Transmission

Tiny
CODY MEZZATESTO
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 JEEP LIBERTY
  • 3.7L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 115,000 MILES
The transmission in my car shifts fine but there are a few problems with it. The first is between forty to fifty mph it seems to have no power almost like it ran out just slowly climbs in that range but anything higher or lower is works like it should. Second issue is when completely stopped only when you go to take off if not easy on gas car will act like it's in neutral and rpm's will review up then after few seconds you feel the power and car engages how it should. Last issue is when in reverse car goes like it should but on hills or barely any inclines it will not back up just revs like in neutral even in four wheel drive. Transmission has been flushed and filter changed and also has had Lucas added to it for potential slipping. Was told could be torque converter locking up and maybe solenoid going bad or whole transmission needs rebuilt. Looking for some knowledge as it shifts fine for most parts.
Friday, July 14th, 2017 AT 1:45 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,100 POSTS
The forty to fifty mph issue is common with that transmission, it is the gearing in the transmission, and vehicle that give it a "dead spot" at the rpm range for those speeds. Mine has done it from day one.
The poor take off and reverse issues sound like the transmission, is low on fluid. If it is in the normal range then it is slipping and it is time for a rebuild (or a re-man transmission, ).
I would also suggest adding a larger cooler if you rebuild, these transmissions really hate heat.
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Friday, July 14th, 2017 AT 2:05 PM
Tiny
CODY MEZZATESTO
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks for the reply. I kind of thought that with the forty to fifty mph thing. Yes the transmission fluid level is normal not dirty or anything.
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Friday, July 14th, 2017 AT 5:07 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,100 POSTS
I bought mine with 70, 00 on it, the transmission had never been touched. Decided not to temp fate, It went to 146,000 before it quit. Had it rebuilt and do regular service on it, currently it is waiting for me to weld the exhaust back on, but it is at 254,625 and still going.
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Friday, July 14th, 2017 AT 9:25 PM
Tiny
CODY MEZZATESTO
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Yes, I heard these transmissions never made it hardly past 150,000 without having transmission work done.
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Saturday, July 15th, 2017 AT 8:45 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,100 POSTS
With all the changes through the years that has been a constant. Only the early 2002's had a beefier transmissions. But the 2002-2004 have the better engines. 2005 and up like to eat the valves and pop rocker arms off. If you ever have engine issues, do not try to use 2005 and up. They will bolt in but they will not run with the earlier computer system we have.
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Saturday, July 15th, 2017 AT 1:57 PM
Tiny
CODY MEZZATESTO
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Oh wow I did not know that. Thanks for the information. The biggest issues I knew of with these were the transmissions and window motors going and sludge in engine and oil consumption.
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Saturday, July 15th, 2017 AT 2:22 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,100 POSTS
It isn't the window motors that go it's the connecting piece from the end of the cable that snaps onto the pin that moves the glass. The factory part is nylon and it wears thin and breaks and the window stops moving. If that happens there is a kit that is REAL easy to install that replaces that part with a metal piece. The guy who developed them steigerperformance. Com gets about 100 bucks per window, you can buy a set of 4 on ebay for less money. Autoandart is the seller, item 391328671623 is the part I'm referring to.
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Sunday, July 16th, 2017 AT 9:44 AM

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