2002 Durango 5.9L surging/take off issues

jamvan · Mar 4, 2022

I have a 2002 5.9 Dodger Durango SLT

I have been having an issue with the truck not engaging from stop position and then surging issues as I drive it.

When starting from a stop, you press the gas and it revs up, but doesn’t engage the gear until a few seconds later and then moves, surging during acceleration. It will then surge during the acceleration process…but once in a higher gear it runs fine surging once in a while. Sometimes when I adjust the manual shift it will let me shift to low gear #2, but not low gear #1.

For a year or so now it still continues to have the same surging and hesitation. Transmission shop said it was the catalytic converter, I replaced it and it did not solve the problem, it did however make it not as bad initially. I also replaced the TPS, IAC, and now the MAP sensor, still no change. There are no check engine lights either.
It idles just fine as well.

do you have an ideas what this could be?

Don Fox · Mar 5, 2022

Jam:
How many miles on your '02 D? Have you verified that the fluid level is correct? Respectfully, you should stop throwing parts in there, until you can drill down further, and isolate the issue. If/when was the transmission last serviced, as in fluid/filter? You may, or may not be aware that your trans has bands that should be adjusted every 30k. If this has not been done, it may be part of the issue.

Don

Giantmannjeff · Mar 5, 2022

From a dig does it feel like it’s not in gear at all or is it just sluggish? You need to figure out if this is a trans or engine issue first of all

jamvan · Mar 6, 2022

Don Fox said:
Jam:
How many miles on your '02 D? Have you verified that the fluid level is correct? Respectfully, you should stop throwing parts in there, until you can drill down further, and isolate the issue. If/when was the transmission last serviced, as in fluid/filter? You may, or may not be aware that your trans has bands that should be adjusted every 30k. If this has not been done, it may be part of the issue.

Don

It has about 140k or so. I’ve checked the transmission fluid level and it seems fine. I was only going by what the transmission guy said as he was the one who told me is was the Catalytic Converter to begin with. As far as the transmission service, I’ve had it since around 100k miles and it has never been serviced. From what your saying this sounds like it may be the problem. Seems I need to check with another transmission specialist it seems.

jamvan · Mar 6, 2022

Giantmannjeff said:
From a dig does it feel like it’s not in gear at all or is it just sluggish? You need to figure out if this is a trans or engine issue first of all

From a stopped position, when I give it gas, it’s like it doesn’t engage, rpms jump and then it all of sudden jumps to engage and take off. Then as I go up in the lower gears it hesitates or surges. After it gets to regular road speeds I no longer feel the issue. From what the other poster said it sounds like I just need a transmission flush and new filters as I’be had it for over 40k miles now.
Also I might note that when sitting with foot on brake, it will try to surge forward in drive as well.

Don Fox · Mar 6, 2022

Jam:
It sounds like your trans guy, must have thought the cat convertor was the issue. I assume he did not do that repair.
You may have more than 1 issue at hand here. In any case, a drain/refill/filter with fresh ATF+4, will allow you to see the condition of the pan. If you find pieces/parts, or other metal, likely time for a rebuild. You can do the band adjustment while the pan it down. IIRC the front can be done externally, but accessing the rear is via the inside.

Don

jamvan · Mar 7, 2022

Don Fox said:
Jam:
It sounds like your trans guy, must have thought the cat convertor was the issue. I assume he did not do that repair.
You may have more than 1 issue at hand here. In any case, a drain/refill/filter with fresh ATF+4, will allow you to see the condition of the pan. If you find pieces/parts, or other metal, likely time for a rebuild. You can do the band adjustment while the pan it down. IIRC the front can be done externally, but accessing the rear is via the inside.

Don

The trans guy was aamco transmission. No they didn’t do the converter, I ended up ordering a new one from Rockauto and had it done elsewhere. I will find a transmission shop in town and have them do that to see if that resolves the issue.
Thank you for your help.

Don Fox · Mar 7, 2022

Just my opinion, I would stay away from places like AMMCO. I had a bad experience with a local one many years ago.
Unless, you are SURE you can trust such a place, avoid them. Their usual MO is to drop the pan at some point, and tell you that your trans need to come out, so they can diagnose further. Once your trans is out and apart, they kind of have you over a barrel. Labor to simply R and R the trans can be $500-$1k. What do you do, when they have it out, and tell you it's toast, and spring a several thousand dollar "fix?"

Not a place I would want to put myself.

Don

jamvan · May 9, 2022

Ugh. This is turning into a horrible situation. Every transmission place I go to they look at me like I’m crazy when I mention band adjustments for this type of vehicle and transmission. Just dropped it off today at a place for over 5 hours and his response was that my transmission was slipping and I needed a rebuilt transmission and that I should take it to an actual transmission shop, yet his sign says he does transmissions. I just don’t know what to do at this point, this is seriously getting on my last nerves the level incompetence across the board with mechanic shops and dealerships at this point. I’m going to try another transmission place to see what they say.

Don Fox · May 12, 2022

Jam:
Sorry to hear you are having such trouble with a trans that has been around so long. It might end up that you need a rebuild, but I would want to KNOW that was the issue, before I dropped $3k or better on one. Where are you located? Possibly another member might be able to recommend a shop they have had good results with.

Don

jamvan · May 19, 2022

Don Fox said:
Jam:
Sorry to hear you are having such trouble with a trans that has been around so long. It might end up that you need a rebuild, but I would want to KNOW that was the issue, before I dropped $3k or better on one. Where are you located? Possibly another member might be able to recommend a shop they have had good results with.

Don

I’m in the Houston area, I have a transmission shop taking care of it. They are rebuilding it and also provide a 12 month/12k mile warranty as well. They have very good reviews so I think I’m at the best possible spot I could find. The guy who runs it seems honest as well in his explanations too.

2002 Durango 5.9L surging/take off issues

jamvan

Don Fox

Giantmannjeff

jamvan

jamvan

Don Fox

jamvan

Don Fox

jamvan

Don Fox

jamvan

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities