlled transmission. I'd start off by replacing the throttle position sensor, since it seemed to help last time. Get one from a dealer. A lot of aftermarket sensors are junk.

What were the specific misfire codes? Are you showing any now?

 

I would be inclined to replace the MAP sensor. If this doesn't not help, check for any leaks in the resonator.

Good luck!

edit: Not resonator, manifold.

Edit 2: After reading 00DakDan's comments again, a bad MAP sensor will not throw codes. It sends the data it reads. The data it sends might not be the right data if it's faulty, but it won't be alarm worthy since it thinks it is correct.

If that is confusing, just replace the sensor and see if that corrects your issue. I have a good feeling it will.

Edit 3: I assumed he has the 4.7 engine when I commented. I don't know if the other engines have the MAP sensor.

 

There are no missfure codes now. He had one after replacing the tps but it went away within a couple days. There were misfires on various cylinders. This is the v8 4.7 liter.... edit misfire. Still does not shift when floored or passing you have to take your foot off the gas

 

Isn't the map sensor more for if your truck doesn't want to take off? His takes off but doesn't shift. Only when driving normally

 

Someone has to have had this happen.... the truck is in great condition its just this issue.

 

One more comment before the tps was replaced it would bounce around from gear to gear when going about 55.that seems to have resolved

 

Erica,

The problem is that it's difficult to properly diagnose the transmission. There isn't much you can do as it's electronically controlled. Just throwing parts at it can get expensive fast. Sometimes you may be better off taking it to a qualified service facility. These are the diagnostic procedures for the 45RFE, the transmission he has, from the factory service manual. My comments are in red.

VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE
(1) Check for transmission fault codes using DRB® scan tool. Most scan tools can't read transmission codes. Usually it's trip to the dealer or well equipped shop.
(2) Check fluid level and condition. How's the level?
(3) Adjust gearshift cable if complaint was based on delayed, erratic, or harsh shifts. To confirm it is adjusted properly, see if the truck starts in P and N only. That's from the manual.
(4) Road test and note how transmission upshifts, downshifts, and engages. You should be able to replicate this behavior on a road test.
(5) Perform stall test if complaint is based on sluggish acceleration. Or, if abnormal throttle opening is needed to maintain normal speeds with a properly tuned engine. Not your complaint.
(6) Perform hydraulic pressure test if shift problems were noted during road test. Not DIY.
(7) Perform air-pressure test to check clutch operation. Not DIY.

Hope it helps.