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09:08:38 - 04/26/2024
V8 Dakotas
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togor
Dodge Dakota
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2/22/2006
08:59:06
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 Subject: 45RFE 2-3 Shift Question
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Hi,
Looking at buying a (used) 2000 Dakota 4x4 with 4.7L and 45RFE tranny, 44K miles. Local Dodge dealer took as trade-in and is selling off their lot. When cold (less than 20F), the revs jump up for a sec or so on the 2-3 shift. Both me and my mechanic (paid inspection) noticed this. Goes away with more driving.
Dealer thought "reflashing" the computer might fix problem. But I have my doubts. Anybody else see this? Thanks
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jpkomm
Dodge Dakota
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2/22/2006
14:45:39
| RE: 45RFE 2-3 Shift Question
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If it is using tranny fluid with ATF +3 it will probably slip between 2nd and 3rd till the transmission warms up. Mine did when I got it. I had the fluid flushed with AMSOIL Synthetic Universal ATF (Chrysler ATF +4 certified) and it fixed the problem. If you don't want to pay that much for synthetic though, any ATF +4 fluid is better than ATF +3. I think you are supposed to have the tranny fluid changed every 30k miles or so, so you and your mechanic may want to check the fluid to see what kind of shape it is in. Generally though, there is a very very slight bit of hesitation with the 45RFE tranny between 2nd and 3rd... it is trying to "smooth out the shifting" for normal driving. If you gun it though, it shouldn't hesitate at all. I think a lot of people correct any tranny hesitation with a Superchips programmer to firm it up a bit.
Hopefully this helps. I would check the fluid and ask the dealer what tranny fluid is in it and when the last time it was changed. If it is at 44k miles and has never been changed, it is well past-due. Go on the offensive and see if the dealer will change it before you make a decision. :) It doesn't sound like a programming issue at all. If it is, then there is a problem with the computer; in which case, I would avoid the truck and keep shopping.
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togor
Dodge Dakota
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2/22/2006
15:29:44
| RE: 45RFE 2-3 Shift Question
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I drove the truck for 3 days, including a stretch in the heaviest snow and then coldest air of the year (started OK outdoors in -15F). Put in an offer that included change of tranny and xfer case fluids. But fluid change will only happen if I agree to sale. Prior owner had truck serviced at this dealer and so it was known that fluids had not been changed. Being a 2000 I assume it came with ATF+3.
I told the dealer the deal was subject to what my independent mechanic found (on my nickel). He noticed that the front main seal was leaking and the 2-3 "runaway" as he called it. Both he and I noticed this 2-3 hole under moderate acceleration on stone cold transmission, and it lasted about a second. Dealer says they have not observed this (at least not on this truck).
Dealer fixed the seal and has reflashed the tranny. If its cold tomorrow AM I will test drive the truck again. What I have read is that the 45RFE has a good rep as far as DC transmissions go, which maybe isn't saying much.
Tranny is a crap shoot. Dealer is willing to do minor things to win the sale but a tranny overhaul is definitely not on the list. Haven't decided what to do.
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Lurkin
Dodge Dakota
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2/22/2006
16:26:45
| RE: 45RFE 2-3 Shift Question
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The Torque Mgmt will pull timing during the shifts, but I have never seen RPMs shoot up between gears. I'd be very leery of exchanging any money until it's taken care of. The 45rfe's seem to be pretty relaible, but if they go bad, they seem to go _very_ bad.
I've "heard" of the valve body accumulator plate coming loose, which, through some feat of magic, destroyed the tranny internals. Truth, or urban legend,,,, I couldn't tell you, but I do know that personally I would not be signing until it's fixed.
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