Check engine light and bad shifting (long but informative)

From: Chris Reck (roadkill47@attbi.com)
Date: Mon Jun 10 2002 - 20:33:25 EDT


I could use some help with this one. My truck is out of warranty and I want
to avoid if I can taking it to the dealer.

I was driving home from work Friday in stop and go traffic when I noticed
that it seemed like it wanted to keep going as I applied the brake. When I
started again, it was like the brake was on and it stuttered to get going
(engine rev remained constant, but no power and a little jerking).

After 10 min, it seemed to clear itself up. I exited and found that as soon
as I hit 40, the slightest touch on the gas and the engine would downshift
and rev to 6000 rpm. I stopped, shut it off for a few minutes and started
again. The check engine light came on and it still had problems figuring
out which gear to shift in. I made it to the store and went shopping. 20
minutes later I come out and drove it home 15 miles OK. I also drove it
Saturday and today to work no problems. Leaving the parking garage, It would
not want to come out of first gear no matter what I did.

I had this happen before at 20358 miles (I have 50113 now) and they found it
to be a problem with TSB # 18-07-99. They found Gov Pressures Too Low.
They replaced a faulty valve body (actually a Body-Transfer Plate).
My questions are...

* Does anyone have a code scanner in the Northbrook, IL area (north
Chicago) that can meet me for lunch and/or after work to check for codes?

* Am I having the same problems again that should be covered under the TSB?
or would this be a different problem?

* Is this something that I can fix myself in an afternoon/evening?

Quick responses are appreciated. Personal responses are OK.

Chris Reck

'99 Dakota Sport + CC 4x4 V6 Amethyst



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