Transmission slipping

Tiny
CANNON1349
  • MECHANIC
  • 2002 JEEP LIBERTY
  • 3.7L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 179,000 MILES
Hi,

Transmission goes into reverse fine but when put in drive it will not do anything for a few seconds and then it will catch and go, but when given gas it sputters/feels like its disengaging. Reverse, Neutral, and Park work fine. I'm thinking torque converter? The fluid is a reddish brown with some bubbles. Some steam/smoke from dipstick but no burning smell.
Friday, May 8th, 2020 AT 5:02 PM

22 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Hello,

We should run the codes first, but it sounds like the line pressure sensor has gone out. Here is the location of the sensor and a guide to help you see how to get the codes:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find.
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Saturday, May 9th, 2020 AT 12:55 PM
Tiny
CANNON1349
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No codes regarding that sensor. Just some evap codes and an idle control code. Possibly due to a cold air intake on it. Still think it's the sensor?
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Saturday, May 9th, 2020 AT 1:39 PM
Tiny
CANNON1349
  • MECHANIC
  • 670 POSTS
I replaced the sensor and now I'm getting P0731 and P0876. Now the transmission won't do anything.
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Saturday, May 9th, 2020 AT 2:53 PM
Tiny
CANNON1349
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So I did some research and the most common repairs point to the solenoid pack in the transmission. Which will also include new fluid and filters. What do you think?
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Saturday, May 9th, 2020 AT 4:36 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Hmm, the P0876 trouble code include a low transmission fluid condition, defective high pressure pump, which mean the transmission needs to be rebuilt or get a used one. Here is a video to help you remove the unit on a similar car but the process is the same. I have included instruction on how to remove the transmission in the diagrams below. You can save about $700.00 by removing the transmission yourself.

https://youtu.be/3vJAojsrfuU

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, May 11th, 2020 AT 11:00 AM
Tiny
CANNON1349
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Okay, but why would that code show up with a new sensor? I put the old sensor back in and that particular code went away. But still getting the gear ratio code. Also P0700, I guess if the solenoid pack doesn't cut it then we'll look at a trip to the junkyard.
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Monday, May 11th, 2020 AT 11:13 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Here is how you can change the solenoid pack which may fix it. If the pump has failed the transmission will need to be rebuilt. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find.
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Monday, May 11th, 2020 AT 11:26 AM
Tiny
CANNON1349
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Would it be possible to convert this to a 2wd car? I went to the junkyard and found a bunch of the 2wd transmissions, but no 4wd.
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Thursday, May 14th, 2020 AT 12:24 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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I believe the 2wd will have a longer output shaft so it wont work. You must find a 4wd unit. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can see what's going on? That would be great. You can upload it here with your response.
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Thursday, May 14th, 2020 AT 12:30 PM
Tiny
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Here's a video.
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Thursday, May 14th, 2020 AT 1:11 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Thanks for the video it helps. This can be the the fluid pressure sensor. I would try replacing it even though there is no code if that does help the transmission needs to be rebuilt. Please let me know.
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Friday, May 15th, 2020 AT 11:18 AM
Tiny
CANNON1349
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As mentioned above, I didn't get the engine code for the fluid sensor until I replaced it with a new one. I took the new sensor back to the store.
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Friday, May 15th, 2020 AT 11:22 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Stupid question, have you checked the transmission fluid level? I know you checked the condition of the fluid? If the level is okay the transmission will need to be rebuilt.
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Friday, May 15th, 2020 AT 11:53 AM
Tiny
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Seemed a little overfilled.
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Friday, May 15th, 2020 AT 11:56 AM
Tiny
CANNON1349
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Besides that the fluid is a bit bubbly. Do you think there's no reason to change the fluid and 2 filters and the solenoid pack? Just grabbing at straws here.
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Friday, May 15th, 2020 AT 5:06 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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It can help to change the fluid and solenoid pack, but there is no way to tell for sure unless the unit is removed and disassembled. So it's a chance you need to decide if you want to take.
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Sunday, May 17th, 2020 AT 10:20 AM
Tiny
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Well, I just got P0944 which points to either a bad pump or clogged filter so either way fluid has to be drained.
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Sunday, May 17th, 2020 AT 10:23 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Let me know if that fixes it.
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Sunday, May 17th, 2020 AT 10:26 AM
Tiny
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I think I may have found the problem. The spin on filter that looks like a motor oil filter was rolling around in the pan. Looks like this is the first time the pan has been off though, it has silicone sealing it. What the heck?
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Sunday, May 17th, 2020 AT 2:34 PM
Tiny
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No I'm wrong. This isn't the first time this has been done. The filter number is TF98 which is an AutoZone part number.
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Sunday, May 17th, 2020 AT 2:36 PM

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