My girlfriend has an xcab 2004 Dakota with a 3.7 V6 and an auto tranny (not sure on the model) 2wd, 3.54 gears. It has always been a little sluggish to downshift up a moderate hill (3-4%), and it is getting worse. Sometimes you have to push the accelerator down 3/4in to get any response at all from engine or tranny. No codes have been set. I thought a sensor somewhere may be on the fritz, but not outside acceptable range, thus no code. Lately, though, it has taken to being sluggish to shift into gear first thing in the morning when cold. Drive a block, and all is well, save the sluggishness.

MPGs are down a little (21hwy instead of 25MPG @7k mi), but it is closing in on 40K with NOTHING done in the way of fuel system cleaning. DOes have new plugs and wires. Once the tranny downshifts, it has plenty of power (1900+RPM) for a V6; just takes a little more coaxing than I think it should.

What could be the problem? We have about come to the conclusion the transmission is on its way south, but if there is a simpler fix that we may have overlooked, I am open to them. The lack of power in this thing (and the power and MPGs of mine) has about convinced her to buy a CTD Ram next time around. Just have to convince her 12v is the way to go.

Thanks,
Daniel

 

04 Modle should have the 7 year-70,000 mile powertrain warranty!! Right???? Look at getting the Dealership to fix it / take a look at it! There are a couple of things that this could be. Take it in and make them worry about it.

 

It has the 7/70 warranty. She has had them look at it a time or two, but there arent any hills within 15mi of the dealer where she bought it, so the "test drive" is on the flats, and it does just fine there. She is planning on leaving it overnight this coming week (teens for low; low 30s for high- perfect time to make it act up) for them to drive it stone cold.

Thanks,
DP