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1995 Dodge Dakota No first gear in drive

1995 DODGE DAKOTA
108,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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SLEDOGZ
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
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
Feb 28, 2010 at 5:59 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 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.
Feb 28, 2010 at 6:19 AM
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SLEDOGZ
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  • 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?
Feb 28, 2010 at 7:34 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 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.
Feb 28, 2010 at 3:19 PM
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