Hi Guys,
I have a 5.2Litre V8, 2 wheel drive, Dakota with the 4 speed auto.
Its previous owner played and screwed with it, anyway, when I got it it had no second gear in the auto. Also it had no 4 gear (O/D), but I noticed the plug on the side of the throttle body not connected, and plugged it back in, now I have 4th gear back.
But, no second gear. Its had the exhaust played with, it has the engine check light constantly on. Do I need a new box, or is it the O2 sensor, or what. I am mechanically inclined, but auto gearboxes and PCM's, I need help.
Thanks

 

Does the tranny attempt to go into second or does it fly right by and go to third. If it attempts to hit second but cand "find" it then it might be time for a rebuild. But if it goes right to third it will be a TCU problem. Either way you'll need to take it to the stealership or to a tranny shop.

 

Hi Ultimate Answer, thanks for the reply.
It does not automatically go straight to 3rd gear, you have to back off at sufficient speed and then it will take 3rd gear, otherwise just holding the throttle it will go to a 'neutral' as there is no second gear, then you must back off, then it finds third.
So you think its not ECU related, and its a screwed trans?
If so, I was going to get one from the guys who advertise on EBay a lot, in Phoenix. $895 plus $350 for a core, outright.

Whats your thoughts? Thanks.

 

Check you local salavage yard before you get one on eBay. I went the route with bothe my V6 and my RT and spent alot less on a salavage one that I had rebuilt then if I would have bought one new or used online. Both of mine went like that and you're looking at about 1500-2700 for a rebuild but if you take the trans to them then knock about 500-700 off for tear down labour.