New (ongoing) issues with my Dakota

[KevinP73]

So now I have a new issue with my 2000 Dodge Dakota ( 4,7 w/45RFE automatic). I'm driving down the street when without any warning it just stopped driving itself. No forward or reverse. I rolled off to the side of the street and turned it off. After checking the fluid ( about a 1/2 quart low) I started it up and it drove fine. I went straight to a parts store and added fluid. It went about another three miles and repeated the problem. This time, even after sitting for a bit it still would drive itself. I had it towed home and it has been parked about a week while I researched what the issue might be.
.. I've decided to flush the fluid as it's kind of old and it's seriously aerated . I've disconnected the lines on the cooler and if my research is correct I should be able to start the motor, put it in neutral and the old fluid should pump out.
But there's the issue, it doesn't. Drive, reverse or neutral and no fluid flow. Is this an indication of a failed fluid pump or what else could be the issue?

[kach22i]

I've never had this problem but think the failed fluid pump theory is a good one.

Many times I've fixed my car/truck just by redoing some connections.

Air leaks in vacuum systems (actuators) and electrical connector corrosion are problematic on older vehicles.

Look for something obvious before going off in the direction of complex and costly.

[Bob Kontak]

Number 1 on this list looks plausible given you said aerated.

I have replaced solenoids on a handful of late 90's early 00's that would hang in gear long after they should have shifted but this does not sound like your symptoms.

Three Problems With The Dodge 45RFE Transmission That Are Easy To Fix

[KevinP73]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

Number 1 on this list looks plausible.

Three Problems With The Dodge 45RFE Transmission That Are Easy To Fix

I just finished reading that. I agree #1 is very plausible but would that prevent the fluid pump from operating ? Shouldn't I have some flow when I open the lines and run the engine?

[Dansvan]

Are you trying it with the selector in neutral? And if it had a cooler thermostat you won't get much if any flow until its warmed up.

[KevinP73]

Originally Posted by Dansvan

Are you trying it with the selector in neutral? And if it had a cooler thermostat you won't get much if any flow until its warmed up.

Good point. I'll let it warm up and try it again.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by KevinP73

I just finished reading that. I agree #1 is very plausible but would that prevent the fluid pump from operating ? Shouldn't I have some flow when I open the lines and run the engine?

If the pump is functional AND no electronic or analog (thermo) requirement it should be dousing your garage floor.

[KevinP73]

I let the engine warm up and still nothing from the cooler lines. I slid a hose down the filler tube and pumped as much fluid as I could. Picture is of the fluid as it came out.

[Bob Kontak]

What is the grey stuff on the right hand side?

ATF+4 is the red stuff, right?

[KevinP73]

The grey stuff is just light reflecting off the bottom of the dirty tub I was draining it in to. Yes red stuff is the atf