any vehicle transmission experts?

[NuclearNed]

My 2004 Jeep Liberty is having transmission trouble. The other day I was driving to work, and the tachometer started revving up & down. After a couple of minutes of this, the engine went into full rev like it had no load on it. I pulled onto the shoulder of the interstate, the Jeep downshifted hard, and I was able to continue to drive it to my mechanic, although the transmission continued to make a whiny sound.

The mechanic admitted he isn't a transmission expert, but said that it could range anywhere from "simple fix" (ie a bad solenoid) to "completely shot." He recommended a transmission place to look at it, but it's going to cost $50 + towing fee.

My question - what are the odds that it's more on the side of "simple fix"? I'm not willing to put a lot of money in such an old vehicle, so if the transmission needs replacing I'm probably just going to trade it. However, I don't really want another car payment, so if there is significant hope it might be a cheap fix, I'd probably be willing to explore that route.

 

[Eureka]

There's a garage section for this.

Simplest fix is that you're low on fluid/old fluid and you need to flush and fill it. Is this an automatic? And for something like a transmission, unless you can take it apart, it probably would be wise to let someone else look at it (the transmission place).

Also look at this:
http://www.ehow.com/how_7895159_troubleshoot-jeep-libertys-transmission.html

Drive the vehicle and check for gear slippage, noise or no drive in forward or reverse gears. Lack of automatic transmission fluid can cause these issues.

6
Check if the engine starts in gears other than Park or Neutral or moves while in Park. This indicates that the shift cable is mis-adjusted. Check the shift gear linkage for damage.

7
Check the Brake/Transmission shift Interlock Solenoid. Turn the ignition key to Run and attempt to shift out of park without without stepping on the brake pedal. If the gear shift button can depress, the solenoid is defective.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

The Garage would be a better place for this.


It really is difficult to tell, as your mechanic said it could definitely be a shift solenoid. Personally, I would try changing the trans fluid first just to see if there's any change. If it's a sticky solenoid this could temporarily help, or at least help indicate if it's a major problem.

All too often people "throw stuff" at problematic transmissions, and chalk up $1000 in fluid changes and solenoids when they could've gotten a rebuilt installed for $2-3k


How many miles are on it?

 

[NuclearNed]

There's a garage section for this.

Simplest fix is that you're low on fluid/old fluid and you need to flush and fill it. Is this an automatic? And for something like a transmission, unless you can take it apart, it probably would be wise to let someone else look at it (the transmission place).

Also look at this:
http://www.ehow.com/how_7895159_troubleshoot-jeep-libertys-transmission.html

DOH! You're right... Mods, please move if you want

Done...

AT Moderator
Bartman39

yes - it's an automatic

 

[NuclearNed]

The Garage would be a better place for this.


It really is difficult to tell, as your mechanic said it could definitely be a shift solenoid. Personally, I would try changing the trans fluid first just to see if there's any change. If it's a sticky solenoid this could temporarily help, or at least help indicate if it's a major problem.

All too often people "throw stuff" at problematic transmissions, and chalk up $1000 in fluid changes and solenoids when they could've gotten a rebuilt installed for $2-3k


How many miles are on it?

~150K

 

[LennyZ]

With 150k miles you are on borrowed time.
If the rest of the vehicle is in good shape have a rebuilt trans put in.

My 2004 Liberty has 60k miles on it and the transmission pan is just about rotten thru.
Gotta put the new one on soon, I hope mine lasts 150k!

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Yeah at 150k, personally, I would probably do a good trans flush (just in case it's a sticky solenoid) and if it fixes it - sell it.


It's not worth putting in a rebuilt trans even if the rest of the car is mint.

 

[sdifox]

ned needs to read the free tranny thread.

 

[twinrider1]

I would drain, change filter, adjust bands if you feel up to it, and replace fluid. But I would NOT flush it.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

I would drain, change filter, adjust bands if you feel up to it, and replace fluid. But I would NOT flush it.

Adjust bands? This is a modern electronic transmission.


I very very rarely would say to flush a transmission. It's basically a last-choice scenario, and that's where he's at. It's a 150k mile dodge transmission.......

 

[twinrider1]

lol, ok, my DD is a '98, so I'm a little behind the times.

 

[nerp]

Put in a rebuilt transmission if the price is reasonable and the rest of the vehicle is in great shape. Otherwise, trade it in for a new Cherokee or something.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

You'd basically be giving it away if you traded it in. At 150k I'd probably swallow hard and have the trans replaced. If you got another year out of the jeep the $2000 spent would still be way cheaper than a new vehicle at $400+ a month.

 

[NuclearNed]

thanks for all the replies, guys

I spent part of the evening testing out the quick & easy stuff, and all signs point to the transmission is toast. Decision made, I'm going to trade.

 

[Bartman39]

I pulled onto the shoulder of the interstate, the Jeep downshifted hard, and I was able to continue to drive it to my mechanic, although the transmission continued to make a whiny sound.

That sounds like the planetary spit D: (striped the gear in the planetary) which means metal is now circulating in the trans fluid which is not a good thing...

Sorry to hear but why not consider getting a used transmission with installation that has a warranty (even if its 30 days some have more) and drive it like another member had just said... Also if its able to be driven its worth a lot more for either trade or outright sale...