Questions and Answers

Dodge Dakota Has OD When Warm Q. Hi Vince, I own a 1995 Dodge Dakota with a 3.9 liter V-6 with an automatic transmission. The truck is in excellent condition it has 78,000 miles on it and it is serviced regularly. The transmission was last serviced with new fluid and filter at 60,000 miles. This winter I noticed that one Saturday when I drove it out of the garage it ran fine when going down the street.

But I did notice when it shifted from second to third the transmission wasn't going into fourth until I took my foot of the gas pedal and then it went into fourth. Now I also noticed that if I let it warm up before I take off it doesn't happen. By the way this happens when the overdrive button is engaged. I have not tried it when the overdrive button is off. Do you have any ideas on what this is or what to do?

Thanks...

A. There are, relatively, few miles on the truck so I don't think an internal transmission problem is likely. The fact that it is okay when the transmission warms up indicates to me you could have a partially clogged transmission filter.

So at this point, before we go looking for other problems, I would recommend replacing the transmission filter and fluid. I wouldn't do a transmission flush, just replace what comes out with the filter. I would also recommend using he Mopar ATF Plus 3 Type 7176 fluid. Sometimes it makes a big difference.

Another possibility is a Throttle Valve Cable that needs to be adjusted.

If the problem still exists, then we can go from there.