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Dean Galanos
Dodge Dakota
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10/19/2001
00:34:24

Subject: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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I have a 2001 4.7 4x4 (Part-Time) Dodge Dakota Quad Cab with a locking differential. Besides all of the problems everyone experiences (sloppy 2-3 shifts, poor idling, pinging, front end klunks) I have a severe transmission problem:

On occassion when driving around 15 MPH my drivetrain "locks" momentarily. It seems to happen when the transmission downshifts from 2nd to 1st and I am light on the throttle. Sometimes I even get chirp from the rear tires (not to mention light whip-lash!) Of course after 3+ trips to the dealership they have found nothing wrong. I do have a recent ECM code upgrade, but this did not fix the problem. HELP! I AM RUNNING OUT OF WARRANTY!




Lattimer
Dodge Dakota
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10/19/2001
11:13:19

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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Try a different dealer, and call up chrysler customer service and pitch a fit. That sounds like a dangerous problem, and make sure they understand that. If the problem occurred under warranty and you reported it, they are obligated to get it fixed.

Sometimes you have to be rude to get any help from DC.

Shawn



Python97
Dodge Dakota


10/19/2001
13:00:27

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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I have the same problem. It feels like someone just rearender me. The dealer said they found nothing wrong also. Thats a bumnch of shiate!! Let me know if anyone finds anything out.



GlenC
GenIII
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10/19/2001
13:47:06

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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I have felt that a few times, but not offten. Or maybe i've just gotten used to it. But i do know what you're talking about. I also feel it when im stopped at a light. It feels like the tranny shifts down (all though im already stopped). It feels like someone just lightly bumped me. I thought it might have something to do with the KB and the Optimizer (it has some wierd shift patters now). But its not like i have a warrenty anymore.... oh well... when it breaks, i'll put a 5-speed in.

GlenC

'01, CC, SLT, 4.7, Auto, 3.55 LS
Gibson single catback.
Robert Shaw 180 T-Stat. Autolite 3923s
JBA Headers.
Kenne Bell supercharged.
Roadmaster active suspension.

Jeff Redmond
Dodge Dakota


10/19/2001
14:38:53

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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Get to another 5 star dealer. I have a 2000 quad cab 4.7 auto 4x4. The tranny is garbage, although I haven't had problems to the severity you have, it's still shifting like crap.
There is a TSB out on this tranny. Go to ALLDATA and print one out. Take it to the dealer. Hope you get it fixed.



Jeff Redmond
Dodge Dakota


10/19/2001
19:16:24

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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Get to another 5 star dealer. I have a 2000 quad cab 4.7 auto 4x4. The tranny is garbage, although I haven't had problems to the severity you have, it's still shifting like crap.
There is a TSB out on this tranny. Go to ALLDATA and print one out. Take it to the dealer. Hope you get it fixed.



Collin
Dodge Dakota
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10/20/2001
17:22:05

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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Definitely go to a different dealer. I had to get my tranny replaced after only 6000 miles on my 2001 4x4 4.7. The new one shifts better but I get a few sloppy shifts here and there.
2001 4x4 4.7 clubcab
Borla ex, airaid intake
Rhino lining, 2 10" subs
Blacked out windows



Jon
Dodge Dakota
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10/21/2001
11:56:39

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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What is ALLDATA and waht is a TSB?

Thanks

01 4X4 QC



Bluethunder
Dodge Dakota


10/22/2001
08:47:48

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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I have the same problem as Glen..When I stop at a light, it feels like i get bumped in the rear..very subtle but I feel it. I dont think this is the same prob your having..its never locked up while driving



Dean
Dodge Dakota
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10/22/2001
08:52:23

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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I also exhibit the "bump in the rear at a stop" problem. I do not know if it is related.



Lobo
Dodge Dakota
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10/22/2001
13:17:22

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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I too get the bump stop and an occassional kick in the rear end while slowing or accelerating. I took it to the dealer and they updated the computer and it seemed to work for a while, but it is back now.

2001 QC 4.7 Auto 3.55
-Lobo



LSett
Dodge Dakota
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10/22/2001
13:21:07

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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Add me to the list. I have the same symptoms. When coming to a stop or lightly accelerating from a low speed the tranny bangs into gear and it feels like a bump from behind. It is REALLY ticking me off - only 5K miles

2001 QC 4.7 4x4 auto



LSett
Dodge Dakota
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10/22/2001
13:29:26

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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Apparently you have to pay for access to ALLDATA - does anyone have the TSB scanned or emailable format?



Grinthock
Dodge Dakota


10/22/2001
21:06:23

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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Message:
Same issue here Tranny is garbage, hard shifts, late shifts, and the same problem with a downshift from 2nd to 1st it chirps too, and jerks hard but then doesn't pull hard.

The tranny in the vehicle doesn't seem very efficient either, for a 4.7 the darn thing doesn't pull at all, seems like the tranny is stealing 50% of the engines power.



sandman
Dodge Dakota
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10/22/2001
21:16:34

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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I went to alldata and I could not find a TSB for the 2001 Dakaota a/trans with the 4.7L. Where is at?



GlenC
GenIII
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10/23/2001
12:12:22

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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I've pretty much just learned to live with the crappy trany. Im just waiting for it to fall out, then i'll throw the 5-speed in. Shouldnt be to much long with my KB beatin the crap out of it. hehehehe

GlenC

'01, CC, SLT, 4.7, Auto, 3.55 LS
Gibson single catback.
Robert Shaw 180 T-Stat. Autolite 3923s
JBA Headers.
Kenne Bell supercharged.
Roadmaster active suspension.

sandman
Dodge Dakota
 Email

10/23/2001
17:57:49

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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For what it is worth I really like the tranny so far. I only have 8500 miles on it. I will let you know what I think after 150,000 miles. The only thing that I have not enjoyed is the shift points or the downshift selections. I realy hate that the tranny shifts from 4th to second to pass. I could see if you were towing something heavy but with an empty truck this is over kill. It shifts down redlines then shifts to third were it should have been in the first place. I also think that a fith gear i.e. double over drive would be more productive then two second gears. I am guessing that this is a programming issue.



Lobo
Dodge Dakota
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10/30/2001
13:15:43

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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Message:
Has anyone had this problem fixed or is DC still working on a computer update? Most of the timeit shifts great but in rush hour traffic the jolt can be pretty annoying.

-Lobo



SHIFTYMAN
Dodge Dakota


10/30/2001
15:43:36

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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Message:
Count me in ...the 45RFE is a five start piece of sh$t as far as I am concerned. I have had total junk cars in the past which had trannies shift MUCH better than this could ever hope to shift. Like others, I am waiting for it to fall out so I can shove it up DC rectum sideways.
rough 2-3 shifts, harsh 4-3 downshifts, and frequent harsh engagement to drive...yeah, for all its electronic razmatazz, I can fart the pledge of allegience better than it can shift. Way over designed....anyone ever look at the maintenance schedule? TWO filters? Give me a break ok?
And so it goes...............



Neil
Dodge Dakota
 Email

10/30/2001
21:56:02

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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I have a 2001 Quad Cab 4X4 and have had it at the dealer 3 times (2 different dealers, both 5 star) and they said it was ok. The last one only drove it 1.5 miles. I have 45K on it but when it finally goes I have complained so DC should fix it. (I hope)



Lobo
Dodge Dakota
 Email

10/31/2001
09:21:36

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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So there is obviously a problem. How can we as a group or an individual apply pressure to get this fixed? What methods have worked for others? I just would like to try to get this resolved because it is really the only problem I have with my Dakota. I know that we are up against a huge corporation with poor hearing but I would like to try something. Let me know what you think.

-Lobo



JP
Dodge Dakota
 Email

10/31/2001
21:06:15

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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I own two of these transmissions. One is in a '99 Laredo the other in an '01 Dak. So far only the Jeep has had any problems and that was solved by getting the computer related to the transmission to have the most current programing. Given that these units live and die on the function of the computer I would strongly recommmend that 1) You have the current program loaded on it and 2) make sure the computer is functioning to spec. My wife and I are very happy with both vehicles at this point once the Laredo was updated.

JP



Lobo
Dodge Dakota
 Email

11/01/2001
13:28:50

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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I have the newest computer update on my Dakota and still have the problem occasionally. I am testing to see if turning the O/D off when in traffic and city driving makes any difference. It would be interesting if more people with this problem would try driving with the O/D off in appropriate situations. Give it a try and report in on whether you think it helped or not. I'll update in a few days.

-Lobo



Neil
Dodge Dakota
 Email

11/02/2001
08:28:16

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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Message:
It does not matter if I have the O/D on or off as it only happens in stop and go city traffic.



Lobo
Dodge Dakota
 Email

11/02/2001
09:36:18

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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With a traditional transmission I can believe that would be true, but we are dealing with a transmission that is computer controlled. There are many factors that could affect the actual transmission behavior because of the computer coding. It is possible , although unlikely, that the transmission control module runs an entirely different routine when O/D is off. My guess would be that the control module runs a slightly modified routine when O/D is disabled. I don't know the specifics of the system, but I think attempting to make it work a little better has value to me. Hopefully DC will get a fix out for the transmission in the near future but until they do I am going to do what I can to make it tolerable. Does anyone have the specifics of the system? I work at an engineering company maybe we can debug DC's code. ;-)

-Lobo




Phil
Dodge Dakota


11/02/2001
22:05:29

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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From my experience with dakotas (owned 3 of them)same problem with all of them coming to a stop.If you take it out of overdrive while coasting to a stop it's not as bad or gone - it's the lockup converter disengaging.Try to reply to the group and let us know if it's better or not.



Lobo
Dodge Dakota
 Email

11/13/2001
13:48:22

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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Well it has been almost two weeks and I thought I should give an update. I have been turning the OD off in city and rush hour traffic. In free flowing traffic I have been using the OD. I would say that it definitely makes a difference. I have not had an occurrence of the bump stop or major miss-shift while in stop and go traffic (with OD off). I have had it happen once or twice during the period but I had forgotten to turn off OD. I monitored gas mileage on the overhead computer and there was a slight difference in mileage at higher speeds (55+), but not much.

I would be interested to hear if any of you experienced the same results. Also, let me know if you see any potential problems running without OD up to 60 MPH in traffic situations. The engine revs a little higher, but not much and it wouldn't be for long periods of time.

-Lobo



Clevite 77
Dodge Dakota


11/13/2001
16:34:00

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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Message:
While you guys are on the ALLDATA topic if you need to know anything with all data i have a paid subscription let me know and i'll look it up for ya, sorry I can't give out the password,




Bill in NY
Dodge Dakota
 Email

11/13/2001
19:13:30

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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Go here to read the tech stuff on the 45RFE:
http://www.atra-gears.com/gears/mar01/24_dr_dr.html
A real enlightening article. Geeez, talk about a complex tranny.. Bill in NY




Tinto
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

4/28/2002
00:57:07

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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Do Not use mercon or dexron transmission fluid in any dodge four speed automatic. Instead use atf+3 or atf+4 fluid. I dont know if this will help any with your problems but I got a '92 dodge ram 250 w/4x4 (gas engine) and the transmission needs a total rebuild because it was using the wrong type of transmission fluid.



kevster
Dodge Dakota
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4/28/2002
08:52:00

RE: 2001 4.7 4x4 Automatic Transmission Prob
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I have a 2k Dak 4.7, 45rfe and it does not do this at all and has 36,500 miles on it, However my 2002 Dak quad cab 4x4 4.7, 45rfe does this sometimes when i come to a stop, kicks down kinda hard, and sometimes when i am stopped,it feels like someone has bumped me. I told the dealer and they said they seem to think there is a TSB out on this. it would be in the PCM programming to try and fix it. Overall I am happy with both my trucks. I have the 7/100,000 mile Warranty on my powertrain, So I ? can wait a little more.



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