[ppark]

I have a 2006 Wrangler Unlimited with 6 speed manual transmission with < 12,000 miles. A few months ago, I started having occassional problems getting into First gear and took it to the dealer. As usual, they did not find anything wrong with it. Recently, I started having problems going from First to Second gear in that it started to shift very rough and started to grind (only from Ist to 2nd but not from N to Second). Finally, took the jeep to the dealer and they said they are going to replace the transmission. Since my jeep is still under warranty, I am not too concerned. However, I was wondering if there is a widespread issue with the 6-speed manual transmission. I though the 6-speed transmission was reliable but now I am concerned that the new transmission will act up again. Any thoughts or inputs.
Thanks.

P.S. The service advisor at the dealer didn't tell me too much what the problem was and he was too busy to answer my questions (apparently the owner of my dealership also ownes another dealership across the street and he decided to close down the Service department across the street due to bad economy. So my dealership's service department is handling the volume of two dealerships.)

[ccrane2299]

I have an '06 too. It has always been hard to shift when it is cold. First to second is the worst, second to third is notchy. I have read many posts saying that they are all that way. I hope its not a problem. Why exactly are they replacing yours? Mine has 10,000 miles.

[ppark]

Originally Posted by ccrane2299

Why exactly are they replacing yours? Mine has 10,000 miles.

Not sure as I mentioned in my PS. They didn't make any fuss about replacing it. It may be really messed up

[FXSTCHEWY]

My 06' is like that when it's cold, I just shift slower until I have a few miles on it to warm it up, my 04' with the 5 speed did it too! click on this for more http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/nv3550-2nd-gear-659270/

[ppark]

It can't be normal for a transmission to grind when shifting from First to Second (when cold). I didn't have that problem until recently. One of their mechanics looked at it and said the clutch is fine but the transmission needed to be replaced. It can't be normal.

[SpeedyMitch]

Originally Posted by ppark

Not sure as I mentioned in my PS. They didn't make any fuss about replacing it. It may be really messed up

My '06 Unlimited's 6-Speed was very low on transmission fluid when I replaced it at 20k. It shifted poorly into first and second, especially when cold. There was no sign of any sort of leak - I believe it was just not filled at the factory.

Here is a great thread on the topic with specific recommendations on what to use and how much it should take: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/2005-6-speed-tranny-question-472423/

[Unlimited04]

there is a TSB on the 05 and 06 6-speed's, something do with a little piece in the clutch. it breaks and you cant put the pedal down. make sure that has been fixed properly.

other than that its a good trans.

[XJmaniac]

My 06 with the 6 speed has all the same problems and like you the dealer said it was normal.

[LJlunatic]

Yeah I get the grind from 1st to 2nd if I try to shift it fast...just shift it like a truck tranny and everything is gravy! All the shifts from there are as smooth as butter.

[spyder6]

if it grinds slightly its normal for the 6-speed. its a common issue that is just a bi-product of using a Gertag transmission.

[AMCMasterTech]

I checked out TSB/Recalls and found the one recall for improper clutch disengagement, 06V14700. I found two other TSB's only relating to 05's, both not directly relating to your problem but you might find them useful; 21-010-04 Proper Fluid Level and 21-006-05 Transmission will not stay engaged in reverse.

I did some more checking and several Jeep techs have reported that the shift fork nylon wear pads either fall off or wear out, not allowing the detent to fully throw (engage). It's possible that the synchros could take a hit from the resulting slop in the shifter, for example, the driver's hand resting on the shift knob too much. If you drain the case and find telltale signs, such as nylon or brass bits then that would let you know. But since Chrysler is gonna eat a new one, all the better. But i understand what you mean since it won't be under warranty forever.

[ppark]

Originally Posted by AMCMasterTech

I checked out TSB/Recalls and found the one recall for improper clutch disengagement, 06V14700. I found two other TSB's only relating to 05's, both not directly relating to your problem but you might find them useful; 21-010-04 Proper Fluid Level and 21-006-05 Transmission will not stay engaged in reverse.

I did some more checking and several Jeep techs have reported that the shift fork nylon wear pads either fall off or wear out, not allowing the detent to fully throw (engage). It's possible that the synchros could take a hit from the resulting slop in the shifter, for example, the driver's hand resting on the shift knob too much. If you drain the case and find telltale signs, such as nylon or brass bits then that would let you know. But since Chrysler is gonna eat a new one, all the better. But i understand what you mean since it won't be under warranty forever.

I appreciate your research on this issue. I am going to try to talk to the mechanic (if they allow me) when I pick up my jeep to find out the actual problem with the transmission that required a new replacement.

[Contra]

is this a '08 or '09 issue i wonder?

as i was looking at getting another Jeep (additional)
although i am not really happy with the looks it is sporting, with a lift and a large set of mudders is looks pretty good

[jimaug87]

I have an '05 with ~45k miles. I can shift it as fast as i want to and it's smooth. I shift it clutchless sometimes (just a habit from work. It's faster), and it's real easy. Clutch feels great. It sounds like you got a bum tranny and you could look at an extended powertrain warranty to calm some fears.

good luck with the new one.

[Bishop Creek]

Originally Posted by jimaug87

I have an '05 with ~45k miles. I can shift it as fast as i want to and it's smooth. I shift it clutchless sometimes (just a habit from work. It's faster), and it's real easy. Clutch feels great. It sounds like you got a bum tranny and you could look at an extended powertrain warranty to calm some fears.

good luck with the new one.

Same here. The six speed in my '05 LJ is smooth as silk, even when it is a freezing 7 degrees outside. Keeping my fingers crossed that all stays well.