Used Dodge Dakota Transmissions
Used, remanufactured and rebuilt transmissions for the 1987–2011 Dodge Dakota — tested before they ship and covered by warranty. Tell us your truck and we’ll match the right unit.
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Transmission Options
Which transmission does your Dakota have?
The first Dakota of 1987–1996 came with a five-speed manual as standard. The optional automatic was a three-speed TorqueFlite or the A500, Chrysler’s four-speed overdrive automatic.
From 1997 the automatic followed the engine: the 42RE, 44RE and 46RE behind the Magnum V6 and V8s, the 45RFE and then the 545RFE five-speed behind the 4.7L, and the 42RLE four-speed behind the 3.7L V6. Manuals were five-speeds on the earlier trucks and a six-speed on the 2005–2011 truck.
The table below sets out what was fitted in each generation. Most years had more than one unit, so we confirm yours from the VIN before we quote.
| Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|
| Three-speed automatic (TorqueFlite) | The automatic offered when the Dakota was launched. |
| A500 four-speed automatic | Chrysler’s four-speed overdrive automatic, the design later developed into the 42RH and 42RE. |
| Five-speed manual | The standard transmission. More than one five-speed was used over these years, so we match yours to the model year and engine. |
| Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|
| 42RE four-speed automatic | 3.9L V6, 1997–2003. |
| 44RE four-speed automatic | 5.2L V8, 1997–1999. |
| 46RE four-speed automatic | 5.9L R/T, 1998–2003. |
| 45RFE four-speed automatic | 4.7L, 2000–2002. |
| 545RFE five-speed automatic | 4.7L, 2003–2004. |
| 42RLE four-speed automatic | 3.7L V6, 2004. |
| Five-speed manual | Offered with most engines; the 5.9L R/T was automatic only. More than one five-speed was used, so we match yours to the engine and drive layout. |
| Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|
| 42RLE four-speed automatic | 3.7L V6, all years. |
| 545RFE five-speed automatic | 4.7L, including the High Output and the revised 2008-on engine. |
| Six-speed manual | The manual transmission for this generation. |
Not sure which one is yours? Request a quote and we’ll work it out from your VIN.
Before You Order
What to check before you order
Three speeds or four
A 1987–1996 automatic is either a three-speed or a four-speed with overdrive. The four-speed is the longer unit and needs its own wiring for the overdrive, so tell us whether your truck has an overdrive.
Match the engine
From 1997 the automatic depends on the engine as much as the year. On a 2004–2011 truck, for example, the 3.7L V6 has the 42RLE and the 4.7L V8 the 545RFE, so a unit out of a V6 Dakota will not suit a V8.
Four-speed or five-speed behind the 4.7L
A 2000–2002 4.7L has the 45RFE four-speed; from 2003 it has the 545RFE five-speed. Match the model year.
Two- or four-wheel drive
On a four-wheel-drive Dakota the transmission ends in a short output and housing that bolt to the transfer case, where a two-wheel-drive unit has a long tailshaft. Tell us which your truck is.
Setting up after fitting
The 45RFE, 545RFE and 42RLE are run by a computer that has to learn the replacement once it is in, using a scan tool. Without that relearn, shifts can be harsh or late.
Have your VIN ready
Your Dakota’s VIN gives us the engine, the drive layout and the model year, so we can check the transmission against all three before we quote.
Common Problems
Common Dakota transmission problems
Solenoid pack — 45RFE and 545RFE, 2000–2011
The solenoid and pressure-switch assembly is a common failure on the RFE units. When it goes, the transmission sets a fault code and drops into limp mode, holding a single gear.
Solenoid and wiring faults — 42RLE, 2004–2011
The 42RLE is a rear-drive version of Chrysler’s front-drive Ultradrive four-speed and shares its electronics. A failing solenoid pack brings harsh shifts and then limp mode. The unit needs Chrysler’s ATF+4, and the wrong fluid damages its clutches.
Governor pressure faults — 42RE, 44RE and 46RE, 1997–2003
These automatics time their upshifts from a governor-pressure solenoid and sensor on the valve body, run by the engine computer. When either fails the truck shifts erratically, hangs on to first or second, or will not upshift at all — a fault to rule out before the transmission itself is condemned.
Throttle-valve cable — three-speed, A500 and RE automatics
These automatics set their line pressure and shift points partly from a cable or rod linked to the throttle. Left too slack, it gives early, soft shifts that slip and burn the clutches, so it has to be adjusted whenever the engine or the transmission is changed.
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FAQ
Dakota transmission questions, answered
Which transmission does my Dakota have?
On a 1987–1996 truck the manual is a five-speed and the automatic either a three-speed or a four-speed overdrive unit such as the A500. From 1997 it depends on the engine and year: the 42RE, 44RE or 46RE behind the Magnums to 2003, the 45RFE and then the 545RFE behind the 4.7L, the 42RLE behind the 3.7L from 2004, and a five- or six-speed manual on many trucks. Send us your VIN and we will confirm.
Can I get a manual for my Dakota?
Yes. Five-speed manuals were offered on the earlier trucks and a six-speed on the 2005–2011 truck, though the 1998–2003 R/T was automatic only. A manual has to match the engine, the drive layout and the model year, so send us your VIN.
Will a transmission from a Durango or Ram fit?
The Durango and Ram used the same RE, RFE and 42RLE families, but each vehicle has its own version. What matters is the engine, the drive layout and the model year rather than the badge, and your VIN tells us all three.
Is the transmission covered by a warranty?
Yes. Every transmission we sell is covered by warranty, and extended cover is available at extra cost. The full terms are in our Warranty Policy.
Ready to replace your Dakota transmission?
Tell us the year and have your VIN to hand — a specialist will confirm the right unit and send you a quote.
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