| From | Message |
Jer
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/26/2003
10:50:02
|
 Subject: No overdrive in cold weather.
IP: Logged
Message:
Has anyone had a problem with their overdrive in extreme cold weather?
I've got a 2001 ClubCab 4x4 (3.9L, auto, almost 100,000 km).
With the cold weather we've been having (less than -20C), I've had a problem with the truck not going into overdrive on long drives. Once on the road for about an hour at highway speeds (100 km/h), the tranny will gear down into 3rd and stay there. Last week, I drove from Peterborough to Ottawa (about 3 1/2 hours) almost completely in 3rd gear. It's hell on the gas mileage.
I brought it to the local dealer and he flashed the controller (cost me $80). A week later, on the same drive, about the same temperature, I had the same problem again. I had one dealer tell me that this was normal in such cold weather, but I find that hard to believe. That means the truck would be almost useless in much of Canada for highway driving in winter.
Any comments?
|
DakotaDan
*GenIII*
 
1/26/2003
11:25:23
|  RE: No overdrive in cold weather.
IP: Logged
Message:
~2001 Dodge Owners Manual page 132~
NOTE: If the vehicle is started in ambient temperatures of -5*F (-21*C)or below, the Overdrive will not turn ON.
This protects the transmission from damage if the transmission oil cooling systems freezes. Overdrive operation will resume when the ambient temperature has risen to approximatly 2*F (-17*C)
Dan
Next Time You Think You're Perfect
~~~~~Try Walking On Water~~~~~
|
NOSDART68
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/26/2003
12:51:35
|  RE: No overdrive in cold weather.
IP: Logged
Message:
Having no OD in cold weather really kills the milage for me too. I was thinkin somethin was wrong with my truck too. Thanks DakotaDan for shedding some light on the situation.
|
Black dog
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/28/2003
14:23:53
|  RE: No overdrive in cold weather.
IP: Logged
Message:
You can make an adjustment. If you are running the 180 deg t-stat, switch back to stock. If you have a clutch fan or belt drive fan, consider going electric and set the trip temp higher. The belt drive fan pulls in cold air if needed or not. The electric fan is good because you set the temp you want it to cool your motor. There is also a cover for the grill that speeds up warmups. I am sure you considered heaters. There is a magnetic mount that slaps onto the tranny or oil pan, One that slips into the dipstick, and others that permanently mount. Note: Any car struggles at temps below 20 deg F. Period. -20 deg C is equal to -4 deg F!! Thats Friggin cold, Man!!
|
stiinc
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/28/2003
18:27:07
| RE: No overdrive in cold weather.
IP: Logged
Message:
Yeah I know all about those Canadian winters,
as for the overdrive prob. on my 99 if I let it warm up 2or3 minutes longer (when it's really cold) the overdrive will kick in but if you start and go it seems like no matter how long you drive it will never kick in. Just my experience.
|
Kyle
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/21/2003
14:35:36
| RE: No overdrive in cold weather.
IP: Logged
Message:
I have the same problem on clod mornings in NY. The overdrive will not come on until temp outside reaches 1 degrees F. after engine has fully armed try restarting truck. Hope this helps!!
|
will
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/25/2004
18:25:40
| RE: No overdrive in cold weather.
IP: Logged
Message:
Put a winter front of it fixes the problem.
|
J and J Auto
GenII
1/25/2004
19:46:20
| RE: No overdrive in cold weather.
IP: Logged
Message:
Some trucks also have a trans temp sensor that
goes bad.
If your truck is equiped with one it will be in
the cooling line near the radiator has 2 wires on
it.
Another way to check is with a scanner if it don't
have the sensor it will read -125 and 4.9 volts
92 93 comps don't have the diagnostics for the
sensor 94 and up computers do but its not
installed on all trucks, figure that one out??
Stop by an auto zone and have them scan your truck
for free and you will find out if you do or don't
have the sensor
either way the trans will not drop O/D when cold
but if the prob gets worse as the temp drops you
may have the sensor
Larry
J&J Auto
|
BDak
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/26/2004
15:50:56
| RE: No overdrive in cold weather.
IP: Logged
Message:
I live in Michigan, have the same problem when really cold. I usually just drive for about 5 mins then pull over, throw it in park and then back into drive and take off, it usually will engage after I do this routine.
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
