The title says it. 2003 Dakota 4WD with I think the 42RE transmission. All I did was drop the pan, change both filters, put the pan back up and fill it with new fluid. It was driving fine before but it won't engage at all now. I shifted through all the drive positions to run fluid through all the circuits in case some had emptied. Nothing works. The dipstick says it's full, idling in neutral like it says to do. I realize I did not put as much fluid back in it as I took out. It looks like about a quart less. But the dipstick says it's full. Is the dipstick wrong? I didn't feel like putting more fluid in only to have the dipstick tell me it's too full and I would need to drain some out. Should I try it anyway? What in the world is going on here?

I used to have an account here. Not sure what happened to it. This will look like a new member here. Not really, although I haven't been on for a long time.

 

I’m having the same issue I replaced the solenoid and replaced the filters and fluid now I’m getting more error codes and it’s not wanting to shift or move, I have an 04 Ram 4.7l

 

Don't know bout the 42, but i assume it's the same as in a 45RFE and 5-45RFE.....

If you change the sump filter ( Large Flat one ) you should renew the seal too.
Using the old seal will cause the pump ain't gonna be sucking enough oil if the seal leaks.
Other thing with this filter. if you don't have it pushed up far enough, you get the same results.

Pump can't get enough oilpressure to build up, so it won't shift ( load ).

 

As mentioned, check the screen filter seal. It’s an O-ring on the neck. If not properly in place or doubled up, it will be pumping air instead of fluid.

 

In my transmission that seal isn't an O-ring, it's a kind of a lip seal. But otherwise you guys nailed it. My first thought was - man I know I put that seal in there. Then I got thinking about what I had done. I'll bet I didn't put it in correctly. Sure enough. I took that filter down and the seal came down with it. I needed to tap it up into the transmission body. It sure baffled and frustrated me yesterday. But it's back to normal now and I can't thank you guys enough. This truck is a daily driver. It would be a serious inconvenience if it were down.

 

Glad you found the problem and thx for the feedback