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Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Mopar® and SRT are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC. ALFA ROMEO and FIAT are registered trademarks of FCA Group Marketing S.p.A., used with permission. Magneti Marelli is a registered trademark of Magneti Marelli S.p.A The Dodge Dakota was equipped with the 42RE (A500), 46RE or the 545RFE transmission. Late model 2011+ Dakota’s are called the
Ram Dakota and had the 42RLE transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Dodge Dakota transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them. Need a replacement
transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model. What Transmission Do I Have?Dodge Dakota: 42RE (A500) Dodge Dakota Transmission Replacement Cost EstimatePricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#. Replacement Dodge Dakota Transmission Prices:
What are the DTC codes related to Dodge Dakota transmission problems?
Dodge Dakota Transmission RecallsRecall 05V460000 / E14 – Transmission may not hold in the park position Recall 00V197000 – Transmission fluid leak from fill tube Dodge Dakota Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)TSB 21-08-99 – Buzz, whining or moaning sound when reverse is selected TSB 21-11-97 – Reverse buzz – 46RE Transmission TSB 21-11-00 – Check engine light with P1740 DTC for TCC or OD performance – 46RE transmission TSB 21-19-95A – Slips in reverse at mid throttle TSB 21-015-05 – Delayed gear engagement – 545RFE Transmission Common Dodge Dakota Transmission ProblemsShifting problems and solenoid/pressure switch DTCs – 42RLE transmission Premature forward clutch failure Delayed and/or harsh 3-4 or 4-5 shifts – 545RFE Transmission Lack of Response Can I drive with a transmission problem?If your Dodge Dakota can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else. How often does a Dodge Dakota transmission need to be replaced?The overall lifespan of a Dodge Dakota transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Dodge Dakota transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained. How are Dodge Dakota transmission issues diagnosed?It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Dodge Dakota transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem. How is a Dodge Dakota transmission replaced?In order to replace your Dodge Dakota transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Recommendations for Dodge Dakota transmission issues?To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Dodge Dakota transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you. How to Solve Dodge Dakota Transmission ProblemsSolution A: Buy a Used Dodge Dakota Transmission The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay. Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Dodge Dakota Transmission Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area. Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Dodge Dakota Transmission Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission. Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model. What Transmission Do I Have?What Problem Does Your Dodge Dakota Have?Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too! What transmission does a 2005 Dodge Dakota have?A midsize compact, but still shy of a full-size. What vehicles have a 545RFE transmission?The 545RFE transmission found its way to several SUV and truck applications from 2001 to 2012 with Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee models that sport higher output Hemi engines. It could also be found in several Dodge Durango models within this period.
How much does it cost to replace a transmission 2005 Dodge Dakota?2005 Dodge Dakota Transmission Replacement Cost
The transmission assembly on its own will range from about $1,900 to $2,400, and make sure you purchase fluid and any extra parts you might need.
How much does a transmission cost Dodge Dakota?A Dodge Dakota transmission replacement cost will start at around $2,000 for just the new transmission. Add labor costs and factor in your location, your mechanic, and how much damage there is, and you'll likely see a full replacement cost over $3,500.
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