So I’m at my wits end and pulled out what hair I have left in frustration with the predicament I’ve gotten myself in. I’ve come here in hopes that someone else has come across my problem and can share a solution.

First let me tell yall what my current problem is then I’ll explain the events leading up to it.

So currently my 2006 Dodge Dakota 4.7L V8 4x4 (120k miles) is up on my shop ramps and unable to drive off and has been that way for nearly 2 weeks now. I can shift through the gears on the dashboard but the automatic trans doesn’t seem to do anything. Forward, reverse, nothing seems to clank, whir, or shift within the trans. I don’t know what’s causing this to happen.

Now to back up and explain how it got in my shop to start with (and by “shop” I mean under the shade tree in my back yard).
I began having shifting problems when first starting the truck. I could shift out of park most days and I would hear a loud clunk then the truck would be stuck in limp mode unless I turned the key off and tried again a few times. Once it shifted properly out of park then it would drive fine until I cut it off then the 50/50 gamble began again.

I took it to a local transmission mechanic, asked some questions, and tried to get him to schedule me in but he was already a month behind. However, he was nice enough to pull the list of codes (8 or so in total P0700 was one and a trans temp code was also one that I remember). He said that he suspected that the shift solenoid pack had gone bad and needed replacing so he would start there if he was able to work on it.

Since he was so backed up and had given me an idea of the problem I began researching the shift solenoid, codes, and watching YT videos of people fixing the problem. It seemed easy enough to do and I had tools with a little know-how to do it myself. I first ordered up a “rebuilt” solenoid pack with a valve body attached from ebay. Went through the whole process of removing the drain pan, old valve body with solenoid, and the old filters. Installed the replacement parts, filters, and new trans fluid. Thought the job was done only to have it not move just as it’s doing right now.

My first thought was that my “rebuilt” parts were just pulled from a junkyard and probably dead on arrival. I then decided to go a different route and buy a new solenoid pack from RockAuto and just use my original valve body since I knew it was working before I pulled it out.

Went through all of the tear down and put back together steps once again and made a checklist of things to look for as I’m putting it all back.
- I ensured the shifter plate on the valve body was in the proper place, moving the dowel on the valve body, and lining up with the shifter linkage.
-My original and new solenoid packs are both the same part with the white plug on them.
-The 3 rubber grommet seals on top of the valve body are still in place and did not fall out.
-Checked the solenoid plug many times to ensure it’s plugged in.
-Checked the trans relay and fuse for damage (check everything in the fuse box while I was at it)
-Disconnected the battery cables overnight to maybe reset the TCM
-Checked the trans fluid level. Although it’s not accurate since the truck is not level. I have added 2 gallons (~8quarts)
-Checked that the parking brake is released

So now I’m out of ideas and need troubleshooting advice. Please help!

 

I changed my filters and what oil that was in the pan. I put back in what was recommended from a write up I saw. Tried to move the truck and nothing happened, no forward or reverse. So I checked the level and it was low. Had to go get more oil. I remember having to add much more than what I read online.

 

I had this problem once and a mechanic told me to spray wd40 in the steering column where the shifter comes out. I thought he was crazy but it worked. No problem since then. Worth a try….

 

Any luck figuring out what the problem was? I have a 04 Dakota with the same problem.