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Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Problems

1066 messages,  Last post on May 06, 2013 at 11:26 AM

You are in the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee Forum.

What is this discussion about? Jeep Grand Cherokee, SUV

Messages Page 25 of 107

#241 of 1066 1996 jeep grand cherokee awd trans problem by stickyricky67

Sep 07, 2008 (6:34 am)

Hi,
    I have a problem with my trans and before I dump money into the truck I would like some opinions on what it could be. The trans works well when not under stress but yesterday while trying to tow my boat out of the water the trans would not engage . It made a lot of noise but eventually pulled it out. But on the way home whenever I took off from a light it would shudder . it did this all the way home. I unhooked the boat to drive a friend home and no shuddering when leaving a light ?? Fluid level is good and suggestions? thanks

#242 of 1066 Tranny problem by joeyakk

Sep 07, 2008 (7:23 am)

I have a 2001 Jeep GCL 6 cyl 56,000 miles, driving fine then on next trip suddenly won't shift out of first gear until about 3500 rpm.Took it to a tranny shop and mechanic hooks it up to the diagnostic computer and says there is a "pressure switch" inside the tranny that regulates the flow of fluid.Under normal conditions should read 0 (psi?) at idle then as the pressure increases to 37 will shift the vechicle into 2nd. I got an estimate of $1800 to $2500 to repair, sounds over the top. Any body have a similar problem and can offer insight or advice?

#243 of 1066 Overdrive Issues by pschwobe

Sep 08, 2008 (11:12 am)

I have an 03 Jeep GC with 66k miles. I recently noticed that when cruising at freeway speeds (70-75 mph) the transmission will downshift from 5th to 4th gear when there is no excess load on the transmission. It will shift to 4th for a second or two and then shift back to 5th. Even when I am going down hill it will do this. It seems to only do it when the transmission is up to temperature. Has anyone else experienced this? Would a transmission flush help this? Just looking for some answers to see if this is a prelude to more serious issues.

#244 of 1066 Re: Overdrive Issues [pschwobe] by tuggajb

Sep 08, 2008 (4:20 pm)

Replying to: pschwobe (Sep 08, 2008 11:12 am)
if you have never changed the trans fluid can't hurt less than trans overhaul

#245 of 1066 2001 JGC overheating by kchristy

Sep 10, 2008 (5:17 pm)

ok, both the mechanic and myself are stumped. We replaced the coolant sensor and then they suggested the radiator fan (mind you they quoted $500). As with the others I have read, my truck runs fine on the highway, but as soon as I am in stop n go traffic, she gets hot. First time she overheated I let her sit for an hour. The "Check gauge" light came on, but when I went to start her again, light was out and she ran fine all the way home (about 40 miles) without a problem. Dropped it off to get it looked at and that's when they changed the sensor. It did it again but this time, it didn't cool off,had to have it towed (the repair shop paid for that) for them to tell me 5 hours later, we need to replace the fan because it wasn't working. Long story short, I did not have them replace it, it ran fine when I bought it home. Checked all the hoses for leaks, none. Coolant was clean and in both radiator and reservoir. Today after the second time (took 2 hours to get home, usually 25 min) the coolant was at the top of the reservior, the hose was limp and the radiator had fluid in it. HELP!!!!!!!!

#246 of 1066 Re: 2001 JGC overheating [kchristy] by tuggajb

Sep 10, 2008 (7:51 pm)

Replying to: kchristy (Sep 10, 2008 5:17 pm)
sounds as if your fan clutch is bad cost bout 75 bucks and can change in bout hour main fan is not turning when hot (to check run engine till hot sut off engine take fan and turn it whwn engine is hot should have resistance when you try to turn if turns easy fan clutch is bad)

#247 of 1066 Re: 2001 JGC overheating [kchristy] by rwengr

Sep 11, 2008 (8:07 am)

Replying to: kchristy (Sep 10, 2008 5:17 pm)
It will take patience, but you should be able to find a solution. Not big $ to get started. Excuse me if you have done these already.
You may notice an incremental improvement as you do each step and when you get to the end it may be resolved. Or you may find that one of the steps resolves your problem. Spending repair $ on a guess is not cost-effective.
 
First, with engine hot and idling, radiator fan or one of the fans should operate at a high speed. I think it's intermittent. It's operation is not subjective. Do research on how it's suppose to work. Either it works or it doesn't. I had a Ford Ranger with your problem and a faulty fan clutch prevented fan from operating at high speed. Assuming that's not the problem, continue.
 
Safety Note: Make sure engine cools (2 hours) before removing radiator cap. Always wear face and/or eye protection when removing cap.
 
1) Make sure system was pressure tested. Cooling system operates under pressure to get max effectiveness. Fire your mechanic if he has not done this yet. Replace radiator cap with a new one. Make sure cap pressure rating matches your car. They have to remove the cap to test system, so cap is not part of the test.
 
2) Remove old thermostat and put it in a pot of boiling water. If it does not open or opens very little, that may be your problem. I would not put it back in until you get system working (unless very cold). Be sure to put a new one in no matter what.
 
3) Make sure radiator front is clear of all debris, insects, etc. Use a soft brush to clean. Avoid bending the fins. Do not brush across the fins. If it was very dirty that could be your problem. A little fin damage is OK. If you have a lot of fin damage consult a radiator shop.
 
4) Buy a Prestone backflush kit and purge all old coolant and loose dirt Disconnect reservoir while doing all this.
 
5)Next, treat it with Prestone Super Radiator Cleaner. You put it in, drive several hours, and then backflush it. Dirt and deposits interfere with heat transfer between the coolant and engine block, and the radiator.
 
Note: For backflush, get a long piece of hose that fits snug into top of radiator so you can direct it into a bucket (5 gal.). Make sure hose pressure is not high. Turn it on slowly and gradually to find the right point.
 
Note: Unless it's freezing I see no need to put anti-freeze back in until you finished all troubleshooting.
 
After all of this, I would be surprised if you didn't see some improvement. If still not working, take it to Jeep dealer. They are expensive, but I would really surprised if they couldn't fix something like this At least you will know you are not paying a mechanic $90/hr because your radiator was dirty. They can put new thermostat in and fill with coolant while making the repair.

#248 of 1066 Re: 2001 JGC overheating [tuggajb] by troll157

Sep 11, 2008 (3:18 pm)

Replying to: tuggajb (Sep 10, 2008 7:51 pm)
There's an electric fan, driver's side behind radiator? Mine's '89 Cherokee, it has. Anyway, if so there's a "thermal fan switch", find it. If you disconnect the fan switch harness, usually the switch is screwed into a radiator tank (header), jump the wires from the switch together with a piece of wire and see if the fan comes on. (Still assuming you have an electric fan on your Jeep). If it does, the problem is the switch, replace it. There's also a relay in the circuit? (maybe) Another $5.00 part to replace. As for the fan clutch on the other fan. With the engine warmed up, switch the engine OFF, reach in and try to spin the fan with your fingers, If the fan spins more than 25-50% of a revolution, replace it. You shouldn't be able to feel any play in the fan either. With air-conditioning, as mine has, I turned the a/c on when I was in border traffic and that caused the electric fan to come on - problem solved (at least at that critical moment). Cold outside so I just turned the temp to warm. Haven't seen ANY electric fans just up and quit without first making horrendous noises for months.

#249 of 1066 Re: 2001 JGC overheating [rwengr] by kchristy

Sep 11, 2008 (4:38 pm)

Replying to: rwengr (Sep 11, 2008 8:07 am)
thanks for the detailed description, it helps. I tried to take it to AAMCO today, but they were honest enough to tell me to take it to the jeep dealer because of the problems. Took it, 350 later, they replaced the coolant fan relay and told me I would still overheat because I need the cooling fan replaced. Again, they quoted 500, its the chrysler part. I researched the part online and ordered it for 120 (OEM part). So in the meantime, they suggested I stay out of stop n go traffic. So now I am on a leave of absence from work until the part comes in. Hopefully thats the final rebuild. They charged $112/hr for labor, ouch!!! More suggestions are good, thanks.

#250 of 1066 Trans. overtemp. by bongp

Sep 11, 2008 (8:31 pm)

Hello:
 
I am new in this forum. I have just recently bought a 1996 Grand Jeep Cherokee Limited. It has an error message in the dispaly of "Trans. Overtemp." What might this be about?
 
Thank you in advance for your help.

Messages Page 25 of 107

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