2008 Liberty, Offroad, Tranny Light, problems

[AZKKPilotC182T]

Hi all,

I am new to the forum, just bought a 2008 Liberty, it's black with tow package, it's trail rated...

We took it this weekend camping for the first time, we had it loaded down with four adults and gear including gear on the roof. It performed pretty well except for the transmission temperature light came on while climbing steep hills in 4wd hi, low or 2wd, with or without the tow/haul button engaged, did not seem to matter. I could only go a few minutes and I had to stop and let it cool per the manuals instructions, tranny in neutral, idle or higher rpm for at least 5 minutes, major PIA...

It was about 91 F and we were at about 5K ft. I never had a problem with my old XJs, they all performed just fine, even my last one on this same trail with 200k+ miles on the clock.

Anyone had this problem

Based on my research it seems the older Libertys had this same problem, so my questions are:

1. Is the dummy light set to a fairly low temp?

2. What is the point of the additional tranny cooler up front by the radiator if the radiator fans do nut run on high while you are towing or climbing?

Any thoughts appreciated, my Liberty has 450 miles on it...

Dan

[tjkj2002]

First you need a few more miles on your KK,your engine,tranny,t-case,and diffs are still breaking in and you should not put that much stress on your KK with that few of miles.

With being loaded down and offroad climbing steep hills put it in 4low and the tranny is 1st gear,this puts the least anount of stress on your engine and tranny.

The KJ's with the 42RLE tranny,like your KK,have the same problems you are having but those KJ's that got lucky to have the better 45RFE tranny seem to never have this problem,at least mine never has when KJ's with the 42RLE's have overheated when convoying to the trail.

[AZKKPilotC182T]

First you need a few more miles on your KK,your engine,tranny,t-case,and diffs are still breaking in and you should not put that much stress on your KK with that few of miles.

With being loaded down and offroad climbing steep hills put it in 4low and the tranny is 1st gear,this puts the least anount of stress on your engine and tranny.

The KJ's with the 42RLE tranny,like your KK,have the same problems you are having but those KJ's that got lucky to have the better 45RFE tranny seem to never have this problem,at least mine never has when KJ's with the 42RLE's have overheated when convoying to the trail.

Break in? I am not so sure about that.. What has to break in? I think I just over worked it, if the older Libertys that are "breaked in" had the same problem than how can break in make any difference. The manual does not say anything about break in past 300 miles, I followed the factory specifications for break in that are in the manual. I think it is just a weak tranny, this sucks...

Dan

[AZKKPilotC182T]

Dealer said it was .7 quarts low and it needed a "software upgrade", it does seem to shift better around town, remainds to be seen if it will be ok offroad yet.

Dan

[Dave]

Hope they got it fixed for you.

I don't have a KK, but have had my KJ off road a number of times. (same tranny as you have) 4lo, first gear and no problems climing hills. With 2 people and gear but nothing on top. No problems. Try 4lo first gear like tjkj said.

I know it is hotter in AZ where you are and that might have helped???? I don't know.

Let us know how you make out.

Dave