It wont shift from 1st to 2nd

TYSONM69

MEMBER
1999 DODGE DURANGO
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
134,000 MILES

Ok so here's my problem you can drive my Durango a block or two it shifts fine then next time you stop it wont shift from 1st to 2nd till you throw it in neutral then back to drive or romp on it really hard but it does it intermittently sometimes it shifts fine sometimes not and it shifts in and out of the other gears just fine. I replaced the speed sensor in the trans and still no help with shifting please and help will be amazing.

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

I suspect this is one of two things. Either we have a fluid issue or there is an issue with the valve body that is causing the valve to stick after the engine gets hot.

I am leaning to the second issue due to you getting it to work at times after a WOT event.

So, this means we need to start with checking for codes.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Once we know if there are codes, we will have a better idea, but we also need to check the fluid and see the condition and level.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-and-add-transmission-fluid

You may need to change the fluid so here is a guide that will help with this.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Please run through this info and let us know what you find. However, if things are okay, then we need to drop the pan and find out how much metal is in the pan as that is most likely what is causing the issue in the valve body.

Please let us know what questions you have. Thanks