I have a '97 Dakota SLT 6 cylinder, automatic, 106,000 miles that when I don't drive for a couple of days the transmission doesn't engage to drive or reverse when put into gear. After I drive for some time all is fine. Also I failed to mention there is no slippage going through gear changes! Any help would be appreciated!

 

Does it just take a few minutes for the trans to actually engage?

 

Pressure loss off the converter drain. There's a check valve in the cooler line that Dodge added to prevent his from happening, alot of people remove it though because it has a nasty habit of failing stuck closed. With that said, yours could also be failing stuck closed, hence causing the pressure loss. Double edges sword.

 

Yes, It takes a few moments to engage and then it's operates as it should. Thanks in advance!

 

Check the... erm.... check valve..... Its in the cooler line going into the radiator. Just get rid of it by whatever method you care to use. Replace it with some hose, and clamps. Drill out the ball. Etc. Put the trans in neutral for a minute or so before shifting into gear.

 

Thank You!

 

Yes! Sorry for such a long time to answer!