2000 dakota trans problem

[chrisb83]

hello, i need some help. i have a 2000 dakota that has some trans. problems. first off when the truck is cold and i start it up, no matter how long i let it warm up, when i pull out of the driveway the truck will get to its first shift point and not shift. the tach will go to about 4 and that is as far as i will let it go. it will take several times lifting off the gas pedal and restoring power for it to finally shift in a somewhat normal manner. also i checked the trans fluid but it has alot of air bubbles in it, so i cant really get an accurate reading. i am thinking about changing the fluid and filter, but other than that i don't know what else to do. any help would be appreciated.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by chrisb83

hello, i need some help. i have a 2000 dakota that has some trans. problems. first off when the truck is cold and i start it up, no matter how long i let it warm up, when i pull out of the driveway the truck will get to its first shift point and not shift. the tach will go to about 4 and that is as far as i will let it go. it will take several times lifting off the gas pedal and restoring power for it to finally shift in a somewhat normal manner. also i checked the trans fluid but it has alot of air bubbles in it, so i cant really get an accurate reading. i am thinking about changing the fluid and filter, but other than that i don't know what else to do. any help would be appreciated.

Welcome to AF on your first post.
What transmission/engine and mileage?
I would go for a engine and transmission code check both.
If engine is not running good transmission will not shift good.
Also go for a filter and fluid change.
Most of them are switching over to the cry ATF+4 fluid.

[chrisb83]

it is the 3.9 v6 not sure on the trans and mileage is in the 77,000 range

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by chrisb83

it is the 3.9 v6 not sure on the trans and mileage is in the 77,000 range

3.9 has a 42RE trasmission
Check for codes and service transmission and filter and with cry ATF+4 and check band adjustments.
Post back any codes

[wafrederick]

It is electrical,the valve body has two soleniods and they do go out.You can dextron 3,get a bottle of Lubegard and it is the black bottle.The lubegard changes the dextron in the recomended mopar fluid and is approved by Chrysler.I have done it this way without any comebacks.

[chrisb83]

where exactley are these solenoids at? how can i tell that they are bad. and how much are they?

[troy1]

those solenoid have nothing to do with 1,2,3 only 4th and lockup. So I doubt its those solenoids.

[crengineer]

I had a similar problem with my 98 dakota this weekend. I was waiting for people to cross in a cross walk and when I went to move again the engine revved upto about 3000 rpm and wasn't moving much at all. Checked engine code and transmission codes and both returned P0720 Output Speed Sensor malfunction.