2002 Dakota Transmission -- NEED HELP

[Newsreader]

We just purchased a used 2002 Dodge Dakota with 13,000 miles on it. The
truck sat for 18 months not driven. The owner was sick and died. They had
an extended warranty -- truck was covered. The warranty was not
transferrable.

We drive the truck away -- and 30 miles later, the transmission slips
between 2nd and 3rd gear. It revs up -- and doesn't go forward -- then
slips into gear and goes.

We check the trans fluid, it's just at add. We add it. It drives way
better. 30 miles later, it slips again.

We look under the truck, and see a leak coming from near the bell housing.

Anyone have any experience with this? Dodge just visually looked at leak
and said trans needs to be rebuilt or replaced.

Could it be something else??
to reply -- delete the numbers in the e-mail. Thanks!

[Newsreader]

The leak is very minor. It doesn't always leave a spot. Only every now and
then. When we do find a leak, it is dried into the pavement below and looks
about the size of a softball. But we don't ever find fresh fluid laying
there. We tried to collect it after driving it one time -- and nothing
showed up in the pan.

We called Chrysler and asked for them to assist us with this repair because
obvious this is defective -- and they refuse.

[Tom Lawrence]

If it's indeed coming from the bellhousing (and most likely, it is) - it's
either one of two seals that's bad. Both require the transmission to be
removed to get changed, which means you're looking at a $400-$600 repair
bill.

Forget about Daimler-Chrysler - they will not help you. Their warranty was
3-year, 36,000 miles. You're well over the three years. The fact that it
sat for 18 months could well have contributed to the seal failure.

Was the extended warranty through a third party? Chrysler service contracts
ARE transferrable, for (I think) a $50 fee or so.

[MB]

I bought my Dakota in 2002 and it came with the 7 year/100k powertrain
warranty. Be sure to check and see if the original owner had done the same.
I think that it is transferable but if it is not, don't tell the dealer the
owners have changed unless they ask. Then you make the decision. Of course
this warranty would cover the tranny problems.

Good luck!

If you need an attorney to help you with this, visit this website:
www.prepaidlegal.com/info/frankfong

"Tom Lawrence" <tNlOaSwPrA...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
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