2002 Dodge Dakota struggles to accelerate / shift into gear

HKEARNS

MEMBER
2002 DODGE DAKOTA

Engine Performance problem
2002 Dodge Dakota Automatic 80105 miles

Hello, thank you for reading/helping. When I am stopped, my Dakota struggles to shift into the next gear. RPMs hit 3x1000, sometimes 3.5 before shifting occurs. It will not accelerate without great strain. I bought it used from a dealer a little less than 2 months ago. A month in, it needed the following repairs: cracked cylindar head, o2 sensor replaced, gasket heads replaced, catalytic converter replaced.

Any ideas?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Wow! I think I would be back at the dealer raising a stink!

I have some questions. First, has the check engine light come on? Second, are you using excessive oil or coolant? Third, is the trans fluid full and clean? Forth, if you are really light on the throttle, does the trans still wait until 3K+ RPM's to shift?

Let me know.

Joe

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Monday, October 12th, 2009 AT 8:58 PM

SOPHIA1

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2 POSTS

2000 Dakota Quad same struggle as of 1 hour ago. Uphill first gear would not shift, then shifts, seconds later at stop sign no power, gave it a second and it caught up, check engine light came on. Checked fluids this morning added oil to below fill line. Has anyone found the issue?

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Friday, June 18th, 2021 AT 10:17 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

If the check engine light came on, you really need to have the computer scanned for diagnostic trouble codes. If it came on, they are present.

The codes will point us in the right direction. Otherwise, it will become a guessing game. There are several things that can cause a shift problem as you described. The power issue may be the result of the transmission not fully engaging due to a pressure issue.

Here is a quick video showing how the computer is scanned:

https://youtu.be/b2IJGfImVvw

I realize most people don't own a scan tool, but most parts stores will do it free of charge. If the vehicle is undrivable, see if they will lend one to you.

Let me know what codes are found.

Take care,

Joe

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Sunday, June 20th, 2021 AT 10:14 PM

SOPHIA1

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By the time I reached for the scanner tool the check engine light had gone. I have just for the sake of research decided to change the filters in the transmission. It is running low at hot. I'll keep you posted.

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Sunday, June 27th, 2021 AT 4:50 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS