Just an update from my visit this past Friday. I was able to replicate the juddering over and over and over for my service advisor during our test drive. I explain all the different conditions that I have tried but still get the juddering during the shift from 2nd to 1st.

He told me, "this isn't right". I completely agreed with him. They didn't know what to do in order to fix the issue. I asked if they had any issues like this with the JGC, but he didn't think so. He made a call to Dodge headquarters and left a message to get guidance as to what the next steps will be. I advised him that I must have a loaner vehicle while the vehicle is being repaired.

Since they didn't know what to do at the time and said there were no other TSBs, I had to drive home in my vehicle while they try to find a resolution. The dealership should be calling me early this week to let me know a game plan. This has been my 3rd visit regarding warranty issues in 4 months of ownership. Frustrated but i still love the durango.

 

My wife and I test drove several 14 AWD V6's. I do remember commenting to the sales guy that the AWD didn't seem as smooth on acceleration and deceleration. He agreed and said it probably has something to do with the AWD set....duh. I wouldn't say it was a clunk but definitely a noticeable feeling vs. the RWD. We ended up get the RWD and couldn't be happier. Only time will tell how the 8 speed holds up.

 

For me its not just a slight degradation in shifting, it's an actual problem. When i purchased the car, the shifting was immaculate and other ones on the lot did not exhibit this rough shifting behavior. If it was just a tad rough i wouldnt mind it. I understand that defects happen during manufacturing and it could've just been a bad batch.

So, I had the durango at the dealership (4th time) so they could run a full diagnosis and software reset. I currently have the latest TCM software. They couldn't find anything wrong with it, but the shifting is still not right. They stated that there wasn't much they could do unless a code shows up or it gets worse. At this point I'm getting upset.

I talked to them again and they acknowledged that it was still shifting rough in 2nd to 1st. To be specific, it is more of a bucking when it shifts from 2nd to 1st. So another call to Dodge for resolution. Dodge said that the valve body needs to be replaced. The part has been ordered and I'll be dropping it off Monday night. This will be my 5th time to the dealership. If this doesnt fix the issue I'm not quite sure of my next steps. I just hope Dodge does the right thing to take care of me. Tough to shell out that kind of dough for something that doesn't perform as advertised.

 

I have not taken mine to the dealer yet, been so busy. Doesn't yours qualify as a lemon since you taken it 4 times for the same problem?

I have been noticing the rough shifting more and more. It is worse when I turn off ECO and happens during slow acceleration and deceleration among 1, 2 and 3 gears.

 

Should not be happening. I wonder if there is a software/sensor issue. I bet the revs are not matching the gear it should be in.

 

The first time i brought it in was for a different issue. Regarding the transmission they've only done work to it twice. First time they updated the PCM software. The second time, they weren't sure what to do so they had to wait for dodge HQ to reply back first. Was sent home with the car. The third time was a full diagnostic and TCM reset. Still bucking.

Its seems like temp makes a difference. When its cold some of the up shifts are rougher than before. Feels better when it warms up, but 2nd to 1st bucks and 5th to 4th is rough.

It's back at the dealership for a new valve body. Fingers crossed that it fixes it. If you look up transmission issues in the JGC, you'll see some complaints. All with the v6. The v8 doesn't seem to have this issue.

 

It could be, but I'm giving dodge a fair shot to get this fixed before i flip out. I've driven manuals before, but it doesn't necessarily feel like the revs aren't matching. It's almost like its a stuck gear. Either way, the dealership has it now and will call me tomorrow to give me an update.

 

Alright, back from the dealer with a new valve body. They kept it an extra couple days for additional driving. Over 100 miles which is a lot, but I'm glad to report that the transmission is butter smooth again. So if anyone has a rough transmission, this maybe the answer if the software resets and updates don't work.

I was smiling ear to ear on my ride home. Glad to have her back.

 

Glad to hear your D is all Better!
STEVE

 

Might be worth documenting the repair with part number and putting it in the sticky section.