The Jeep Commander was equipped with the 545RFE or the W5A580 (NAG1) transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Jeep Commander transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Jeep Commander Transmission Models
Jeep Commander Transmission: 545RFE
Jeep Commander Transmission: W5A580 (NAG1)
Jeep Commander Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
Replacement Jeep Commander Transmission Prices:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 545RFE | 2348 |
| W5A580 / NAG1 | 2589 |
What are the DTC codes related to Jeep Commander transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0700 | Transmission Control System (MIL Request) |
| P0711 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0712 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input |
| P0713 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input |
| P0720 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0730 | Incorrect Gear Ratio |
| P0731 | Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0732 | Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0733 | Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0734 | Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0735 | Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0740 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction |
| P0743 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Electrical |
| P0748 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
| P0751 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0765 | Shift Solenoid 'D' |
| P0783 | 3-4 Shift |
| P0880 | TCM Power Input Signal |
| P0881 | TCM Power Input Signal Range/Performance |
| P0882 | TCM Power Input Signal Low |
| P0884 | TCM Power Input Signal Intermittent |
Jeep Commander Transmission Recalls
None Found
Jeep Commander Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
TSB 21-015-05 – Delayed gear engagement – 545RFE Transmission
2000 – 2004 Dodge Dakota – 2000 – 2006 Dodge Durango – 2003 – 2006 Dodge Ram – 2002 – 2006 Jeep Liberty – 1999 – 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee – 2006 Jeep Commander
Problem – Drivers may notice an initial delayed gear engagement with the shift into Drive or reverse after the vehicle has been parked overnight/is cold. This may occur after having the transmission serviced and having the transmission cooler return filter replaced.
Solution – If the OEM transmission cooler return filter (part #04799662AB) was used, it can allow the transmission fluid to drain back out of the torque converter, causing the delay/slip on initial gear engagement. Installing an upgraded transmission cooler return filter should cure the problem.
Common Jeep Commander Transmission Problems
Delayed and/or harsh 3-4 or 4-5 shifts – 545RFE Transmission
Problem – Owners may experience an unusually delayed or harsh 3-4 or 4-5 gear change, where the transmission doesn’t seem to want to go into that particular gear.
Solution – This issue is related to valve body problems where the material used to make one of the checkballs has broken down to the point that fluid is able to get past and engage the underdrive clutch during those shifts. An upgraded #2 checkball will be needed to solve the issue.
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Jeep Commander can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Jeep Commander transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Jeep Commander transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Jeep Commander transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Jeep Commander transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Jeep Commander transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Jeep Commander transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Jeep Commander transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.
Recommendations for Jeep Commander transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Jeep Commander transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Jeep Commander Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Jeep Commander Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Jeep Commander Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Jeep Commander Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Jeep Commander Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
2008 jeep commander 4.7l qt2 transmission in park but display says R. Dealership changed valve body and shift solenoids.
My 2008 jeep commander limited 4×4 5.7 hemi recently says in gear selector says 4 instead of D, been told it’s the transmission shift solenoid,been driving it, but taken very easy, there noted for this problem to, Remy costs-100+, new is $200
2008 jeep commander 4.7. Start vehicle in park, reverse lamp is on and R is lit on dash but vehicle is mechanically in park. After bypassing the shifter interlock everything operates normally. As soon as you put it in park it’s electronically thinking it’s in reverse again.
Instrument panel says it in 4 wheel drive at all times. Quit running on me a couple weeks later. Won’t go into gear. Jeep telling me it is a downshift solenoid malfunction A
Had a new front seal put in it and now the transmission fluid is just pouring back out won’t make the 06 commander I have move at all. I’m a mechanic but dk about transmission too much. Somebody told me the shop broke my pump
2006 Jeep Commander transmission when I put it into drive the drive on on the dash does not light up it only goes into 3rd gear and it’s just fine from first to third but does not shift into drive it stays in the 3rd gear
Did you fix it? Mine does the same. They say it’s the tcm that’s need to be replaced
I can’t find a part number for the Transmission Harness Connector or Plug Adapter for the W5A580 Transmission.
All of the auto parts places have different part numbers, and some say that what fits my Jeep on one site won’t fit my Jeep on another.
Transmision speed sensor location 2008 v6 Jeep commander
Did you ever find this out? I’m currently have an issue finding the input speed sensor on mine! (V6 3.7L )
serious question would the 5.7l hemi transmission fit in the dodge ram, need a trans for my truck and just curious
so i have a 2005 jeep commander the transmition over temp light comes on and kicks the fans on, seems like it stalls / bogs the engine down, any clue?
Same problem. You find out what it was?
Hello I have a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Quadra Drive 4.7L, the car can only take reverse gear even when you put it on drive, what could be the problem and what should I change…
I will really appreciate any advice you can give me.
2010 commander 3.7 100k miles.makes a pop sound after shifting into reverse after sitting over night. No pop sound at normal operation temp. Not the front differential mounts. Pressure valve sticking maybe? Fluid changed at 74K.
2007 jeep commander 3.7 6 cylinder, have been experiencing downshift going up hill at 30 mph. it has 192,000 miles
Dear Sir,
I’m having Jeep Commander 2007 – 8 Cylinder – 4.7L – Limited Edition from last 3 months i’m facing below listed Problems, please check it and adivse me to solve this issues
1. Jerking while driving at low speed while Airconditioner is on
2. Jerking sometimes even Airconditioner is Off
3. While parking it Engine Off automatically
4. But running fine at High Speed (more than 100KM/Per hour), only problem accur if i reduce speed or going bridge upside/
Repair Works Done
1. Replaced new spark plugs – 8 Nos – Cost – 75 USD
2. Replaced new Fuel Pump – Cost – 453 USD
3. Coil Changed -1 New & 6 Old Coils – Cost – 133 USD
3. Throttle Body Clened – Cost – 53 USD
4. Transmission oil was low refilled it (when check Transmission oil color – its Red) – Cost 27 USD
Computer checkup shows below messages
P0202 – Stored – Fule Injector 2 Circuit/Open
P0204 – Stored – Fule Injector 4 Circuit/Open
P0201 – Stored – Fule Injector 1 Circuit/Open
P0205 – Stored – Fule Injector 5 Circuit/Open
P0206 – Stored – Fule Injector 6 Circuit/Open
P0207 – Stored – Fule Injector 7 Circuit/Open
Thanks a lot for your valuable support.
It is the spark plugs! This happened to me they put in the most expensive spark plugs and the same thing happened to me. I was able to get the Jeep back to the shop and show them my research that I found online and they changed the spark plugs back to the cheap Dodge ones and I didn’t have the problem ever again