2000 Dodge Durango Stuck in 1st Gear

DODGE DURANGO
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MSAMPTREY
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  • 1 POST
My 2000 Dodge Durango will not shift out of 1st gear. It is an automatic but will not shift to the next gear after I start driving. My "Check Engine" light is not on and the engine runns very smoothly. I don't hear any grinding or feel any roughness when driving but I can't go faster than 20 miles/hr. I have 140,000 miles but have never had any problems. Do I need to have my transmission rebuilt or just serviced? I've been told that it's going to cost around 2,200 for a rebuild but I don't think the problem is this critical. Any suggestions?
May 18, 2007 at 2:30 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Check your maintenance schedule. I think the filter is suppossed to be changed every 15 or 30,000 miles. IF you have not done this, I would expect you'll need the tranny. Should check the codes in the computer as there may be some regardless of no CEL. IT may be a valve hanging up. However, If your going in after one, your best to do them all. But this may not be the case. You ether have it diagnosed properly or go with the rebuilt. ( My opinion is to use Jasper rebuilt transmissions due to the quality and waranty.)
May 19, 2007 at 12:04 AM

Suggested Repair

Have the transmission diagnosed properly, including a computer code scan even with no check engine light, and review whether the filter has been serviced on schedule. A hanging valve is possible; if internal work is required, address related components or consider a quality rebuilt transmission such as a Jasper unit.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2000 Dodge Durango with 140,000 miles reports the automatic transmission will not shift out of first gear, limiting speed to about 20 mph. The engine runs smoothly, there is no grinding or roughness, and the check engine light is off. The owner questions whether a roughly $2,200 rebuild is necessary or if a service would suffice. The expert advises checking the maintenance schedule, noting the filter is typically due every 15,000 or 30,000 miles, scanning for codes despite no warning light, and considering a stuck valve. Proper diagnosis is recommended, with a quality rebuilt transmission such as a Jasper unit if replacement is needed.

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