98 SLT 4x4 Slipping Trans When Cold

I don’t know if this has been covered yet but here goes. I have 1998 Durango SLT 4x4 with 83k miles with a sick transmission. It is having a problem shifting into 3rd when it cold. This problem started as soon as winter began. As soon as I drive it for a few miles the problem ceases to exist. I checked the transmission fluid and it seems a bit clear, not as red and thick as normal, could this be the culprit? Has anyone ran into this problem with theirs yet? I could really use a hand, thanks…

I don’t know if this has been covered yet but here goes. I have 1998 Durango SLT 4x4 with 83k miles with a sick transmission. It is having a problem shifting into 3rd when it cold. This problem started as soon as winter began. As soon as I drive it for a few miles the problem ceases to exist. I checked the transmission fluid and it seems a bit clear, not as red and thick as normal, could this be the culprit? Has anyone ran into this problem with theirs yet? I could really use a hand, thanks…

I have a '99 that's doing the same exact thing. It's 3rd gear on mine too and it happens when it's cold. It's a PITA! I recently bought it used so I haven't had a lot of time to figure out what's wrong. That is why I came here. I wanted to see if anyone had an answer. Do me a favor, if you hear of anything, let me know and I'll do the same for you. Thanks.

I heard today that the bands need to be adjusted. Something with the transmission at 80K just calls for it. I got the name of a reputable mechanic who has seen this before.

Thanks. I got some pretty good info from this web site also
http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/archive/index.php/f-183.html
Looks like it a very common problem in the Durangos and Dakotas. I've heard seals, I've heard it could be the TPS, I've heard it could have something to do with the OD system and now the bands. It's not looking good. I've thought about trying that "Lucas" tranny stuff to see if it helps.

Thanks. I got some pretty good info from this web site also
http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/archive/index.php/f-183.html
Looks like it a very common problem in the Durangos and Dakotas. I've heard seals, I've heard it could be the TPS, I've heard it could have something to do with the OD system and now the bands. It's not looking good. I've thought about trying that "Lucas" tranny stuff to see if it helps.
Start with a good old flush/filter and if your mechanic is reputable, he will know enogh to adjust the bands while he/she is in there. My experience with slipping trannies are that it's low on fluid or the fluid is bad and the filter is clogged. The root of catastophic failure. I brought my D in at about 60k cuz it seemed to take too long to slip into gear. Then it would kind of bang into the next gear. The $300 tranny tune did the trick. Again, reputable is the key word. For those in the Portland OR area, there is a Durango only guy in Lake Oswego I highly recommend. Kinda scary that ther is enogh problems with these to keep a shop busy full time.

I'll give it a shot. Thanks

Start with a good old flush/filter and if your mechanic is reputable, he will know enogh to adjust the bands while he/she is in there. My experience with slipping trannies are that it's low on fluid or the fluid is bad and the filter is clogged. The root of catastophic failure. I brought my D in at about 60k cuz it seemed to take too long to slip into gear. Then it would kind of bang into the next gear. The $300 tranny tune did the trick. Again, reputable is the key word. For those in the Portland OR area, there is a Durango only guy in Lake Oswego I highly recommend. Kinda scary that ther is enogh problems with these to keep a shop busy full time.

Thanks for the information, I was given the name of a very good mechanic that would know about the problem and it's solution. Thanks again guys for the info.

The "lucas" thing helped in my 98 4x4 with 143000 miles.