2002 dodge dakota 42RE transmission 3.9l automatic 4x4. Recently put a rebuilt tranny in and when in drive seems to start out in third gear then catch and go to first gear. Acceleration is poor and won't kick down when at full throttle. Drive 1 and 2 work perfectly...fluid is clean, no abnormal smell and no DTCs are present. Any ideas, I was thinking the governor pressure solenoid/sensor.

 

I put this in gen2 not sure why it popped up here sorry.��

 

Who installed the transmission? Sounds like something was not hooked up/connected properly.

 

Reputable shop, it's a used tranny

 

Then take it back to them and ask them to check it, or the used transmission is defective.

 

Tranny came out of a wreck with 90k on it, fluid was clean, no metal shavings and truck was a daily driver before accident. Done some research online that's why I was throwing the governor solenoid/sensor thought out there

 

I'm trying to do some research to help him out because there aren't any codes present I don't wanna just throw parts at it.

 

I'm just saying, the shop that put it in should make sure it runs correctly before giving it back to you. No warranty?

 

Bring it back. It's probably not electrical - no fault code.

This is from the FSM: MOVES IN 2ND OR 3RD GEAR, ABRUPTLY DOWNSHIFTS TO LOW

Valve Body Malfunction. Remove, clean and inspect. Look for stuck 1-2 valve or governor plug.

 

Tranny has a 30 day warranty, mechanic is going to look at it as I said I'm just trying to help diagnose it for him. Here is another tidbit of info. When in drive with foot off the brake it won't move forward, if I put it in 1 or 2 it will move without foot on brake, this leads me to believe that D is staring in 3rd gear not first.