2000 Dodge Dakota Transmission Fluid

DCHRISTENSEN03

MEMBER
2000 DODGE DAKOTA
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
96,000 MILES

I recently had a check-up done (no work) and they identified the transmission fluid being way too high. I've also recently started noticing the car shakes, when I start driving, until I get to higher speeds (gears) and then it stops after the car warms up. The whole car also rocks when I shift into or out of reverse. I think this is all related to the high transmission fluid, and I'm wondering one does that make sense? And two, does transmission fluid thin out (density changes) as the car warms up, because after driving for a little while, the shaking in lower gears stops. Thanks!

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

Hi:
Trans fluid may thin a bit, but it also expands when hot. As far as the vibration, just remove some of the fluid through the dip stick filler tibe. Get a rubber hose long enough to reach all the way down the tube into the trans. Then just get something that will create a vacuum that can be hooked to the hose and take fluid out. This is the easiest way to remove fluid otherwise you will need to remove the pan which means you loose all the fluid in that area (about 4 qts.). That way you'll know if the fluid is the cause.

I don't think it's causing a vibration, but one never knows.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Joe