Dodge Dakota Transmission Problems & Cost | 46RE | 42RLE | 545RFE

The Dodge Dakota was equipped with the 42RE (A500), 46RE or the 545RFE transmission. Late model 2011+ Dakota’s are called the Ram Dakota and had the 42RLE transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Dodge Dakota transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Dodge Dakota / Ram Dakota Transmission Models

Dodge Dakota: 42RE (A500)
Dodge Dakota / Ram Dakota: 42RLE Transmission
Dodge Dakota: 46RE Transmission
Dodge Dakota: 545RFE Transmission

Dodge Dakota Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

Replacement Dodge Dakota Transmission Prices:

TransmissionStreet Smart Transmission
46RE (A518)2053
42RLE2152
545RFE2348

What are the DTC codes related to Dodge Dakota transmission problems?

Trouble CodeDescription
P0700Transmission Control System (MIL Request)
P0706Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P0710Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit
P0711Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P0712Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input
P0713Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input
P0714Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent P0715
P0717Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal
P0720Output Speed Sensor Circuit
P0730Incorrect Gear Ratio
P0731Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio
P0732Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio
P0733Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio
P0734Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio
P0735Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio
P0740Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction
P0742Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On
P0743Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Electrical
P0748Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Electrical
P0750Shift Solenoid 'A'
P0751Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off
P0755Shift Solenoid 'B'
P0760Shift Solenoid 'C'
P0765Shift Solenoid 'D'
P07833-4 Shift
P0841Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch “A” Circuit Range/Performance
P0846Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch “B” Circuit Range/Performance
P0871Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch “C” Circuit Range/Performance
P0880TCM Power Input Signal
P0881TCM Power Input Signal Range/Performance
P0882TCM Power Input Signal Low
P0884TCM Power Input Signal Intermittent
P0888TCM Power Relay Sense Circuit
P0891TCM Power Relay Sense Circuit High
P0897Transmission Fluid Deteriorated

Dodge Dakota Transmission Recalls

Recall 05V460000 / E14 – Transmission may not hold in the park position
2005 – 2006 Chrysler 300 – 2005 – 2006 Dodge Charger – 2006 Dodge Dakota – 2005 Dodge Durango – 2005 – 2006 Dodge Magnum – 2005 – 2006 Jeep Liberty – 2005 – 2006 Jeep Wrangler
Summary – In November 2005, Chrysler recalled 256,409 vehicles equipped with the 42RLE transmission, because the cup plug that holds the park prawl anchor shaft may not have been properly installed. If the shaft moves out of position, the vehicle may not be able to achieve the Park position.
Consequence – If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle could unexpectedly roll away, causing serious injury and damage.
Remedy – Dealers were instructed to install a bracket to ensure that the 42RLE parking prawl anchor shaft will stay in the proper position. Concerned owners may call Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

Recall 00V197000 – Transmission fluid leak from fill tube
2000 Dodge Dakota 4.7L 45RFE transmission
Summary – Transmission fluid may be expelled from the fill tube during normal driving conditions.
Consequence – Automatic transmission fluid could come into contact with the hot exhaust system, causing a fire, damage and potential injury.
Remedy – Dealers were instructed to shorten the vent hose to ensure adequate clearance. Approximately 20,000 vehicles were affected. Concerned owners can contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Refer to recall H29. You can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236

Dodge Dakota Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB 21-08-99 – Buzz, whining or moaning sound when reverse is selected
1996 – 1999 Dodge Ram Van – 1996 – 1999 Dodge Dakota – 1996 – 1999 Dodge Ram – 1998 – 1999 Dodge Durango – 1997 – 1999 Jeep Wrangler TJ – 1996 – 1999 Jeep Cherokee – 1996 – 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ/WJ
Problem – An intermittent buzz, whining, or moaning sound may be noticed when the vehicle is shifted into reverse.
Solution – A new regulator valve may solve this problem. However, the issue can also be caused by a number of things, including a cracked pump housing, a torn pump gasket, low transmission fluid level, a dirty transmission filter, restricted transmission cooler flow, a worn valve inside of the valve body, or a worn valve body.

TSB 21-11-97 – Reverse buzz – 46RE Transmission
1996 – 1997 Dodge Ram Van/Ram Wagon – 1996 Dodge Dakota – 1996 – 1997 Dodge Ram
Problem – A buzz or moaning sound may be heard when shifting into reverse. This transmission problem may be more noticeable on cold vehicles – have been parked for several hours or overnight.
Solution – In order to repair this 46RE transmission problem, the rear band adjusting lever, reaction lever and strut, and the regulator valve pressure plug and sleeve will all have to be replaced.

TSB 21-11-00 – Check engine light with P1740 DTC for TCC or OD performance – 46RE transmission
2000 – 2001 Dodge Ram Van – 2000 – 2001 Dodge Dakota – 2000 – 2001 Dodge Ram – 2000 – 2001 Dodge Durango
Problem – There may be a check engine light illuminated, with a P1740 diagnostic trouble code for the torque converter clutch or overdrive performance.
Solution – A revised 46RE valve body pressure boost valve cover plate may need to be installed. To properly diagnose this condition, a technician will need to form a torque converter clutch stall test. If the TCC does not engage properly (the vehicle actually stalls), the following components may need to be considered: A cut or worn input shaft seals, a missing pump lockup circuit check ball, or a worn converter hub, input shaft, reaction shaft and/or pump rotor.

TSB 21-19-95A – Slips in reverse at mid throttle
1996 Dodge Ram – 1996 Dodge Ram Van/RamWagon – 1996 Dodge Dakota
Problem – Drivers may notice that the transmission slips in reverse, when they have applied mid/half throttle.
Solution – The 36RH or 46RE transmission regulator valve line pressure sleeve and plug will need to be replaced. The reverse drum, reverse band and rear servo assembly should also be inspected and possibly replaced if any damage is found.

TSB 21-015-05 – Delayed gear engagement – 545RFE Transmission
2000 – 2004 Dodge Dakota – 2000 – 2006 Dodge Durango – 2003 – 2006 Dodge Ram – 2002 – 2006 Jeep Liberty – 1999 – 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee – 2006 Jeep Commander
Problem – Drivers may notice an initial delayed gear engagement with the shift into Drive or reverse after the vehicle has been parked overnight/is cold. This may occur after having the transmission serviced and having the transmission cooler return filter replaced.
Solution – If the OEM transmission cooler return filter (part #04799662AB) was used, it can allow the transmission fluid to drain back out of the torque converter, causing the delay/slip on initial gear engagement. Installing an upgraded transmission cooler return filter should cure the problem.

Common Dodge Dakota Transmission Problems

Shifting problems and solenoid/pressure switch DTCs – 42RLE transmission
Problem – Drivers may experience 42RLE transmission problems that include slipping and harsh shifts. The check engine light may also be illuminated with the following codes stored in the ECU: P0750, P0755, P0760, P0765, P0846, P0871, P0841.
Solution – The problem may be caused by corrosion in the 10 pin solenoid harness connector. This may also be caused by a wiring issue between the TCM/ECU and the transmission harness connector. A new design 42RLE 10-pin connector will need to be installed and/or wiring issues repaired.

Premature forward clutch failure
Problem – It’s not uncommon to experience premature forward clutch failure, which can prevent the vehicle being driven.
Solution – This can be caused by a number of issues including valve body failure, a worn stator bushing, a failed forward clutch piston seal, a failed forward drum assembly, the use of power programmers/chips to increase engine output, which can overwhelm a number of internal components.

Delayed and/or harsh 3-4 or 4-5 shifts – 545RFE Transmission
Problem – Owners may experience an unusually delayed or harsh 3-4 or 4-5 gear change, where the transmission doesn’t seem to want to go into that particular gear.
Solution – This issue is related to valve body problems where the material used to make one of the checkballs has broken down to the point that fluid is able to get past and engage the underdrive clutch during those shifts. An upgraded #2 checkball will be needed to solve the issue.

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

If your Dodge Dakota can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.

How often does a Dodge Dakota transmission need to be replaced?

The overall lifespan of a Dodge Dakota transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Dodge Dakota transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.

How are Dodge Dakota transmission issues diagnosed?

It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Dodge Dakota transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.

How is a Dodge Dakota transmission replaced?

In order to replace your Dodge Dakota transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.

Recommendations for Dodge Dakota transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Dodge Dakota transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Dodge Dakota Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Dodge Dakota Transmission

The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Dodge Dakota Transmission

Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Dodge Dakota Transmission

Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your Dodge Dakota Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!

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Anonymous
3 years ago

Wont kick down

Terry Mc Daniel
3 years ago

2006 Dakota 4.7

Terry Mc Daniel
3 years ago

Slipping when you start off stop and put it in park . Start again is ok . Some times want go into overdrive same thing stop put it in park start driving again is ok . Check engine light comes on . Some times you Putin gear and the shifter light does not show what gear you are in . Thank you

Jake
3 years ago

My 96 dakota with a 318 won’t drive when I put it in gear

Chris Halbrook
3 years ago

I have a97 dodge dakota with 3.9 auto 2wd. When I first start it in the morning it shifts fine but after it’s went through the gears and downshift it stays in second gear. Any idea which solenoid it could be or if it’s something else

Bryan Cooper
3 years ago

vibrates horribly at about 75-80mph. the problem appeared after a new motor installed

Bryan Cooper
3 years ago
Reply to  Bryan Cooper

after much research and second opinion it was NOT a transmission problem as originally told but bad Universal joints

James Mcgrath
3 years ago

2005 slt dakota. Occasionally check engine lite on. Trans seems to be stuck in high. Turn off and back on clears issue and after a few cycles lite goes off. But other things happen like the 4w low light flickers and solenoid cycles when parked with or without key on engine running
Then goes away for awhile.
Its haunted.
WHATS UP suggestion of where to look.
Thanks

Brent Davis
3 years ago

Rear end slipping

Karen Bolen
3 years ago

I have 1991 dakota that when you start it runs good for about 10 minutes then will not move let Cool same thing runs pull good until hot what can I do

Anonymous
3 years ago
Reply to  Karen Bolen

Catalytic converter

Ron
3 years ago

04 dodge dakota.4.7 like mode comes on everytime at 55mph and code is shift silonoide F…..disconnect the battery and clears both….drive away until it reaches 55mph again….how do you fix this

Ron
3 years ago

Hits 55mph limp mode kicks in and slips 1-2 …then I hook the battery. And clears it…until 55mph again…code f….I have read everything….but nothing is the same as mind… so what silonoide fixes my deal no overdrive….no else has had any limp mode trouble

V. Cortez
3 years ago

I have an 06 dodge Dakota and while driving my drive shaft fell off and my transmission broke off.

Tony Cook
3 years ago

got 2005 dakota SLT 6CL code for transmisson silinoid.came up no harsh driving.it just whined real load then wont go into anygear! what else could be/going wrong

Gary P Bechard
3 years ago

Are the sensors competing seems how it gets stuck in 2nd

Gary P Bechard
3 years ago

Reset codes and getting p1776 getting 2 of those which sensors need replacing

Gary P Bechard
3 years ago

Keep getting codes p1776

Demetrius
3 years ago

I have no reverse
Would changing the filter help. Do they have a modulator value

Corey scott
3 years ago

I have a 1993 dodge dakota with the 318 magnum two wheele drive extended cab and i had to have my 46R transmission rebuilt about 3 years ago cause i was having an issue of it feeling like i was driving an old 40’s modle granny gear 1 tone pickup that was on its last leg and when i got it back from shop it still felt like i was missing that last gear and i took it back to shop twice and they kept telling me it was fine and so about 6months ago. I started having problems with it losing fluid from the front and rear seals when i pulled it off the first time i found that i had a broken pump gear so i had to replace it and i had to go from a 11 gear to a 13 gear cause they dont make the 11 gear anymore and now i have blown out my front seal again when i was backing up my trailer in my drive and cant figure out why it keeps doing it if anyone has a suggestion please email me at coreysco54@gmail.com

Bob
3 years ago

I have a 1995 Dodge Dakota with 462,500 miles on original 5.2L V8. and original transmission!

Frank
3 years ago

i have a 2011 ram dakota ,3.7 motor 4×4, with auto transmission, started have converter shutter going into overdrive at 40000 miles, transmission shop put a red tube of shutter fix in, worked good to about 60000, put another tube of shutter fix, worked good to about 80000 mi., now it has 96000 mi. ,having same problem again. It only does it maybe 2 times a week, but seems to stumble harder now when it does it ,than when it first began at 40000 mi, was told Dodge and Ford both had this trouble. Do you think changing fluid and filter change would fix this or is it time to have a rebuild ?

Robert
3 years ago

I have a 1998 Dodge Dakota 2 wheel drive 3.9L. The transmission takes off in second gear dosent shift only into low 2 and low 1. What could be the problem?

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