I have a 2003 Dakota 4.7 4 door 4x4. Recently I noticed Overdrive was lacking in power and had poor fuel economy. If i turn OD off my gas mileage increases significantly and the truck has much better throttle response (obviously the throttle response is due to a lower gear) the transmission shifts fine otherwise. Only other issue i have found is on cold startup it takes a few revs to engage in reverse. The fluid is full and clean. No burning or discoloration. No codes, speedo and cruise work properly.

 

Never heard of overdrive causing poor fuel economy. How are you determining this?

 

Not sure about the fuel economy part either. If it is taking "a few revs" to go into reverse you could have a problem with the solenoids, slipping clutches, or low line pressures.

Time to start looking at it before it gets MORE expensive.

 

I am also very surprised about the fuel economy. The HUD avg mpg, as well as monitering my fuel use determined this. The cold start issue with engagement may just be a check valve problem.

 

What about the two filters....have you replaced those lately?