Well, In regards to what was said earlier about possibly the torque converter malfunctioning, my Durango seems to be displaying similar problems. On occasion, I will start it up, and as i get ready to shift into gear, I find that the shifter WILL NOT BUDGE. Usually after about 5 minutes of letting the truck idle, it loosens up. Although it does not happen often, it is a major inconvenience, especially in the event of a serious emergency where I need to get in my truck and leave without anything stalling me.

It turns out that the "shift lever" is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced. Luckily there is a recall for it.

I too have a 2002 Dodge Durango and about a year ago I took it in because I was having problems with the transmission. I was told that the torgue converter was leaking down when the car sat and that is why when I put it in reverse immediately after starting the car that it would not move. If I left it sit and run for a minute before I put it in reverse then it would move fine. I was told of course that I could spend the money to replace it but I might as well wait until the transmission went out completely.

check engine lite came on trans problem. dealer couldn't figure out the problem and just kept changing parts in trans. Finally, they said they could not verify my complaint. Warranty.. from Dodge.. What a joke. I bet they would fix my car if I was paying full retail price, instead of being COVERED under warranty. The trans has a bad torque converter and Dodge won't fix it. I am going to have it fixed, cut open all the old parts, find the flaws and shove them up Dodge's a.. and have them pay for this. What a joke. I have been in the auto repair business since 1965 and never have been treated like this.