[orimili]

I have been noticing that every time I move from the park position to reverse, the transmission takes at least 1-2 seconds to engage, which was never the case with my last jeep. When I switch from park to drive, or from reverse to drive, it engages immediately. Other than slow reverse engaging, the tranny shifts perfectly. What might be the issue?

[Virmagicus]

Check you tranny fluid in neutral (when running) with tranny/engine hot.

[orimili]

you think it might be the tranny fluid? I want to check it right now but the parking lot is pretty dark. would checking it under a street lamp be fine? what would I be checking for?

[ajmorell]

To make sure the fluid level is where it should be. Remeber.....check it in Neutral, with the tranny up to normal operating temperature.

[alivenkickin28]

mine did this too.....how long has it been since it was changed...the fluid that is.....i had mine changed my fluid and took care of the prob...

[orimili]

Ok, I should do that soon. I've only had the jeep for about a month or two, I'll check the service docs to see when the last time it was changed. I hope it's just a fluid issue.

[orimili]

Originally Posted by virmagicus

Check you tranny fluid in neutral (when running) with tranny/engine hot.

I was just able to go out now and check the tranny fluid... It appears light pink, but I had to pull out and replace the dipstick a couple of times.

The first time, there was fluid on the stick, but not enough to tell what level it was at, It was not nearly as much as one would see on the dipstick when checking the engine oil.

The second time, there was a bit more fluid, but still not as much, same light pink color, but the level of the fluid doesn't seem to get pass the cross pattern on the dipstick...

The next time I will be able to check again is after classes today. This is interesting, but what does this all mean?

[CrazyDrivinJoe]

I have the same problem with mine i jus ignore it everything works fine... I have been havin this problem i think for about 2 years it only seems to be when i first start it up in the morning or afternoon though mine might be transmission fluid but i have not checked it lately so I dont kno... but it does seem like you are low on tranny fluid... probably a quart at least but probably like 2 or 3 from the sounds of it...I hope you were checking the fluid in N after shifting through all the gears

[orimili]

Isn't it dangerous to have your tranny running with low fluid? And will a change really get rid of it?

[NoreasterPlus2]

1998 ZJ
We had a cold snap last week, and the connector that sends trani-fluid through it's own "cooler" came loose and spewed fluid all over the parking lot. I fixed the hose, and replaced the fluid (3 qts of ATF4). I checked the level on the dipstick (in NEUTRAL after shifting through the gears) but it was hard to read. I couldn't see it as clearly as on the OIL level.

The trans eventually started shifting again once the fluid made it's rounds. But now, it's sluggish shifting from 1st to 2nd. Sometimes it revs high 2k before shifting.

Anyone know if this problem is familiar to you?

I live in NYC so it's difficult to change the fluid, check the bands myself. Any help in the NY (Queens) area would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[ajmorell]

Sounds like you didn't add enough fluid to me. The transmission will act like it doesn't want to shift, act like it is slipping, or act like it has lost gear if the fluid level is too low.

[NoreasterPlus2]

When I check the fluid level, should it be as obvious as, say, the Oil Level Stick? I was looking for it to be as apparent because of the bright color of the Trans Fluid, but couldn't tell.

And this is going to sound like a newbie question...
I should check the fluid level while it's idling in neutral...right? But add with the engine off..

(yes, I can hear the laughter..it's okay, I'd be laughing and drinking a beer- or at least doing a spit take)

[ajmorell]

Check in neutral at idle, yes. You can add fluid while it is running. The tranny dipstick is harder to read because it is so long and it may take a few tries to see it. Try putting the dipstick in the opposite way (ie turn it 180 degrees).

[orimili]

Ok, round three, here goes:

I wasn't exactly on level ground last time, so I drove down the street and tried it again.

The tranny fluid is bright pink and very clear, and reads up to the max level for operating temp (cross pattern). No other particles are present, and it certainly does not smell burnt. I left the jeep to idle for a bit more time, and switched gears again. Going to drive is still immediate, but reverse still takes a second or two

[orimili]

Originally Posted by alivenkickin28

mine did this too.....how long has it been since it was changed...the fluid that is.....i had mine changed my fluid and took care of the prob...

Yours did the exact same thing? If that is so, then I would be very relieved...