Trans woes

[rokit_armor]

I've got some annoying trans problems- won't shift.

2002 Liberty Sport 3.7
45RFE

Some quick backstory first- it had some trans fluid leaks when I got it, no big deal I just kept it topped of. Not too long ago the radiator tank decided to crack on me, just a bit, so I kept it topped off and didn't drive it too much. Crack got worse, trans fluid dissapeared quicker. Went to replace trans pan gasket/filters and realized it was leaking due to rust completely thru the pan. Replaced pan/filters/gasket. Couldn't even get it near topped of, and realized the water coming out of my radiator was pink. No good, didn't drive it untill I replaced the rad yesterday. Great, no more leaks, but still won't shift. Holds fluid at the correct level, although when I checked it again today, it was bubbly. If it sets for a bit, there are small black lines where the holes in the dipstick are- I really hope this doesn't mean burnt clutch. Trans also makes a strange sound when in park or neutral. It did read 2 codes on the ECU, 'trans pressure sensor' and '2nd gear incorrect ratio'. Cleared the codes, reset the ECU just in case. Drive goes from first to second, then back to first where 3rd should be; when driven from park. Won't go out of first after that unless I manually choose it. I can also feel it shudder a bit when it tries to shift into third before it drops back to first. It also shifts hard from neutral to drive or second. Any suggestions before I send it to the dealer for big $$$?

 

[rokit_armor]

Well looks light I at least need a trans pressure sensor, the *!#@ thing broke in half while I was trying to pull the wire plug off of it. Calling the dealer first thing tomorrow I hope they have one in stock.

Would just a bad sensor pull that code, or would low pressure cause it too?

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

Staying in low gear like that is actually built-in protection in the trans - I believe it's called "catastrophic mode" or something like that. Keeps you from driving too fast and grenading the transmission.

It sounds like your torque converter isn't locking correctly - that's the shudder. The code for "Incorrect gear ratio in 2nd gear" is a sign that the clutch packs are going bad. If you take it to a good trans shop they'll throw their scanner on it and look for Clutch Volume Index (CVI) numbers that have to be in a specific range for each clutch pack. If they are out of range you need new clutch packs - and since that requires a complete teardown anyway you should just have the shop rebuild it. All the parts will be on the bench so why not...

The clutch packs on Chrysler ******'s are grouped by gear - 1st/Reverse, 2nd/4th, 3rd/Overdrive. I may be off on the groupings for the 45RFE compared to the 42RLE but it would at least be similar. You many notice issues going from Reverse to Drive/1st. It's the same clutch pack.

Let us know what the trans shop says.

Bob

 

[rokit_armor]

They say if it's not the accumulator plate(which apparently I should have checked while putting on the new trans pan) it's the clutch pack which is going to cost me $2500 in parts-n-labor to repair.(rather, to install a refurb trans)
I'll be taking it apart here in an hour or so, if the plate is fine, I'll be taking it to the dealer to trade it on something newer, thinking about a Patriot or maybe a Compass. I should at least get a few G's out of it, it's fully loaded.

 

[rokit_armor]

Took the entire valve assembly apart. Everything looked good. The only things that looked maybe not good, the end filter on the solenoid was a bit dirty, and the OD piston had a wear spot on it and in the sleeve, nothing major and didnt seem to impede movement. Put it all together and still no change.

 

[Ry' N Jen]

Why not just get a rebuilt transmission for you Jeep?
Allot less costly than a new vehicle!
At least then you still have a Jeep instead of a car with a Jeep badge!!!

 

[rokit_armor]

Yeah the problem is it has so many little things wrong with it.. rusty rockers, rusty back hatch hinges, back hatch door cracked, water pump, cracked leather on drivers seat, etc etc etc... dealer offered me $500 for it.... (i kinda laughed at that) but it blue-books at $3400 in rough shape, and then they took off $3000 they quoted me to fix the trans....

I just don't have the time or immediate cash to fix everything, not to mention no access to a lift or engine hoist.

I wouldn't mind just buying a $2000 beater to get us around but wifey got spoiled by the 'fully loaded'ness of the KJ.