1995 Dodge Dakota No first gear in drive

SLEDOGZ

MEMBER
1995 DODGE DAKOTA
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
108,000 MILES

I only have first gear if I shift it to 1. If I accelerate from a stop in D (drive) it starts in 3rd gear. If I accelerate from a stop in 2 it starts in second. If I shift it to 1, and allow it to roll forward, as soon as I shift it to 2, it bangs out of first gear. Also when it is in overdirve, if I accelerate on a hill, it doesn't downshift properly. It bucks while trying to downshift.

I first noticed this problem after putting in a new battery. I had the transmission rebuilt, and it did not correct the problem.

Deb

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

If the trans is full and the fluid is full, it sounds like it needs rebuilt. The hard shift sounds and not starting out in the proper gear leads me to believe the valve body is bad.

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Sunday, February 28th, 2010 AT 2:19 PM

SLEDOGZ

MEMBER
9 POSTS

I JUST had the transmission rebuilt, and it did not correct the problem.

It included the valve body kit.

I'm wondering if it's something electical, and if so, which componant?

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Sunday, February 28th, 2010 AT 3:34 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Two things. First, thanks for the positive feedback. I didn't deserve it because you're right, I missed the fact that the trans was rebuilt. I'm sorry about that.

Second, there are several things electrical components that could cause a shift problem. There are shift solenoids, torque converter clutch solenoid, the trans governor, some 95's have a TCM (trans control module). The list goes on.

When we have problems like this, the book tells us to start by checking all electrical connections to the transmission. Check them for damage, anything that is unplugged. Next step is to check for codes stored in the computer.

Let me know if you have done these things so we can move on.

Thanks,
Joe
PS: Sorry about the mistake.

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Sunday, February 28th, 2010 AT 11:19 PM