95 v6 3.9L auto - few problems - Dodge Dakota Forum

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mxthunder
Dodge Dakota
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11/16/2004
15:27:42

Subject: 95 v6 3.9L auto - few problems
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Hi guys, I am new to the board, but I have been reading some stuff on here, and it sounds like you guys know what your talking about.
I have a 95 Dakota sport 3.9 liter auto tranny 135k miles and I am having a few problems. The one that worries me most is the tranny.
I read some things on here that trannys are very pricey to repair. Mine leaked, so I replaced the gasket and filter, and put some Supertech fluid in it that says it meets the requirements for Dextron II. I read that these trannys are sensitive to the type of fluid that you use. When its cold, if I put it into drive, sometimes it will just sit there and rev, than it will catch, and chirp the tires. Once its warm, and I am driving normally, it seems to slip between shifts. Just not really solid smooth changes. It hunts, and goes back and forth between gears when its at a borderline speed.
The other big problem I am having is that the engine studders badly at random times. Almost as if one cylender is not firing properly. Then all of a sudden, it will smooth out and go. If I rev it in drive or neutral, when it comes back down, it dips really low to about 200rpm, and often times stalls.
Are there adjustments I can make? What are some possible problems?

Thanks - Jeff

mxthunder
Dodge Dakota
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11/16/2004
18:57:32

RE: 95 v6 3.9L auto - few problems
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I have about 4 quarts of Supertech Dextron III fluid in it (Wal Mart). This is the quantity that the book specified, but I read that some people are putting 6.5 quarts in. Should I switch to a better fluid? and do I have enough in?

jared
Dodge Dakota
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11/16/2004
19:17:13

RE: 95 v6 3.9L auto - few problems
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Check the fluid level while the truck is at operating temp to make sure you have enough in it. Do not just add more without checking it first. Having too much fluid can be as bad as having too little.

Also, your studdering problem could be tranny related. Does it appear to shift and then clear up. If so, that problem points to a transmision related problem.

Your stalling problem could be connected with the throttle position sensor (TPS). You may want to search that one, I think its been discussed here before.

Good luck.

93dak4x4
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2004
10:16:08

RE: 95 v6 3.9L auto - few problems
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Hey,
your stalling from a rev is caused most likely from a dirty Idle Air Control motor...this is on the back of your throttle body and is held on by two torques screws...take it off hit it with some carb cleaner...but dont push it in and out you can damage it. (i had the same problem). The tranny issues i would have checked out...i have 130k on my truck and its startin to do that thing you said when putting into drive every now and then....so let me know what you come up with. good luck

93 3.9 4x4 auto
V8 TB
Flowmaster
3923's

mhall02
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2004
10:54:11

RE: 95 v6 3.9L auto - few problems
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Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the automatic trannys in the Dakota use ATF +3 or ATF +4, not Dexron Mercon ATF, I would drain that out of there ASAP. What does your owners manual indicate? Do a search on automatic transmission fluid on this webpage and you will see what type others use.

moparman
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2004
12:10:29

RE: 95 v6 3.9L auto - few problems
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I would have to agree,I have a 95 Dak and when I changed mine i used ATF-3. I not possitive on what year they changed to ATF-3,but I do know that Dex-2 is not the same. Drain it and put the right stuff in ATF-3.

J and J Auto
GenII

11/17/2004
17:28:18

RE: 95 v6 3.9L auto - few problems
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CHRYSLER TSB

Even if your manual specifies +3 use +4

NO DEXTRON or other cheap fluids

Get the walmart super tech out of there or your
just asking for problems

Chrysler +4 or Amsoil synthetic

the chrysler +4 is a synthetic

Check the fluid level warm trans idleing in nutral
some will only take 4 with a change some more
depending on how long it sits and drains about
6 if you remove the valve body for repairs or
shift kit install

Larry
J&J Auto

mxthunder
Dodge Dakota
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11/20/2004
09:55:52

RE: 95 v6 3.9L auto - few problems
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thanks for all the replies guys. I took it to a tranny shop, and they put some additive in the fluid that supposidly makes it into the right fluid. Seems to shift fine now. Still doing the rev thing though. I might look into it today.

J and J Auto
GenII

11/20/2004
10:30:52

RE: 95 v6 3.9L auto - few problems
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Sould have that trans shop check the line presure

In gear idleing 50 to 70 psi (breaks on)
As soon as you touch the gas should jump 90 to 100 psi

center port use guage

counterclockwise on adjusting screw will raise the
presure, 1 turn = aprox 6 psi

The delayed enguagement when cold sounds like
torque converter draining back

Replace presure regulater valve with an upgraded
version that alows the converter to fill as soon
as the motor is started

SONNAX® 22771A-02K $27.92

This company makes many parts to fix what the
factory overlooked in there design and I have been
buying parts from these guys for years very good
company to deal with.

http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/Tranmission_Parts_s/58.htm

I still wish you would get the crap fluid out of
the trans they are very sensitive to fluid

Larry
J&J Auto

mxthunder
Dodge Dakota
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11/20/2004
18:40:57

RE: 95 v6 3.9L auto - few problems
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seems to have cleaned up, whatever was making the motor run bad. Interesting. Just has a low idle now.

ceciliaavila
Dodge Dakota
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9/16/2013
16:00:21

RE: 95 v6 3.9L auto - few problems
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mu truck is smoking to much, it also has strong exhuast
fumes.and check engine light stays on.

Mark
Forum Moderator