Anyone knowledgeable on 1999 Durango 360 (5.9?) automatic with OD? When temp is over 100 degrees pulling a small hill the transmission hot light will come on. Usually the water temp is climbing some on the gauge but not near the hot yet. What would cause the transmission to over heat? I was pulling a small trailer probably less than a 800 lbs and truck was empty. Are these transmissions this touchy? ... Tedd

 

In a word, yes. They don't like towing. I remember there was a good page and a half in the owner's manual for my 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee (4.7/545 RFE) describing the function and monitoring of the transmission overheat trouble light, I assume in response to warranty issues. It wouldn't surprise me if the 46 RE in your truck was susceptible to similar issues.

 

I stopped at my local transmission shop today and asked about the problem I am experiencing He said it very well could be the torque converter. I'm not looking forward to that bill..... Tedd

 

Just askin, does it have a tow button? I know that ain't no load, but most have a button that locks out overdrive, or overdrive 2. Overdrive autos tend to be rated for 0 load conditions. Or it may be cheaper to add a cooler then a convertor if you want to bide time. maybe a flush and fill?

 

I was thinking a trans cooler, too.
And synthetic fluid, if it doesn't already have that.

 

It has the OD button and that light came on also. I'll know more Friday as that's my appointment date at the shop.

I hardly ever use this rig, not my favorite but when I need to tow something or haul a bunch of people (three rows of seats) it's what is handy and it gets a work out. I hate to dump a bunch of dollars into a rig that only gets used once or twice a month but A SUV that I can't depend on is a waste of parking space..... Tedd

 

I had a '99 Dak R/T w/ the same 5.9L / 46RE drive train (3.90 rear, not sure what the Durango has). Never had a problem with the trans temp light coming on, but never attempted to tow with it when the air temps > 100F either. In any case, a trans cooler and using a lower temp thermostat on the engine will help. I had both, along w/ a TransGo shift kit.


If you have a tall rear gear, using the TOW button should help too. I don't think it un-locks the torque converter, but it does lock out 4th gear.

 

Make sure the radiator and condenser are clean. Make sure there is no crud and debris collecting between them. You need airflow if any heat is going to be carried away.

 

The engine temp will rise a some but nothing that I would consider over heated. Usually the OD light comes on first then the trans temp light maybe a few minutes later. Nothing better than pulling over to the side of the road in 100 degree heat with the AC off.

I'll know more by tonight, the rig is going in for a fix what ever it needs $$$$. I'll let you know what happens.. Tedd

 

Well it's torque converter and new valve body time.It will probably end up being about 21-22 hundred before I get it out of there. Normally I would just kiss the SUV good by but it;s has about a nine out of ten on the body and interior and the engine has been a good runner with high compression and no oil consumption .What else could I buy for three grand and feel good about it, actually I'm not feeling much happiness as I type, It's still a buss to drive ... Tedd

 

It did take a rebuild on the transmission and they also found a stiff rusty u joint that they replaced. Total bill was $ 2.237.00.... Ouch.... Tedd

 

Still, you got a full rebuild plus a new U-joint for the price you were expecting to pay for a just a new valve body and torque converter. So try to think of it as a win.