2000 Dodge Dakota Will a filter change and fluid change hel

STEVEGOODCHILD

MEMBER
2000 DODGE DAKOTA
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

My recently acquired used Dakota has the following symptoms: After 20 minutes of drving (transmission warm up) it seems to take more RPM's to move forward and attained crusing speed. Most noticeable is its the engine is louder during accelaration and gears change smoothly around 2000 rpms instead of around 1500. After it hits OD its quiet.
None of this is present for the first 20 minutes of driving. It was proposed by Autozone to change tranny fluid and filter. I do not know how long it has been since this was done. No engine codes or other symptoms.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

THis could be a few things. First, when you say it is louder, are you sure the fan clutch isn't engaged? It will make a whirling sound and then go away.

As far as the trans, if the is pinkish red and full, chances are a service won't help. Does it seem like the trans is slipping? Does it continue the problem after the vehicle warms up for some time or does it go away?

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Friday, June 26th, 2009 AT 12:56 PM

STEVEGOODCHILD

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Answering your questions the fluid is pale pink and has no burnt smell. The fan clutch may be engaged I am not sure.
Finally there is no slipping of the gears they all seem to function smoothly. The symptoms remain after engine warm up. I am going toi change the fluid and filter today regardless. It sure can't hurt.
I have been told that the Dakotas are a bit noisey at startup(cold) thats the sound I hear after the warmup.

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Saturday, June 27th, 2009 AT 7:58 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,700 POSTS

It could be the fan clutch. THey are loud when they engage. Let me know what you find when you service the trans.

NOTE: The fan clutch is designed to lockup after a certain temp to help cool the engine. I've seen bad ones that lock up cold and never unlock.

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Saturday, June 27th, 2009 AT 6:05 PM