Strange situation with my 06 Dakota 3.7, 4wd., AT. I have a lot of difficulty backing out of a moderatly steep [ditch] incline. It will spin in 2wd and barely crawl out in 4wd. But, while backing out in 4wd I need full throttle yet the engine doesn't rev higher than normal. The other thing I noticed recently is that it barely makes it up a steep hill while pulling my 2500# boat at highway speeds. The tranny drops way down and the rpms go up to about 4500. This summer is the first time these problems ocurred. Any ideas?

 

sounds sorta like it's in limp mode? not sure what that is but I've heard it does that when there is a problem that could cause more damage to the tranny so it's protecting itself, I'm sure someone else will enlighten us.

 

Check the fluid level to ensure its correct. Also check to see how clean it is. If it looks dark you might want to consider changing the fluid and filter. If its been a while since your last fluid/filter change you might want to do it anyway.

 

Ive heard of the lack of power in reverse problem. I think I remember it being a problem in the programming and they have a new flash for it at the dealer.

 

I would strongly recommend a reflash of the TCM. I work for a Mitsubishi dealer and the Mitsubishi Raider (a rebadged Dodge Dakota) has the exact same problems. It should take no more than 30 minutes to do.

 

damn ,i never knew that.
So the dakota is an import ?
or the other way around ??

 

I think Bolt refers to the Raider as the metro-sexual version of the Dakota .... they are a little more stylish. Lol

 

Thanks guys. I spoke to a Dodge dealership yesterday and the tech didn't "hear of this condition before and don't see how flashing the computer would work". I'll be calling another dealership. I also spoke to a transmission shop and they too hadn't heard of it but did agree that Dodge probably has a program upgrade.