I also understood there to be a problem with the filter(s) not allowing the fluid to flow properly which could cause this problem.

 

Ive had the same issue wit my dakota. Sometimes when it starts up i put it in reverse and it doesnt engage..Put it back in park the reverse and and engages fine..My 03 dakota did it to and my buddys 02 Durango. DODGE TRANNYS SUCK

 

I second the concern over the internal spin-on oil filter. There's a TSB that specifically cites faulty spin-on filters bursting and not enabling sufficient pressure for the trans to function normally. It also results in engine stalling since the PCM thinks there's a severe trans fault. I'd at least verify the darn filter wasn't blown before paying for a trans rebuild.

 

I have not had any problems on my 04 1500, but have had the same problem you described on my 05 2500. The dealer had the tranny out of the truck2 times before finally getting the problem resolved. It seems that one of the filters was plugging up and not letting the fluids flow properly. It probably took 3-4 months of back and forth to the dealer before they got it right. Good luck to Ya.

 

sooooooo The dealer is "rebuilding my tranny" tt them this past Thursday, and they said they had ordered the parts to rebuild it, and one part was b/o should be in Mon/Tues. and should have tranny rebuilt and back to me by the end of this week. Anyone think I need to ask them if they checked the filters, before i pick up when they call??? Im not really sure what they did before deciding to rebuild the tranny (yah i need to ask, but whos to say they will tell me) Opinions appreciated! Thanks guys