Community Forums

Oahumike · 07-03-2022, 09:17 AM

Howdy, recently setup our new tow vehicle, 2006 dodge Dakota 4 by 4 with the pin push option on selector for recreational towing. We have towed it for about 1000 miles. Tows great. My question is with trans and transfer in nuetral does the trans turn. The reason for the question is I have noticed the transmission shift when driving is not as smooth. Am I missing something, thanks in advance, Mike

Skip426 · 07-03-2022, 09:43 AM

What engine / transmission in your Dakota ?

Are you disconnecting the battery when towing ?

Oahumike · 07-03-2022, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

What engine / transmission in your Dakota ?

Are you disconnecting the battery when towing ?

4.7 engine automatic, leaving the key in on position. I have not added a positive charger from m/h yet. I have to jump the jump if not started at end of each day.

Cousin Ed · 07-03-2022, 12:47 PM

Did you read the manual? It should be just like a Jeep: Transfer case in neutral, transmission in park and steering unlocked but ignition off.
I never drove a Dakota but have towed lots of Jeeps.

Skip426 · 07-03-2022, 01:43 PM

Is your transmission a 4 speed or 5 speed ?

The five speed has a stand alone TCM ( Transmission Control Module ) that dumps it's learned memory at low battery situations and battery disconnect and has to re-learn, over time ; usually 1/2 hour of driving ; how to shift smoothly .
NOTE : Your truck's battery won't last long if you run it dead , get a charge line run to the toad.

Dodge Guy · 07-03-2022, 06:29 PM

Auto transmission in (P) manual 5 speed in 1st (doesn’t matter what gear as long as the manual trans doesn’t turn).

Oahumike · 07-04-2022, 08:48 AM

Thanks for the responses. Going thru the manual trans is in neutral on selector, trans put in park after confirming in recreational towing. I will run the charge lines to the toad from the m/h. I did not think of memory of system after a battery disconnect or dead battery. It makes sense, I was concerned with lack of trans fluid on gears, but no turning being in nuetral had me questioning myself, thank you all for the suggestions.