Transmission will not shift?

1998 DODGE DAKOTA
155,567 MILES • 3.9L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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QUINNMFORET
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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?
Dec 21, 2019 at 6:49 PM
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KASEKENNY
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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
Dec 23, 2019 at 5:29 PM
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CHRIS BROWN4
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I can move my shifter all over but it does not change from park.
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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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
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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CHRIS BROWN4
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I tried that last night and it is good.
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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STRAILER
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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.
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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CRUEFAN73
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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.
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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.
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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STARLORD1976
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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?
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good morning,

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

Roy
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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STARLORD1976
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There is no code numbers mine just says that.
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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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
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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STARLORD1976
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Okay, I’ll do that and get back with you.
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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Sounds like a plan.

Roy
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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STARLORD1976
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P0743, p0753.
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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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
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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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
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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STARLORD1976
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Okay, I’ll do that. Is this on the outside of the transmission?
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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Some of it and the rest is inside. You need to access the valve body by dropping the pan.

Roy
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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STARLORD1976
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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.
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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I attached a picture of the location for the solenoid.

Roy
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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STARLORD1976
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I have checked the wire harness and it all seems okay.
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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Did you verify power to the solenoids?

Roy
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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STARLORD1976
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How do I do that?
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:35 AM (Merged)
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STARLORD1976
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Do you know if this truck has a transmission relay and where it would be located?
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:36 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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You need a voltmeter and need to test for power to one terminal on the solenoid with the key on.

You said you checked the harness. what and how did you check it?

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

Roy
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:36 AM (Merged)
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STARLORD1976
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I just checked it for damage and make sure it was connected.
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:36 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, you need to test for voltages at the solenoids as shown in the diagrams.

Roy
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:36 AM (Merged)
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STARLORD1976
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Can you send me real pictures of all the solenoids and how many should there be? Thanks
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:36 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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I attached pictures for you.

Roy
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:36 AM (Merged)
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STARLORD1976
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I can’t find online what the shift solenoid a looks like or can’t find one for sale can you help?
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:36 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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I attached a picture for you from the part at rock auto.

Roy
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:36 AM (Merged)
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STARLORD1976
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On the image you sent me I bought it and trying to replace it. But the connector that’s hooked to it. I can’t find where it goes to disconnect it. It goes upwards and then I can’t see where it goes.
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:36 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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Do you have a picture of what you see?

Do you have the pan down?

Roy
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:36 AM (Merged)
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STARLORD1976
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Okay, I replaced all the solenoids now, and the truck is doing the same thing.
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:36 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, going way back, I suggested you check voltage to the solenoids as part of the test.

Did you test the voltages from all the charts I sent you?

Roy
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:36 AM (Merged)
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STARLORD1976
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No, I just thought if I put all new solenoids in it would work.
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:36 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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No, as I stated before, you need to verify voltage to the solenoids first. The code indicates a power issue.

You need to check the actual voltage to the solenoids.

Roy
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:36 AM (Merged)
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STARLORD1976
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Okay, I will try that next.
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:36 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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Keep us updated.

Roy
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:36 AM (Merged)