No third gear

MICHAEL GOSNEY

MEMBER
1998 DODGE DAKOTA
5.2L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

Truck won't shift up to third and if it's a 727 in that year and model with over drive. Then I am thinking disc in converter is powdered and clogged cooler and soon the entire transmission will be gone.I was looking to possibly buy for $450.00, the truck that is.

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Hi,

I had one of these trucks. It was my first truck and wish I never sold it.

You either have a 44RE or 46RE. More than likely it is the 46 due to it having the V8. Either way, it is a 4 speed and depending on pressure, you could be correct with the converter clutch because it is engaged in 3 and fourth. The overdrive switch controls engagement and for third gear the switch needs to be in the off position. However, this normally happens after the third gear is engaged. If it doesn't shift to third at all, you either have an issue in that gear or the valve body itself.

Either way, if the truck is $450.00 then I would go for it if this is the only major issue. You can get an entire new transmission for this truck for about the same price and depending on the condition of the rest of the truck they bring about $2,500.00 to $4,000.00.

Let me know if you get the truck and need more info to dig into the issue. Also, if you have any codes that would be helpful as well. Thanks