Reverse not working?

Hi:
when was the last tune up? Also, is the check engine light coming on?

Joe

The code needs to be read because there may be a problem that has taken time to notice. As far as the tune up being 2 years ago, check for arcing from the plug wires, cap and rotor condition. After market parts never seem to last as long as factory parts. Finally, the man who checked the computer mentioned about the gas cap. What he is refering to is an EVAP code that would indicate a leak in the fuel system (not gas but fumes). If there is a leak, it would set a code, and it could cause a vacuum leak which inturn could cause a rough idle. However, without knowing the code, that is nothing more than a guess. Did you take the truck to a mechanic to have the computer tested?

Joe

Hi:

It could be a couple things. First, if you are sure the u joints are good, it could be play in the differential spiders. Also, if it is a 4X4, there could be play in the transfer case. If I had to guess, I would say the problem is in the differential.

Joe

Put it in neutral and try to push the truck. If you can't, it's still in park and the shifter linkage is disconnected.

Never heard of a Mitsubishi transmission in a Dakota. All I ever saw was the tough Chrysler A-904 with an overdrive unit attached.

Caradiodoc

Yup, all automatics have filters. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the filter and fluid every 36,000 miles. I have an '88 Grand Caravan with 223,000 miles. I pull an enclosed trailer that's bigger than the van, and the filter has been changed once in its life! "Do as I say, not as I do".

There really isn't much in the transmission that can cause a total loss of any functions unless the fluid has leaked out. One thing that should be checked is to be sure the four bolts haven't fallen out from the torque converter. They connect the engine to the transmission. It's not common for them to come loose, and in the rare event they do, they usually cause a lot of banging noises first. Still, it's something to not overlook.

Caradiodoc

A lot of other people will read these replies, just like you did on that other web site. That's why I included the story about the torque converter bolts. I said usually they make noise first implying that was not the problem in your case, but that might benefit someone else.

Transmission fluid IS hydraulic oil and it must be filtered. It is common to call it the transmission fluid oil filter.

The transmissions that use a solenoid pack are in the front-wheel-drive cars and minivans starting with the 1989 models. In the event of a total electrical or computer failure, the solenoids are spring-loaded to allow use of park, reverse, neutral, and second gears. The computer will also shut the system down when it detects a problem, and again, you have use of those gears. Those computer-controlled transmissions were not used in the trucks in 2000. You still have a version of the really tough 904 or 727 that was used in the '60s through the '80s, with an overdrive assembly added on. The place to start is by testing the main line pressure. If it is 0 psi, there could be a problem with the front pump or filter. If there is pressure, there could be a problem in the valve body, (not likely since the problem occurred while it was already in gear and moving), or something broke in the torque converter. It WOULD make sense to take it to a transmission specialist. They will be familiar with the transmission and any problem they find, they've seen it before.

Caradiodoc

Me too. I only have a '99 service manual which should be the same, but my school was one of three that Chrysler used as remote training facilities so after leaving the dealership and the factory training, I got to sit in on their classes at school and at their update classes at our yearly state-called meetings. I never heard one word about Mitsubishi transmissions, but all that means is they didn't bring it up. You never know what variations there are out there.

Ask the specialist if your transmission is a version of the smaller 904 or the really beefy 727 with an overdrive added. That will clinch it. They can tell by looking at the pan. On the 904 it is square with one side corner partially shaved off. The 727 is basically square too but with an extra rounded bump on the right front corner.

If they confirm it's some kind of Mitsubishi unit, ask if it is computer-controlled or hydraulically-controlled like older transmissions. That would be cause to want to dig into a newer service manual to learn about it.

Hope they find something simple.

Caradiodoc