Won't shift from 2nd gear to drive unless i run rpms up to about 5000 also trans rpm limiter not shutting down engine at high rpm's . on a 1997 Dodge Dakota 4x4 SLT. had tranny rebuilt 1 year ago Tranny has about15,000miles on rebuild

hello.
answering for won't move in drive , Reverse or low. or 2nd.gear
in an automatic trans, stick shifts like mine are different.
in drive.? right foot pressing hard.
if rpm races fast and high , that is transmission slip (trans issues)
if rpm stays low, say below 1500rpm.. that is weak engine.
easy huh?
easy peasy Jeepeneesy.?

run the fault codes and check for TCM problem. If it shifts into neutral like you describe then the engine would increase in rpms as the load came off. More than likely shifting into a too high gear which indicates a selector program problem.

5.000rpm's high revs and you run into problems with valve bounce ( hitting pistons) ,ring slap, gudgeon pin knock, big end noise and possible main bearing noise . You may also be getting a hydraulic lock in the hydraulic followers that is holding the valves open too long. Unless the engine has been specifically built for these rpm's any loose ,worn on unsuitable part will cause problems I am thinking that you have around 100.000 miles on the clock after 7 years and the motor is not young Ford V8 engines specifically built for a 500 klm race are limited to 5.500 rpms because they destroy the timing chain if driven over that speed .

Sounds like 2nd gear in the transmission is slipping. Cars usually shift at 15-20 mph from first to 2nd. First check the trans fluid.

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You are hitting the rev limiter top range, which cuts off your ignition.

I have a 2001 Grand Cherokee and the problem drives me crazy, but it is the way the car is designed- as soon as you hit the rev limit, it shuts down ignition and your jeep will "buck" - a real pain when you are trying to accelerate into traffic!

You have the 4.0L straight six engine, yes?

If so, please take my advice and learn to live with the minor annoyance of the rev limiter- that engine is IMHO the best Chrysler ever made (nearly "bulletproof"!) and it was so reliable you cannot even get it in a jeep now! For decades, that engine was used in welders, tractors, generators...and yes, jeeps... and it is a favorite among mechanics for its durability!

You'll want to doublecheck & make sure the Overdrive is turned on. That's a high rpm for 55, even high I believe for Interstate cruising at 65-70.

Possibly get back to the dealer immediately if it's not the Overdrive switch.

There are issues with some models that concern the RPM staying around 4,000 even at idle & under the right circumstances, a transmission won't shift as it should based upon engine & driving signals that the Trans computer uses to determine when to shift.

Check your fluid first & remember, Overdrive doesn't work until the fluid reaches a certain temperature.

good luck

the syncronizers are out on your trans for third gear and as far as the lifters try running some high octane gas with some oil and gas treatment before going into the motor to eliminate that first.

sounds like trans has gone bad, last service of filter and fluid? clogged screen or low/burnt fluid would effest but if clunking sounds like trans is shot

ummm i would say you need to adjust your trans shift cable, check your fluid level, and the problem i had with my dodge was similar to yours... it was my 3rd-4th actuator spring, it had broke and couldnt hold the pressure to keep it in gear