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 newe 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 haveto convince her 12v is the way to go.
Thanks,
Daniel
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