lost all gears forward and reverse so i changed the fluid and filter replaced fluid with ATF+3 and adjusted the band to spec now it seems like the transmission is slipping. when i start off and hit the gas peddle you can feel it slipping and it sounds like its rubbing what could this be? there is no dodge dealer in my area so any answers will be greatly appreciated thanks
SELL IT!!! I spent 1300 at a local shop to have my 45RE rebuilt in my '96 Dakota. It failed again 5 times. What a POS that transmission is. All of the dodge truck/van trannys take a crap at about 100K miles. You'll need a total rebuild. The problem is that the dodge dealerships get $2500 and up to rebuild/replace the tranny. You'll learn its worth it to pay a good shop. Some local shops will not be able to build this tranny properly. They don't know how to work on the electronic valve body or the OD section or the special check valve in the tranny's cooler lines. They also use reman cheap torque converters made by Dacco, that don't last long. If you really want to get this truck fixed, I suggest a hobby to go with it such as alcoholism. You'll need a drink when it keeps breaking down. I sold my truck for $1500 with a non-working tranny, and I was so happy to see that SOB leave.
My guess is when you changed the transmission fluid the fluid previously in there was dark or bad. Transmission fluid is esentially a detergent. It cleans and eats carbon/burnt material. When you changed that transmission fluid It lossened all the gunk and stuff that was actually keeping your transmission from working. When you put new transmision fluid in there. The new fluid ate further and the clutch pads and possibly turned dark quickly as well. It's time for a new transmission
Well, your Durango isn't under the manufacturers warranty anymore, so you can take it anywhere. You can go to a Chrysler or Jeep dealership. Try Aamco or another franchise place that offers a good warranty on what they do. But, they will try to sell you a complete overhaul or rebuilt tranny. The odds are the clutches are bad and worn. Perhaps the fluid got burnt and that made it worse. You should change the transmission fluid at 24,000 miles.
