My nephew has a 2001 or 2002 Dakota, 3.9V6, Auto, 2WD. Today, shortly after pulling away from a light, it started acting as if it was in neutral, not getting any power. I went over tonight, and the transmission fluid looks clean, and weirdly, it had no problem with reverse. Just no forward gears.
Anyone got any ideas as to what the problem is, and how expensive it may get? I'm about to be away on business for a few days, so won't be able to help, but I want to make sure they have an idea as to what is wrong, so they don't get screwed over by a shop.
Sounds like a broken snap ring in the OD unit. Remove the pan (slowly) and see if there is part(s) of a metal ring and other metal inside, take pics.
Paul
Fluid level OK? Fluid and filter change in recorded history?
They've had the truck less than a year, so no idea when it was changed last. I did not check the level with the engine running, since I was a bit afraid of doing further damage. Not running, the level was above the fill point on the dipstick, as expected.
Sounds like low fluid. Make sure you put atf+4 in it. If he says he has had to add fluid in the past make sure he didn't put in dex/merc. If he did it may be fine with a fluid/filter change using atf+.
In reply to moparman76_69:
Would low fluid still allow for reverse to work fine?
AFAIK reverse is straight hydro while the forward gears have electric control. My mom has a 97 ZJ with the 5.2/auto and her lazy upshifting went away after topping the trans up with Lucas trans fix and atf+. Sounds like you're having a different issue. It might be one of the solenoids if only reverse works. Does it act like its slipping or are the forward gears out entirely?
In reply to moparman76_69:
No forward motion at all. I didn't think to see if the engine revved more easily in neutral than when it was in drive (or any of the other forward gears), but guessing there's no difference. Reverse seemed normal.
I'd guess trans solenoid pack. Pretty common, usually lose some or all forward gears. Here's a page that covers common issues, its worth it to drop the pan and check the filter too. I have seen aftermarket filters fall down after many hundred-to-thousand miles after install giving no movement, normally lose reverse too though in my experience.
http://etereman.com/blog/fiat-transmission/three-problems-with-the-dodge-45fre-transmission-that-are-easy-to-fix
Edit: cycle the key on-off-on-off-on and see if it gives you any codes on the odometer display. May be a P0700(general trans fault), it may or may not actually give you specific trans codes, but it will give you P0700 if something is present at least. Solenoid failure doesn't always set a code, it will if its shorted or open, but not usually if the solenoid fails mechanically.
