Transmission will not shift?

Tiny
QUINNMFORET
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 3.9L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 155,567 MILES
My first and stock transmission kept kicking out of overdrive on its own, then didn't have overdrive. Changed fluid and filter out 3 times and it would work okay for a day or two then quit working. After a while it wouldn't go into gear or anything. I had two codes on light, TCC solenoid, and shift solenoid. Changed both of them worked fine for 4 days then transmission went completely out. Bought a used transmission, has a warranty and after changing transmission those same two codes popped up. After changing the transmission it only had third and second gear. I would have to manually shift from second to drive for me to have second and third. After changing both solenoids in drive I have first but wont shift out. I have first and second if manually shifted. Now I hear a whining noise sometimes coming from transmission and it wont shift into gear right away. I have to rev the truck up then it will violently shift into reverse. Don't know if the ECM is causing this because my truck will stall and has doing it for a while now. I have to wiggle the middle plug in order to start it back. Can my ECM be the culprit?
Saturday, December 21st, 2019 AT 6:49 PM

39 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Let's start with what the actual codes are. Let me know the P codes and we can go from there.

I can make some guesses but the ECM may not be the cause because the ECM makes decisions on a few inputs. I am thinking it could be the transmission speed sensor but lets get the codes first and go from there.

Also, which transmission do you have? I assume it is the 44RE but let me know if it is the 46RE. Thanks
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Monday, December 23rd, 2019 AT 5:29 PM
Tiny
CHRIS BROWN4
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 5.2L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 243,000 MILES
I can move my shifter all over but it does not change from park.
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 10:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

The first thing I would do is check to see if the cable is still attached at both the shifter at the bottom of the steering column and at the transmission.

If it is connected, then most likely the cable is broken and needs to be replaced.

I attached pictures and the procedure below for you to view.

Roy
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 10:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CHRIS BROWN4
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I tried that last night and it is good.
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 10:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,861 POSTS
Let's check the fuse #5 in the interior fuse panel. here is a guide make sure it has power:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Here is the fuse locations. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 10:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CRUEFAN73
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 13,000 MILES
Transmission will not shift through gears when it does it very rough, gets worse the hotter it gets. Changed filter but did not help. Any ideas would really help. Where is shift soliend be located. Someone told me computer on trans but I cant find it on trans.
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 10:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,164 POSTS
The shift solenoids are in the transmission. You need to remove the trans pan to access them. This vehicle does not have a Transmission Control Module.
Transmission control is accomplished through the Engine Control Module or Powertrain Control Module.
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 10:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
STARLORD1976
  • MEMBER
  • 173 POSTS
  • 1998 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 3.9L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
My truck when put into drive does not go through one and second gear first. It’s stays in drive from start. If I manually switch gears they will all work. I have 2 obd2 codes 1. Shift solenoid a electrical. And 2. Torque converter clutch circuit electrical. So what do I need to do?
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 10:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

What are the code numbers? I need those code numbers to try to help you.

Roy
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 10:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
STARLORD1976
  • MEMBER
  • 173 POSTS
There is no code numbers mine just says that.
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 10:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You will need a code reader or scan tool that will give you the actual numbers. There are so many codes for both issues.

A Parts store will read them for you for free.

Roy
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 10:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
STARLORD1976
  • MEMBER
  • 173 POSTS
Okay, I’ll do that and get back with you.
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 10:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Sounds like a plan.

Roy
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 10:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
STARLORD1976
  • MEMBER
  • 173 POSTS
P0743, p0753.
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 10:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, The 743 is for the torque converter clutch solenoid circuit.

It could be the solenoid, wiring, valve body or a bad torque converter.

The flow chart is attached.

I will get the other code as well.

Roy
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 10:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, the 753 is for the shift solenoids.

The one thing they both have in common is the wiring harness. You need to check that harness very carefully for any damage.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Roy
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 10:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
STARLORD1976
  • MEMBER
  • 173 POSTS
Okay, I’ll do that. Is this on the outside of the transmission?
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 10:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Some of it and the rest is inside. You need to access the valve body by dropping the pan.

Roy
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 10:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
STARLORD1976
  • MEMBER
  • 173 POSTS
Okay, and can you show me a picture of what the torque converter clutch solenoid looks like for my car? I think I know but want to know for sure.
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 10:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
I attached a picture of the location for the solenoid.

Roy
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 10:35 AM (Merged)

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