ASOG Forums

I have a 1997 Dakota V-6 2WD, lately I have had this problem with shifting from 2nd to 3rd. To get the truck to shift to 3rd I have been letting up on the throttle and as the RPM’s drop below 1500 it shifts to third. If I don’t let up on the throttle, the truck will ride in 2nd until red line. Tran’s fluid was changed using ATF type F awhile back, other than that no fault codes or anything. 

I had the problem with the 1997 Dakota 2nd to 3rd shifting problem stated in a earlier post. I used a "ATF type F" fluid in my auto transmission, thinking they are all the same. Well don't do what I did as it caused me all kinds of shifting problems and $200.00 to have the system flushed out. Now that the right fluid is in "ATF +4" all my problems are gone, well not all but my truck is back to normal now. I hope this helps out and saves someone the problems that I had.
STC

If you have a normal 1--2 shift and late 3 Its a good possibility your transmission is
contaminated and hanging up line and shift valves or another deal is their was
some issues with the direct drum  center seal was machined to deep from the
factory and as time goes by it shrinks  and oil blows by, however this is usualy a
cold issue and the trany works after some driveing ,, Most likey Ive found out their
is two kinds of torque converters in dodge trucks , those that are broke and those that
will be broken,, get it checked  out because irf the converter is broke it can clog up the
cooler line and take a transmission rebuild costs to places you dont want to go.. You
think you got a prostate ck with the hubble space telescope when you get the bill..
Roger Reynolds, Humble owner of Hannibal transmission and roadrage quick change gears...