Shifting problems 98 Dodge Dakota Sport 4x4 115,000....I let it warm up for 5-10 minutes. Everything sounds and feels fine. I accelerate on to the highway, shifts fine up 3rd. At 60 mph and 3100 rpm it wont shift to 4th. This only happens when its very cold out (below zero).

check shift linkage ,,, jack vehicle ,,secure with Jack stand !! ,, climb under with flashlight or drop light ,, have helper in vehicle try to shift it ,,**** ( NOT RUNNING ) **** while you observe shift linkage ,,,sounds as if it is jammed or pivot point is disconnected ,,,LMK

Sounds like the crank shaft bearings on the piston rod shafts wore out just a guess. Good luck have a mech look at it as I don't want to tell you wrong as I am not there.

When did you last change the trans fluid and filter? Ever? Do so and you may have a cheap fix, plus adding many miles of use to trans. This fluid and filter should be changed every 24K miles or two years for most vehicles. It's surprising how many folks don't do this. You did read your owner's manual didn't you?

I presume it's an automatic--could be low fluid or internal pressure problem in trans. Check fluid level when warm --read dipstick as to whether to put in park or neutral when checking. Otherwise,take to shop for testing.

Great Name for your question,

I hate to ask the obvious, but I'd feel really bad if I didn't and it turned out to be the problem, so....

The Transmission fluid is at the proper level when warm and in neutral with the engine running on a level surface?

Now I feel bad....

Mike

look at the shifter linkage, and as far as the heat check your heater core

remove some of the oil. sound like once the oil is warmed up it's expanding and jamming everything up.

Have your transmission serviced. The owners manuel says to do this every two years or 24k. There are Two reasons for this one being that during the service the clutch bands need to be adjusted the second reason is that debris in the transmission filter can cause the condition that you are describing. Make shore to have the service done by someone who Knows what they are doing as the clutch band adjustment is critical. Chrysler transmission require ATF + 4 fluid use of any other type of fluid will damage transmission.

it sounds like the wire connectors not on snug. i've never heard of the weather causing this problem.