Dodge Ram and Dakota pickups generally have few automatic or manual transmission problems. The inner mechanics of Dodge transmissions are virtually faultless and have long lives. Most transmission problems are due to external assembly problems related to the transmission or faulty computer programs that can easily be remedied.
Some 2005 four-wheel-drive Dodge Ram pickups could slip out of park and into neutral because of the Totally Integrated Power Module containing the wrong transfer case calibrations. If the brakes are not applied, the vehicle could roll away. A Dodge dealer can reprogram the module.
In other 2005 Dodge Ram pickups equipped with diesel engines and automatic transmissions, a delay in traveling backward when the transmission is in reverse may occur. It could mislead a rushed and inattentive driver to think the vehicle is in park and exit the vehicle. Once the driver exits the vehicle, it could roll away. This is due to a faulty park pawl engagement device. These vehicles should be inspected and the park pawl replaced if necessary.
The 2006 Ram models equipped with an automatic transmission may have a powertrain control module that could cause the rear wheels to lock up at speeds over 40 mph. This could cause a crash. A Dodge dealer can reprogram the module.
Some 2007 Dodge pickups with manual transmission may have the front driveshaft yoke break, resulting in losing control of the vehicle. The driveshaft should be inspected by a Dodge dealer and replaced.
The 2003 Dodge pickup with an automatic transmission may have transfer case fasteners to the transmission not properly installed. It could lead to leaking transmission fluid and perhaps the transfer case cracking. This could then lead to the transmission propeller shaft separating and damaging the fuel system, causing another leak and potentially causing a fire. The transfer case should be examined by a Dodge dealer.
The 2005 compact Dodge Dakota pickup, along with Dodge SUVs and passenger cars equipped with the 42RLE automatic transmissions, may have an improperly installed cup plug that keeps the park pawl anchor shaft in place. If the shaft moves, the pickup may not be able to shift into park and could roll away. A Dodge dealer can inspect the park pawl anchor shaft and install a bracket to keep it in place.
The 2002 Dakota pickups equipped with automatic transmissions could have a bad ignition interlock system for the park shift. With the ignition key removed, the gear could still slip out of park while the vehicle is standing still and roll away. The gearshift blocker and bracket that holds interlock system in place needs to be replaced by a Dodge dealer. More than 576,000 Dodge vehicles are affected by this fault.
