there not the best reading sticks....just add a tad and see how much better it shifts, remember there should be a bleeder up top.

mine downshifts hard all the time. i figured it was because I have all the torque management removed.

You shouldn't feel the truck downshift, IMO. I have 130k miles on my 545-rfe with only fluid and filter changes, and it still shifts smooth.

I would try topping off the fluid. Mine shifted funny until I got the fluid above that second hole on the dipstick.

No the rough downshifts should not be standard, they were not before the fluid change.

Rengnath,
So yours is above the 2nd hole? I added and am now also "overfilled", was planning to remove some but the shifts do seem better. I'll keep monitoring it.

Anyone else have a recommendation as to the fluid level for better shifts? Half-way between the hot bubbles resulted in rough downshifts for me.

Yes, above the second hole when hot. I'd say its probably about 1/4" above that second hole. There's a bleeder above the fluid level on the transmission case that fluid will come out if its to high. Where my level is at, I have never had anything come out of it. I can take a picture later if I remember. I've been using my sister's and mom's cars lately due to the gas prices and their commute is pretty short so I don't have access to the truck alot.

A pic would be handy just to compare, thanks for that if you get around to posting!

Yea I haven't had much access to my truck either. I've been driving the company truck lately (2010 F150 longbed) so now the wife has taken over the Dakota, and now the Durango just sits. Don't get me wrong I am very grateful to be driving a company vehicle, but I miss my Dakota.

I'll try and grab a pic before class when I swap vehicals.

I do miss my Dakota as well. I started swapping in January, and now I only get to drive it a few times a week. Lets just say the Elantra and Cobalt don't have the same power response as the Dakota .... and they feel like little go-karts. Can't beat 35mpg+ though ..... or in your case free company gas.

Bain, if you pm me your email address or cell # i can send the pic from my phone, otherwise ill upload it to photobucket tonight

Here ya go. Fluid is to where my finger nail is on the dip stick .....
IMG_9300.jpg

and thats your normal level? of just running at idle? ive been having the same downshifting problem so ive been eager to see this finale haha