I'm currently observing 2 intermittent issues possibly related to transmission shifting on my 2017 R/T with 18K miles:

1. The truck seems to have difficulty downshifting from 5 to 4 at times, particularly when coming off a highway. The truck will lurch violently at times during this 5 to 4 downshift - it almost feels like something is binding up in the drivetrain. I literally almost hit someone driving into a toll booth because the 5 to 4 lurch was so sudden. However, it doesn't do this all the time and I'm likely to be unable to reproduce for the dealer.

2. I feel and hear a good deal of vibration at times when giving a little little bit of gas around 35-50mph. Not sure if this is also linked to some sort of downshifting problem. Again, doesn't do it all the time but quite annoying when it starts acting up.

Is anyone else seeing these types of problems with their Durango R/T? I spoke to the service advisor at the dealer and he claimed that he hasn't heard of these problems and they would start with a software update.

Thanks!
James

 

I would heed the dealers advice and start with a software update. You have a warranty.....use every last bit of it.

 

Agree 100% on using the warranty to work out all the issues. It's frustrating when there are issues such as these that are not readily repeatable when the tech takes the truck for a quick test drive. Easy out for the dealer to say "sorry can't reproduce the problem."

 

Yes. 2017 RT and I have the same 5 to 4 downshift surge. I had posted this last year in another site, and it seems like there were others with the same issue.
I noticed it for the first time last summer. If in Non-Sport mode, and coming to a stop or slowing down, when transmission downshifts from 5th to 4th, there is a small delay, then a pretty noticeable surge forward with the downshift. At the time, it had happened a few times, so I disconnected the battery and went for a test ride, it was smooth again. I then noticed it was getting hot inside cause I had not turned the AC on after reconnecting the battery. So, I decided to turn the AC on and then go for a quick test....Yep, with the AC on, the 5th to 4th downshift surged right away. Also, if in Sport Mode, there is no problem with the surge. Based on it going away in Sport, I just decided it was a programming issue, and never had it checked out. I'm only at 5,000 miles now. FYI, the entire winter, I did not have the surge in the 5/4 downshift. On the first hot day this spring, when my AC was blowing cold, I was eventually coming to a stop, and the surge was back. I had forgotten all about it, as it had been months since I had felt it, but realized it was hot out and my AC was blowing.

So, I have no idea what causes it. It doesn't do it all the time, so may be tough to re-create when tech it checking it out. But, I do think it's all in the programming, and I think it has something to do with the AC Compressor somehow. If you figure it out, let us know.

 

I purchased my Durango in 2017 so I don't have have a lot of warm days to base things on, but funny that we had a few unseasonably warm days here in NJ recently and the issue did seem to occur more often. Thanks for the heads up on the potential connection to the AC compressor.

Much appreciated if you can send along the link to the thread on the issue from last year. I will definitely report on my experience with the dealer this week.

 

+2...there is a shift quality enchancement flash...try it and see what you think. Always a good idea to test drive with the shop foreman and point out when the fault is active. It will save time and frustration.

 

I have a harsh 5-4 shift on my 2015 RT too. Has become noticeable now around 65,000 miles. I have felt it is more likely to happen with ECO mode turned off, particularly after spirited driving. Mine has also always had a slight "slip" on it's first 1-2 shift when cold.

 

The dealer performed the TCM shift enhancement update yesterday. The service tech said there's a TSB out on this - does Dodge post these TSBs anywhere so we can see what it actually says? Is Dodge trying to force the software to compensate for a design defect?

The verdict is not in, but the truck still vibrates badly (to the point it resonates throughout the cabin) when downshifting under slight acceleration at around 30-50mph. The shifts still feel harsh and sloppy overall. I've noticed that it's much worse when ECO mode is on.

I haven't encountered the 5-4 "sudden lurch" after coming off the highway, but haven't driven too far yet since the flash.

I'll see how it goes over the next week or so.

 

Hi James,

We're sorry to hear you're having a hard time with your Durango. If you'd like, I can get started on a case and escalate to a Case Specialist who'll work with you and the dealer toward a solution. We're available via direct message and will need your VIN if this is of interest.

Jasmine
Dodge Social Care Specialist

 

Hi CodyC6,
We understand how this could be frustrating and would like to get you in contact with the proper teams for further assistance. Please send us a private message with additional details so we can get started on this.
Julie
Dodge Social Care Specialist