I mistakenly placed this on the FAQ page yesterday, so I am reposting here to hopefully get more input.
2 weeks ago my 2008 Dakota started having strange transmission issues. When the tranny is cold it shifts fine, but about 5 minutes into a drive it downshifts HARD into 3rd and stays there. The tranny was rebuilt almost a year ago, so I took it back to the shop and the owner hooked his fancy SnapOn diagnostic device to the truck and everything was pointing to an electrical problem. I know troubleshooting electrical issues can very easily lead down multiple rabbit holes and I just can't invest much money into this truck.
Anyone have similar issues with their Dakota?

 

Try searching the site. I've seen a few similar transmission issues discussed here.

 

I also had a intermittent
problem with my 2005 Dodge Dakota. It is a electrical problem. More specific it is a ground problem. Clean all ground connections...I had four. Battery neg post- fender to battery - pos post - engine block to battery neg post. My Dakota has 234,000 + miles and I use chemicals to keep it shifting smoothly. Try Lucas transmission additive! And In your motor oil and fuel use Marvel additive to keep it clean from ethanol gunk! Amazing chemicals!

 

I had a hesitation in mine going into 2nd .I did a full reset ,battery disconnect ,key turn hold.reconnected battery , an it relearned new shift.Hasnt hesitated now.