pilotg2

I drive a 2001 dakota, V6, with automatic transmission. Recently
started having a problem with slow acceleration. Eventually the check
engine light came on.
I took it to a mechanic. He said that dodges have a safety feature in
the transmissions, so that it does not use the first gear if there is a
problem with the transmission. Supposedly to provide you enough time to
get the vehicle in and get serviced. does this sound right or am I
being taken for a ride?

pilotg2

I forgot to add, I believe he said the check engine codes were 0155 and
0157.

mac davis

other than owning a 2001 dakota, I know little about the transmission, but that
sounds pretty weird..

I have the 4.7L v-8 in mine and can't imagine starting out in 2nd with a v-6...
maybe he's confusing it with mot going into overdrive unless it's at temperature
and you're doing over 30??

I'd definitely get a 2nd opinion..
Mac

https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis
https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis/wood_stuff.htm

pilotg2

It happens either with the engine at temp or cold. I do not have a
problem with the higher gears. Once it gets up to spead acceleration
greatly improves and it does not have a problem shifting. There is only
a problem starting from a stop or a low speed (less then 20).

I am taking to a different place for a second opinion tomorrow.

christopher thompson

yes, he's describing limp in mode. other than that i know little about auto
trans it was not my specialty and i am not the most well versed person here.
as far as the codes posted. i found this on obd-codes.com

P0155 02 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 1)
P0157 02 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 2 Sensor 2)

i see no reason why these codes would cause a trans shift problem. but it
wouldnt hurt to look at why you have these codes.

--
-Chris
05 CTD
99 Durango

sqdancerlynn

I cannot give advise other than to say IF you have engine problems IT will
put the trans into the fail safe mode You need to get the engine codes
checked out