The Dodge Nitro was equipped with the 42RLE or the W5A580 (NAG1) transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Dodge Nitro transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Dodge Nitro Transmission Models
Dodge Nitro Transmission: 42RLE
Dodge Nitro Transmission: W5A580 (NAG1)
Dodge Nitro Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
Replacement Dodge Nitro Transmission Prices:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 42RLE | 2152 |
| W5A580 / NAG1 | 2589 |
What are the DTC codes related to Dodge Nitro transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0700 | Transmission Control System (MIL Request) |
| P0706 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0710 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit |
| P0711 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0712 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input |
| P0713 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input |
| P0714 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent P0715 |
| P0717 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
| P0720 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0730 | Incorrect Gear Ratio |
| P0731 | Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0732 | Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0733 | Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0734 | Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0735 | Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0740 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction |
| P0742 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On |
| P0743 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Electrical |
| P0748 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
| P0750 | Shift Solenoid 'A' |
| P0751 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0755 | Shift Solenoid 'B' |
| P0760 | Shift Solenoid 'C' |
| P0765 | Shift Solenoid 'D' |
| P0783 | 3-4 Shift |
| P0841 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0846 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch B Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0871 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch C Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0880 | TCM Power Input Signal |
| P0881 | TCM Power Input Signal Range/Performance |
| P0882 | TCM Power Input Signal Low |
| P0884 | TCM Power Input Signal Intermittent |
| P0888 | TCM Power Relay Sense Circuit |
| P0891 | TCM Power Relay Sense Circuit High |
| P0897 | Transmission Fluid Deteriorated |
Dodge Nitro Transmission Recalls
None Found
Dodge Nitro Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
None Found
Common Dodge Nitro Transmission Problems
Shifting problems and solenoid/pressure switch DTCs – 42RLE transmission
Problem – Drivers may experience 42RLE transmission problems that include slipping and harsh shifts. The check engine light may also be illuminated with the following codes stored in the ECU: P0750, P0755, P0760, P0765, P0846, P0871, P0841.
Solution – The problem may be caused by corrosion in the 10 pin solenoid harness connector. This may also be caused by a wiring issue between the TCM/ECU and the transmission harness connector. A new design 42RLE 10-pin connector will need to be installed and/or wiring issues repaired.
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Dodge Nitro can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Dodge Nitro transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Dodge Nitro transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Dodge Nitro transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Dodge Nitro transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Dodge Nitro transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Dodge Nitro transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Dodge Nitro transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.
Recommendations for Dodge Nitro transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Dodge Nitro transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Dodge Nitro Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Dodge Nitro Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Dodge Nitro Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Dodge Nitro Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Dodge Nitro Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
Hard shift from 2to 3 gear
My transmission was fine and just out of blue stopped shifting. It will not take any gear. It won’t even take park. Anyone please help. I bought it 3weeks ago .I love the vehicle and have already spent a bunch in after market halo headlights, and so,so much more to make it awesome. Do I have a chance at this vehicle or is it a ongoing issue?
My 2097 nitro rt 4.0 lost acceleration & letf me on the side of the road. It will crank just fine & Rev up but it won’t catch any gears
Mine done the same thing today. Have you had any luck with the problem and if so can you please let me know what is going on? Thank you
Won’t come out of park , transmission is in limp mode. As well as the dash lights up but does nothing . And it has a message that says “no bus”
Between 30 And 35 it’s stops and go give it a little more gas and it go’s good
No trouble codes
See previous thred for syymptoms
Won’t go into reverse,
Also first gear only when shifting from 1st to 2nd there is nothing there as if in neutral must put into park shut off and restart to again have 1st gear only
Won’t shift out of first gear.I changed filter and added the correct amount of transmission fluid. I have a Nag1 transmission on a 2007 dodge nitro 4.0.
I have a leak coming from radiator
Tramission only shifts to2nd gear
Was shifting hard then it went into limp mode an popped code for 3rd gear incorrect ratio replaced the parts in the vaulve body put it back together fluids etc an I put the car in reverse it won’t go anywhere an same when I put it in drive it just revs out I’m lost for words don’t wanna buy a used transmission if I don’t have too
Transmission leak causing my car to shift funny and made my check engine light come on. Anyone know what I should do?
2008 98k miles, tranny jerks/slips when doing highway speed (65-70mph). thinking it may be OD solenoid?
Wont go into gear after changing shift control solenoid
My 2011 4.0 91k miles . All gears are circled on dash . Check engine light & won’t shift out of 1st gear.
My Dodge 2009 Dodge Nitro shift into four-wheel-drive when I’m driving down the highway was it was
My 2008 will shift into second and won’t go into 3 or 4th. I can only go 25 mph
Limp mode harnes problems
My ’08 Nitro jerks and slows down when I am doing 65-70 it drops down to 50 and then works it way back up for 1 or 2 miles and repeats, any ideas.
My nitro has 140,000 miles on it. It started whining really bad so I took it to a shop they told me it was probably the planetary gears. So I ordered a used transmission that had supposedly 70,000 miles on it with a 6 month warranty for $700. And they charged me $607 to install it and I have the same exact noise I had before I had the new transmission put in. $1,300 later I’m at the same point as I was before I need help what is your opinion?
That’s because they only told you they put a new tranny in but you got suckered.
Won’t shift in the third shift and when it dose it jumps
Transmission is leaking fluid from the left side, it’s NOT the trans lines either
2011 dodge nitro transmission doesn’t want to change gear when cold.
Mine does the same..
I had the transmission rear seal replaced on my 2011 Dodge Nitro 2 weeks ago because it was leaking fluid. Now it won’t go into gear when it’s cold. Took it back to Universal transmission now the torque converter is grinding throwing metal shaving through out the transmission. Cost to rebuild transmission 2795.00.
Only had truck 6 months. Bought it used. Someone please help me