Chrysler Repair: 1992 dodge dakota 3.9 automatic trans, clutch control, torque converter

Question
when i put my truck in drive or reverse it dies. park and neutral keep running and it sounds great. i replaced the filter,gasket and fluid in trans. im lost i would be very thankful if you can help me. sheila ps i am doing the work myself.

Answer
Hi Sheila,
It sounds to me that your torque converter lock-up has not released so that it is just like you were shifting into gear with the clutch released in a stick shift situation. There may be a lock-up clutch control wire on the transmision (it would be the only single wire type of connection if so) and if you find that try disconnecting the wire*. Otherwise if it is internal to the trans wiring you may have to see if you can get it to a trans shop to see if they can get the clutch to releaste the lock-up situation. You might try it a few more times, just gently shifting into gear and if you sense it grabbing again then shift back to neutral or park before the engine dies, and keep trying. It might release by itself that way.
Roland
* I don't have truck shop manuals so can't be certain. This lock-up device is what you notice when at about 40 mph the engine revs drop down about 10% sort of like a shift. Its purpose is to stop and slippage in the torque converter to give better braking and increased fuel economy. But it is supposed to release as you slow down to stop. If there is a wire it would be near the front of the trans in bell housing area, on the driver side.
PS Please 'rate' my answer. Thanks