[MCJP982]

Hey Jeep Forum!

Came across this group by recommendation from another Jeep group on Reddit - glad I got the rec because this site is chock-full of good info (aka glad to be here!) I have posted versions of my dilemma in some other places but my main question has evolved a bit and now I am looking for some input on best direction to take from anyone who has done some PCM work. Here's the basics regarding my 2006 GC 5.7L with 95K miles:

• Last year I got the bloody "Trans over temp" warning. Jeep throws no codes and all works fine after a simple turn off + turn on.
• Seeking to avoid larger problems, I had transmission temp sensor replaced and PCM re-flashed by a trusted mechanic. Didn't fix the occasional trans warning.
• Had a coworker's trusted mechanic take a look who concluded a Jeep dealer itself be the best to figure this out (and he agreed with their findings below).
• Took my GC to said Jeep dealer who concluded the PCM needs to be rebuilt at a cost of $2100+. Their equipment recorded nominal engine conditions while the car's equipment recorded wide number fluctuations. All else they say is in good shape

I've done some reading into signs of a bad PCM and while I do have some (i.e. occasional rough idling / slow shifting / cabin smells, low mpg's, etc), I'm by no means an expert. That said, at present I see three options: have the dealer complete the expensive fix, get a cheaper "plug and play" reprogrammed unit or just continue to ignore the occasional trans warning with the hopes that it don't lead to further issues down the line (probably not the best but I've seen some posts say this).

My Jeep is in great shape and I'd love to keep it but I'm not in a position to keep throwing large sums of $ at it if the dealer fix don't work. I'm also unsure that a cheaper plug + play reprogrammed unit is the best action to take since I have read horror stories with doing that.

SO ... anyone have any input / experience with a course of action here? I would love to hear what worked for folks.

Thanks!

ps: relevant threads I came across included this Trans thread and this PCM thread and this Trans warning thread

 

[jtec]

I gotta spend some time figurig this sentence out
"Their equipment recorded nominal engine conditions while the car's equipment recorded wide number fluctuations"
details would be nice.

How are you checking for codes?
The technicians checked for codes - pending and HISTORY? thinking, Scanner ability and where you look.
Did the techs look at trans temp reading? thinking s it is getting HOT and not a F'ed sensor issue.

Your jeep is STOCK, just as delivered new - no add ons aftermarket BS. Proms, programers, chips speedo etc.
Any other issues - codes, weird quirks not mentioned,

 

[MCJP982]

I gotta spend some time figurig this sentence out
"Their equipment recorded nominal engine conditions while the car's equipment recorded wide number fluctuations"
details would be nice.

How are you checking for codes?
The technicians checked for codes - pending and HISTORY? thinking, Scanner ability and where you look.
Did the techs look at trans temp reading? thinking s it is getting HOT and not a F'ed sensor issue.

Your jeep is STOCK, just as delivered new - no add ons aftermarket BS. Proms, programers, chips speedo etc.
Any other issues - codes, weird quirks not mentioned,

Hey JTec - let me answer these:

Jeep dealer said that when they were test driving the car, their equipment they had plugged in was recording all nominal numbers for engine performance. The PCM of the car itself, however, I guess was showing fluctuations in the trans temp which they believe it what keeps triggering the "trans over temp" warning. They took a scan tool to the car after their drive and confirmed that nothing was actually overheating- all temps are per spec.

Dealer and previous mechanics have checked for codes using their software / plugin tools and have shown nothing of concern. The car doesn't even log the Trans Over Temp warnings I get. I myself also went and bought the separate plugin to see if it could catch a code when the warning was actually activated as I was driving and that too has still pulled no code.

and that is correct - Jeep is totally stock. No mods done whatsoever besides a chrome fuel door lol. And no other weird quirks, just the ones mentioned in my original post