Just got my 2002 dakota sxt, 46000 miles on it. Got it from a used car dealership, they just changed the oil and did the brakes and the tires and everything before they sold it to us. However, i've noticed upon driving it that the transmission gives me a bit of trouble. Like, sometimes it wont stick. I have to get it in just the right place otherwise it won't hit into gear. Its an automatic 2 wheel drive. Is it supposed to be like this? I'm pretty sure they flushed the transmission fluids at 45k. How often should that be done?

Is this a common problem?

 

take it back asap. its not supposed to do that.

 

they probably messed with the linkage bar. have them go under truck and see if it is in the correct position. if not, unbolt from tranny and move the connector to the correct position and replace linkage

 

Are you having the problem with D or all selections such as R and L? Do neutral and park work OK? Did you get any kind of warranty with the truck? Sounds like trouble ahead.

 

i agree with superdak. it sounds like for some reason the shift linkage is just ever so slightly off. take it back and make the dealership fix it.