So, I bought my daughter a 2003 Liberty Renegade 4x4 with 116,000 miles for her 16th birthday and she LOVES it. Anyway, I have been having some problems with it, but thought I had most worked out. I took it in for a tune-up and the shop recommended I do a transmission flush which I agreed to. I was a little hesitant, but I was getting a code for transmission overheat, but the dash warning light wasn't on. I found a transmission flush was recommended because the filter could be clogged. Since the transmission flush I have noticed an issue. In about 300 miles it has slipped going into 2nd gear, not bad, but it did it. Also, yesterday when it was cold after driving to the end of my street it wouldn't go after stopping at a stop sign. I put it in park and back and drive and it worked fine. Have any of you guys experienced this? I'm getting scared a new transmission may be in the future. is there anything I could do to prevent a transmission failure? Thanks for any help.
Transmission ?
- Thread starter DFA
- Start date
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Is the fluid level okay now? Did the shop that did the flush use ATF+4? Any codes now? I'm not a big fan of the flush unless I know the service history of the vehicle. I just do a pan drop and filter change.
Get the codes read. Might have a stuck solenoid and perhaps getting a new solenoid pack would help. Any metal shavings in the fluid? Even if the check engine light isn't on there's codes if something isn't right.
DFA sorry to hear about your trouble.
Don't be afraid to ask questions anytime about your Jeeps servicing or even before having shop work done, so you are armed with good information before going in.
I am always afraid that the wrong fluid can be used. ATF+4 is critical in proper operation of the KJ. Please ask shop what fluid they used and how they did the "Flush"
The dealership for around $175 will service the trans properly, as they have the correct re-circulating machine and correct filter.
I'm always wondering what others may do when they say flush.
Did they even drop the pan & change the filter?
On level ground, start by checking to make sure when hot after driving for 20min, that the fluid is at the full line on dipstick, if not you may have to ad some ATF+4.
If it continues to slip and hesitate going into first, get the codes scanned.
If the shop used the wrong fluid...take it to the dealer ASAP.
Don't be afraid to ask questions anytime about your Jeeps servicing or even before having shop work done, so you are armed with good information before going in.
I am always afraid that the wrong fluid can be used. ATF+4 is critical in proper operation of the KJ. Please ask shop what fluid they used and how they did the "Flush"
The dealership for around $175 will service the trans properly, as they have the correct re-circulating machine and correct filter.
I'm always wondering what others may do when they say flush.
Did they even drop the pan & change the filter?
On level ground, start by checking to make sure when hot after driving for 20min, that the fluid is at the full line on dipstick, if not you may have to ad some ATF+4.
If it continues to slip and hesitate going into first, get the codes scanned.
If the shop used the wrong fluid...take it to the dealer ASAP.
All good info and thanks for the responses. I'm going to start with asking the mechanic I took it to what kind of transmission fluid he used. I bet he didn't use the recommended fluid. He is my girlfriends uncle, but should have know what to use, he has his own shop and has been in business for 20 years.
Update...Fluid is normal level. I called the mechanic and he said there were no metal shavings and looked good. I asked him what fluid he used and he said you have to use ATF+4, so I guess he did. He also said they changed the filter and did a flush. Odd that it didn't have any issues until after the work, so not sure where to go from here except maybe a transmission shop or let it ride since it only does it every now and then.
renegade 04
Full Access Member
You may want to have a transmission relearn done on your jeep computer. If you tech has a high end OBDII scanner he should be able to do it for you. I had a similiar problem and the relearn fixed the issue.
Hockeygoon
Full Access Member
You probably had issues with the transmission slipping before the fluid was changed - that's why you had the overheating code. Most likely changing the fluid removed the grit that was the last thing that was keeping your clutches working - making it slip even more. Have you had the codes read again since the fluid was changed?
Does your Liberty have a tow hitch?
For all the talk about what an excellent towing vehicle a Liberty is (pure BS in my opinion) if it has the 42RLE transmission its a light duty transmission originally designed for front wheel drive vehicles like the Neon, Voyager and the K cars. If this thing has been towing I wouldn't be surprised if it is shot.
If it has the 45RFE (both were used in 2003 models) is a bit heavier than the 42RLE but is known for not standing up to heat - again towing without a heavy duty cooler kills this transmission.
