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Cold Dakota Auto transmission slip


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jabos1
New User

Jan 31, 2008, 10:09 AM

Post #1 of 7 (6286 views)
Cold Dakota Auto transmission slip Sign In

I have a '96 Dodge Dakota, 3.9 V-6, automatic transmission w/overdrive. Whenever I first get in and start out, (cold engine), the transmission slips and hunts around from gear to gear until about 4-5 miles when things are warm and circulating. -Then no problems at all! I had it serviced late last summer, fluid and filter, and it reduced the problem quite a bit. But now that really cold temps are here the problem is back with a vengence, again for 4-5 miles. I cannot vouch for what fluid the shop put in, but I wonder if the Mopar product makes a difference before I waste the fresh fluid that only has 1,500 miles on it--if that. Are there any adjustments possible? I tried a Lucas additive before the servicing and it only made it worse. HELP! This makes for a dangerous drive when pulling out into traffic and only getting partial hook-up or none! -J


dave284
Enthusiast
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Jan 31, 2008, 11:49 AM

Post #2 of 7 (6282 views)
Re: Cold Dakota Auto transmission slip Sign In

How many miles on vehicle ?Unimpressed


jabos1
New User

Feb 1, 2008, 8:58 AM

Post #3 of 7 (6275 views)
Re: Cold Dakota Auto transmission slip Sign In

Just at 151,000 miles and everything else runs like a champ.


dave284
Enthusiast
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Feb 1, 2008, 12:02 PM

Post #4 of 7 (6273 views)
Re: Cold Dakota Auto transmission slip Sign In

When you had the fluid/filter change was done by flushing or draining procedure? It sounds like a sticking servo of somewhat. Have you checked the fluid level since then? Sorry about the questions but I need to know to help youUnsure


jabos1
New User

Feb 4, 2008, 9:03 AM

Post #5 of 7 (6265 views)
Re: Cold Dakota Auto transmission slip Sign In

It was supposedly a flush and filter. Of course it was out of my sight for the work, so who knows. It did make a marked improvement afterward. Just initial start-up and then as it got colder out the slippage became more pronounced. The level has held fine since the service. Ideas?


dave284
Enthusiast
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Feb 4, 2008, 10:47 AM

Post #6 of 7 (6262 views)
Re: Cold Dakota Auto transmission slip Sign In

Most thats connected with slipping is worn out clutches/and or bands even a weak pump,the temp is also a factor cause the heat affects all parts, swelling of the clutches, when heated the trouble stops right? From the info it sounds like a sticking valve.You can try a trans flush, a quality brand that would remove varnish, far as the fluid is concerned think about the cost of another transUnsure but my best opion would have it pressure flushed by AAMCO cost $75 -$100 for the job, theres no real cost cuts in trans repair. Post back any questions.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Feb 5, 2008, 9:11 AM

Post #7 of 7 (6259 views)
Re: Cold Dakota Auto transmission slip Sign In

Just poking my nose in this: If orig trans at 151k that's about it for the thing. Noted was that changing fluid once helped and the Lucas additive hurt. Temp senstive suggest thicker fluid doesn't move fast enough. When warm (thinner - it seems to behave).

Not generall a fan of snake oil fixes for things but a product I use a lot for older stuff called Trans-X (I think by KW) seems to be extremely thin (about like gasoline), a strong varnish solvent, and has proven to me that it can in fact gently swell older hardened rubber seals and make them work - I've had no side effects from using it if it didn't solve a problem.

I do think that synthetic ATF would be more stable at holding viscosity. My guess is a rebuild would run about $1,800 which should end troubles for quite a while again if the car is wanted for a lot more miles would be the way to go. Again, I think playing with the fluid is a gamble that might work to get some more time before the inevitable,

T







 
 
 






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