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What kind of lifespan for a well -maintained AW4??

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DennisT

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
We run a 1999 and a 2000; one for wife; one for me. Both with AW4. Each has about 162,000 well maintained miles. Someone in our family stopped by today and Cherokee's came up. When he asked how many miles we had on ours and heard my answer he suggested we sell them soon as the trans were probably going to go with these miles.

I laughed as one of my friends has 400K on his; don't know about his AW4, however.

So quick question, how many miles are you guys really getting out of your AW4 transmissions when well maintained? (Yes, I know conditions vary)

Dennis
 
#2 ·
I would say that, with proper maintenance (change oil regularly and add extra oil cooler if the trans sees severe service), an AW-4 should go as long as the 4.0 engine.

I would say if you don't get AT LEAST 200K miles on it, there is something wrong. Of course, there ARE exceptions, but the AW-4 is almost as legendary as the 4.0 for longevity, provided it is treated properly.

I think you family member does not know what he is talking about. Maybe he is confusing it with some OTHER Jeep auto trans. None of the ones in the ZJ or Wranglers are as durable as the AW-4.
 
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Discussion starter · #3 ·
trans

Thanks; I agree.
Interestingly, I also run an '89 Volvo 244 for highway. Has 192,000 miles, still with original struts, shocks, starter, etc. It has an Aisin-Warner AW70. Same company I'm sure. The Volvo version is extremely durable, so I expect our AW4's to be similar. The Warner is Borg-Warner, an old company over here as I recall. At least BW stuff was common for a long time in the U.S.
Dennis
 
#4 ·
Jeep AW4 is pretty much exactly the same transmission as Toyota A340 and IIRC also Volvo AW70-71-72 series transmissions, and are legendary for their reliability when properly maintained. You can expect to see minimum of 200K trouble free miles, but getting 300K+ isn't uncommon at all. Heat kills any auto transmission, and same goes for the AW4. It's only bigger drawback is they generate quite a lot of heat -> aux cooler keeps it safe.

I wouldn't worry at all @160K :thumbsup:
 
#5 ·
AZ Jeff said:
I think you family member does not know what he is talking about. Maybe he is confusing it with some OTHER Jeep auto trans. None of the ones in the ZJ or Wranglers are as durable as the AW-4.
Click to expand...
^This, I'm guessing that that family member is thinking of Grand Cherokees. The 42RE that came behind the 4.0L I6 in the ZJ and WJ is/was pretty weak and is known for early failure, especially if abused or not maintained. The AW4 is pretty much as bullet-proof as an automatic gets, as AZ Jeff said 200k mi+ is expected and 300K mi+ is not uncommon with proper maintenance.
 
#6 ·
:confused: "Sell them soon as the trans were probably going to go with these miles." :confused:
Said no one with any kind of Jeep knowledge... Ever.:rofl:
 
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#8 ·
Well, I'm sure my five-speed will last a good long while (currently at 220,000 miles), the key to keeping any automatic tranny happy is keeping it cool. The killer for a Jeep tranny is that the transmission can get REALLY hot when you're wheeling, especially when you're applying a whole lot of motor and getting very little movement. I'm not sure I'd trust the exact numbers in this chart I found, but I've seen the concept echoed over and over - the lifespan of a tranny is inversely proportional to the heat of the fluid.

175°F 100,000 miles
195°F 50,000 miles
212°F 25,000 miles
235°F 12,000 miles
255°F 6,250 miles
275°F 3,000 miles
295°F 1,500 miles
315°F 750 miles
335°F 325 miles
355°F 160 miles
375°F 80 miles
390°F 40 miles
415°F Less than 30 minutes

Here's an article about what one (apparently experienced) Jeep pilot sees with his AW4 when wheeling: http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/t...ransmission-drivetrain/154-1009-automatic-transmission-cooling-tips-and-tricks/
 
#9 ·
Those figures above are within the range that gives you maximum life out of a tranny. Auto tranny doesn't like to be too hot, but it does need to be warm enough for proper operation as well. In other words, too much cooling during harsh winter weather and it never gets hot enough.

Anything in the range of around 100*F up to 175*F is acceptable, above that and you will start to shorten the lifespan of the unit. Keep in mind that even though the avarage tranny temps stay within that range, you can burn a tranny fairly quickly if you apply enough engine torque (high RPMs) and you're not moving anywhere. When wheeling and the Jeep feels like it's struggling - select low range and/ or shorter gear. Tranny temp gauge and aftermarket cooler is the key for long tranny service life if you like to wheel, haul heavy loads or often tow a trailer.
 
#10 ·
As far as i know, when I bought my Jeep it had the factory AW4 in it.
It is now at 380K+ miles.
The last time it was serviced it had some debris in the fluid, and it has a cold weather quirk (sticks in 1st gear for a few minutes) but otherwise it runs fine.
Recently installed a cooler and gauge; It will run under 150* most of the time, with the occasional 180* peak in traffic on a 95*++ day.
 
#11 ·
I have 228,000 on my stock aw4 only change fluid once in awhile and had to replace a solenoid but she runs and shifts like a dream.
 
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#13 ·
I have a '91 at 3" on 31's. I have an extra tranny cooler and I regularly tow a trailer. I'm at a little over 278,000 and it isn't giving any indication of quitting any time soon. Just keep up with your regular maintenance and you'll be fine. If it does quit, you can always get another and swap it in relatively inexpensive.
 
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