trans issues...

[01TJ_03KJ]

2003 KJ renegade automatic transmission
my KJ hasn't shifted so smoothly since the day i got it. i will hit the gas and it's almost like its asleep for a second then when it finally realizes what's going on it wams/accelerates quicker than i intended. most people said its the O/D that i'm not used to...but whatever.

the other day when i started it up the trans light stayed on for a minute and the jeep dinged at me a lot, never had that happen before except when i left the rear hatch open or something. it went away after a minute and didn't drive any differently than usual.

but it's got over 100K on it *and* i've been having nightmares about it breaking down. (had it a year and a half now with no issues at all)

had it all serviced about 2 wks ago, including trans. service with filter replacement.

so basically, i am preparing for the future. i don't even know exactly *which* transmission i have in this thing. how much can you usually get a hold of one for and how much work is involved in swapping a new one in? (a few capable jeep owners would be undertaking it)...

 

[01TJ_03KJ]

wow, so uh...nobody even knows what type of trans is in my 03 KJ ??

 

[icarl]

From what i understand you have either a 45RFE or 42RLE depending on when your 03 was made.

 

[CrossBones]

most 2003's came with the 42RLE. A garbage trans compared to the 42 RFE that came in the '02's - so I've been told.

 

[JeepJeepster]

most 2003's came with the 42RLE. A garbage trans compared to the 42 RFE that came in the '02's - so I've been told.

Youve been reading to much.. Neither ****** is garbage.

The 45rfe came in 2002's and some early 2003's, 42rle comes in the rest.

 

[ShafferNY]

My 2003 has the 45RFE.

If you look at the passenger's side(right side) inner fender and you see a computer, that's the TCM(Transmission Control Module). The 45RFE has it's own computer. You still have a PCM(Powertrain Contol Module) located on the driver's inner fender.

If you don't see a computer on the passenger's sided(right), you should have the 42RLE. You should notice that the PCM on the driver's side inner fender has three electrical connectors. In this case the PCM controls both the engine and transmission.

Neither transmission is "junk". The 45RFE is just the better of the two from what I've read. It's a little beefier. It was actually offered in the Dodge Ram trucks behind the six cylinder engine if I'm not mistaken. If I am, I'm sure someone will chime in and set me straight.

 

[liv42dy]

the 02's came with 42 RFE the trans was a take off on the old Mopars 727's witch were bullet proof. also keep it in mimd that at times when the trans fluid is canged by dropping the pan and both filters are replaced you may need a trans relearn the dealer as far as I know are the only ones that can do it.

 

[ohv_kj]

no early 03 have the 45, like mine...late have the 42...as long as you do the maitnece it should be fine...you might run into so sensors going bad...easy fix...

 

[tjkj2002]

Neither transmission is "junk". The 45RFE is just the better of the two from what I've read. It's a little beefier. It was actually offered in the Dodge Ram trucks behind the six cylinder engine if I'm not mistaken. If I am, I'm sure someone will chime in and set me straight.

The 45RFE was put behind the 4.7 V-8 and the 5.7 HEMI until they went to the 545RFE which is basically a 45RFE with different guts to get a 2nd overdrive.

 

[twindragons187]

i have an 03 that was made 1/03 with the 42rle, however, i also have the computer on the pass side fender and the computer on the drivers fender.......sooo....look under and count how many bolts that hold the trans pan on. i believe that 13 bolts=42rle....(not sure if the number is correct, but the 42rle has less bolts holding the ****** pan on).

 

[AlexKJ]

My 2003 has the 45RFE.

If you look at the passenger's side(right side) inner fender and you see a computer, that's the TCM(Transmission Control Module). The 45RFE has it's own computer. You still have a PCM(Powertrain Contol Module) located on the driver's inner fender.

If you don't see a computer on the passenger's sided(right), you should have the 42RLE. You should notice that the PCM on the driver's side inner fender has three electrical connectors. In this case the PCM controls both the engine and transmission.

That's not accurate... I have a '03 with the computer in the right side and I have a 42RLE... This is the "early setup" for the 42RLE, mostly for '03s...

i have an 03 that was made 1/03 with the 42rle, however, i also have the computer on the pass side fender and the computer on the drivers fender.......sooo....look under and count how many bolts that hold the trans pan on. i believe that 13 bolts=42rle....(not sure if the number is correct, but the 42rle has less bolts holding the ****** pan on).

That's right! This is the better way to know... 13 bolts for the 42RLE, 15 bolts for the 45RFE...

These are pictures of aftermarket pans for each one of them:

42RLE

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45RFE

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Cheers!

 

[JeepJeepster]

These are pictures of aftermarket pans for each one of them:

42RLE

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You must be registered for see images attach

45RFE

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Cheers!

Where does one buy this aftermarket pan for the 42rle?

 

[Marlon_JB2]

the 02's came with 42 RFE the trans was a take off on the old Mopars 727's witch were bullet proof. also keep it in mimd that at times when the trans fluid is canged by dropping the pan and both filters are replaced you may need a trans relearn the dealer as far as I know are the only ones that can do it.

You mean 45RFE, but it has NO relation to the old TorqueFlite. And yes, the computer on the passenger fender was previously thought of as a way to tell which transmission was in the KJ, but the middle ground '03 KJs with the 42RLE proved that was not a reliable indicator.

To the Original Poster of the thread, PLEASE tell me your fluid was replaced with ATF+4 and NOT Dexron.

 

[ShafferNY]

I wasn't aware early 42RLE's also had the TCM on the passenger's side inner fender. Sorry for the misinformation.

I DO know for a fact that my 2003 has the 45RFE. I requested a build sheet from Chrysler.

Thank you for contacting the Chrysler Customer Assistance Center
regarding your 2003 Jeep liberty.

We appreciate the time and effort you took to write to us. In response
to your email regarding the build sheet, we would like to inform you
that our records indicate that your vehicle was equipped from the
factory with the following:

Prem Leather Trimmed Bucket Seats
Lt Taupe/Dk Slate Gray
Convenience Group I
Security Group
Power Convenience Group
Monotone Paint
3.7L Eng(EKG)/4Spd A/T 45RFE(DG4)
136 Amp Alternator
600 Amp Maintenance Free Battery
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
Rear 65/35 Folding Split Seat
Child Seat Anchor System-LATCH Ready
Next Gen Multistage Front Air Bags**
Floor Carpet
Cargo Compartment Carpet
Cargo Tie Down Loops
Plastic Swing Gate Trim Panel
Front & Rear Floor Mats
Cargo Trim Panel w/Storage Net
Spare Tire Cover
Cargo Compartment Cover
Passenger Assist Handles
Driver Assist Handle
Luxury Door Trim Panel
Mini Overhead Console
Full Length Floor Console
All 4-Speed Automatic Transmissions
Multi-Speed Auto 45RFE Transmission
Lock-Up Torque Converter
Selec-Trac Full Time 4WD System
Dana 30/186MM Front Axle
3.73 Axle Ratio
Corporate 8.25 Rear Axle
3.7L V6 Engine
Tinted Windshield Glass
Front Door Tinted Glass
Deep Tint Sunscreen Glass
Flipper Swing Gate Glass
Rear Window Defroster
Sun Visors w/Illum Vanity Mirrors
Rear View Auto Dim Mirror
Pwr Htd F/Away,Drvr Auto Dim Mirrors
All Vehicles W/Power Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Sentry Key Theft Deterrent System
Air Conditioning
Route 89 - CSX, Selkirk, NY
Instrument Cluster w/Tach
120 MPH Primary Speedometer
Var Intermittent Windshield Wipers
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Dual Note Electric Horns
12V Auxiliary Power Outlet
Auxiliary 12-Volt Rear Power Outlet
Speed Sensitive Power Locks
Heated Front Seats
Power Front Driver/Passenger Seats
Pwr Windows, Front 1-Touch Down
STRIPE/BADGE/MOLDING/COLOR
STRIPE/BADGE/MOLDING/COLOR
Illuminated Entry
Vehicle Information Center
Courtesy Lamps
Map/Dome Reading Lamps
Cargo Compartment Lamp
Traveler/Mini Trip Computer
Headlamp Off Time Delay
Halogen Headlamps
Fog Lamps
CHMSL Lamp
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Front License Plate Bracket
Body Color Grille
Body Color Fascias
Limited Edition Badge
Jeep Badge
4X4 Badge
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3.7L Badge
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50 State Emissions
Federal Tier 2, Bin 9A Emissions
18.5 Gallon Fuel Tank
Power Steering Cooler
Speed Control
Stone White Clear Coat
Stone White C/C
All Radio Equipped Vehicles
AM/FM Cass/CD Radio w/Changer Ctrl
6 Premium Speakers
Fixed Long Mast Antenna
Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Ctrls
Power Rack and Pinion Steering
Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
Normal Duty Suspension
Tilt Steering Column
Full Size Spare Tire
Outside Tire Carrier
P235/70R16 BSW All Season Tires
Goodyear Brand Tires
Matching Spare Wheel
16X7.0 Lux Aluminum Wheels
All Aluminum Wheels
Universal Garage Door Opener
Grocery Bag Hooks
Tethered Fuel Filler Cap
Protective Coating and Remover
5 Additional Gallons of Gas

If we can be of any assistance to you in the future, please let us know.

Thanks again for your email and for giving us an opportunity to assist
you.

Sincerely,

Sandy Straube
Customer Service Representative
Chrysler Customer Assistance Center

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Original Message Follows:
------------------------

US Customer Service - Jeep Brand Site
Brief Description:
I would like a copy of the build sheet for my vehicle.
Comments:

 

[Marlon_JB2]

That doesn't mean anything either, sadly. Build Sheets can and often are wrong. MoladoGuy on here has a 2004 Liberty, ALL of those have the 42RLE, and his build sheet says he has a 45RFE. Seems like the only way to tell is to get under the Lib and look at the transmission.

 

[ShafferNY]

15 bolt pan. Letters RFE on the sticker on the driver's side of the pan.

 

[LibertyTC]

Few things to check....

Somewhere in the owners manual I read when the vehicle is cold, when you first select a gear, it may hesitate for a second or two before engaging. This is because pressure has not built up until you engage the gear. Manual states this is normal.
Also if you have just had the ****** serviced, warm vehicle by short highway or city drive of 30 minutes, and then check your dipstick while engine running in Park /see what the reading is on level surface.
Many transmissions may experience this shifting problem initially, (gets worse as it approaches freezing) and sometimes just slightly overfilling with fluid corrects the problem, by building bit more pressure initially.
If it is close to freezing allow your vehicle a few minutes of warm up time before engaging, and go easy the first few miles. I normally start out with the overdrive off until it has warmed up.

 

[jnaut]

15 bolt pan. Letters RFE on the sticker on the driver's side of the pan.

Still doesn't mean anything. Little gnomes can switch those stickers in the dark of night. Had to chase a bunch off my lawn one night. When they ran off, one of them dropped something. I picked it up and it was a 45RFE sticker.

 

[AlexKJ]

Where does one buy this aftermarket pan for the 42rle?

Blake, I've found that this, this, this and this sites says the same thing:

If you have a Jeep Liberty and need a pan, please let us know what transmission you have and if there are any clearance restrictions. This pan has 14 bolts. Some Jeeps have the 42RLE transmission which has 13 bolts. Please check your existing pan configuration and clearance before ordering.

Cheers!