The Jeep Liberty was equipped with the 42RLE or the 545RFE transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Jeep Liberty transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Jeep Liberty Transmission Models
Jeep Liberty Transmission: 42RLE
Jeep Liberty Transmission: 545RFE
Jeep Liberty 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 Liberty Transmission Prices:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 42RLE | 2152 |
| 545RFE | 2348 |
What are the DTC codes related to Jeep Liberty transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0700 | Transmission Control System (MIL Request) |
| P0706 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0710 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit |
| P0711 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0712 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input |
| P0713 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input |
| P0714 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent P0715 |
| P0717 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
| 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 |
| P0742 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On |
| P0743 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Electrical |
| P0748 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
| P0750 | Shift Solenoid 'A' |
| P0751 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0755 | Shift Solenoid 'B' |
| P0760 | Shift Solenoid 'C' |
| P0765 | Shift Solenoid 'D' |
| P0783 | 3-4 Shift |
| P0841 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0846 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch B Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0871 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch C Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0880 | TCM Power Input Signal |
| P0881 | TCM Power Input Signal Range/Performance |
| P0882 | TCM Power Input Signal Low |
| P0884 | TCM Power Input Signal Intermittent |
| P0888 | TCM Power Relay Sense Circuit |
| P0891 | TCM Power Relay Sense Circuit High |
| P0897 | Transmission Fluid Deteriorated |
Jeep Liberty Transmission Recalls
Recall 05V460000 / E14 – Transmission may not hold in the park position
2005 – 2006 Chrysler 300 – 2005 – 2006 Dodge Charger – 2006 Dodge Dakota – 2005 Dodge Durango – 2005 – 2006 Dodge Magnum – 2005 – 2006 Jeep Liberty – 2005 – 2006 Jeep Wrangler
Summary – In November 2005, Chrysler recalled 256,409 vehicles equipped with the 42RLE transmission, because the cup plug that holds the park prawl anchor shaft may not have been properly installed. If the shaft moves out of position, the vehicle may not be able to achieve the Park position.
Consequence – If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle could unexpectedly roll away, causing serious injury and damage.
Remedy – Dealers were instructed to install a bracket to ensure that the 42RLE parking prawl anchor shaft will stay in the proper position. Concerned owners may call Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.
Jeep Liberty 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 Liberty Transmission Problems
Shifting problems and solenoid/pressure switch DTCs – 42RLE transmission
Problem – Drivers may experience 42RLE transmission problems that include slipping and harsh shifts. The check engine light may also be illuminated with the following codes stored in the ECU: P0750, P0755, P0760, P0765, P0846, P0871, P0841.
Solution – The problem may be caused by corrosion in the 10 pin solenoid harness connector. This may also be caused by a wiring issue between the TCM/ECU and the transmission harness connector. A new design 42RLE 10-pin connector will need to be installed and/or wiring issues repaired.
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 Liberty 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 Liberty transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Jeep Liberty 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 Liberty 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 Liberty transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Jeep Liberty 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 Liberty transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Jeep Liberty 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 Liberty 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 Liberty transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Jeep Liberty Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Jeep Liberty 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 Liberty 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 Liberty 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 Liberty 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!
Does not move only goes in reverse
2002 Jeep Liberty Limited 3.7L was shifting hard and check engine light came on.. Pulled codes saying O2 sensor Bank 1 slow to react, so I cleaned it up and today just once it acted like it was halfway stuck in between drive and neutral… Also it shifts slow but only when going from reverse into drive… I’m hoping to be able to get by with changing the transmission fluid and cleaning everything up… Has anyone else experienced this and fixed it, if so please let me know because it’s my only vehicle and I can’t afford a costly tranny fix… Desperate for some advice!
Shuddering
03 jeep liberty 3.7l sport automatic w/4wd. Won’t shift to higher gear you can accelerate as fast as you want and the RPM goes up extremely high because it won’t shift to the higher gears what is the problem
I have a 04 Liberty 3.7 l automatic 4×4 , it shifts 1,2,3, and does the same thing. I was told the torque converter was not locking up into overdrive, and it needs to be replaced
Turns high RPM’s before it will drive forward or in reverse
2005 Jeep liberty limited, transmission acting crazy bucks and kicks slowing down, accelerating get hung up in 2nd gear wont shift ,pull off the road and turn off the key start back up and take off then if you have to slow down same process turn off restart makes me very angry transmission was rebuilt maybe 6 months ago everything was perfect for about 5 month then started this several codes, but had back to the shop twice couldn’t figure it out, picked up again today shop said ground wire going to the ecm ran fine when I left then started all again,,,,,,,,any idea
limp mode stays in one gear
Hi, my bf replaced my 2011 jeep liberty tranny with a used Chrysler tranny. Afterwards it wont start with key ( he put in a toggle switch) in is in limp mode and wont shift past 2nd gear. Check engine light is on (been on since I bought it) and my radiator fan stopped working!! He is an excellent mechanic and the replacement transmission was in complete working order. PLEASE HELP ME
Have 03 jeep liberty. I will not shift gears. Stays in low gear. Replace shift solenoid new tork converter rebuild valve body. Still want shift
not shifting into gear
WILL ONLY DRIVE IN REVERSE. NO SLIPPING BEFORE RAN FINE ONE DAY JUST SHUT DOWN WOULD NOT GO IN DRIVE ONLY REVERSE.
Can you put a 42RLE in a 2005 3.7L grand jeep Cherokee
It slips sometimes and once in a while it won’t shift into 2nd, if I pull over and shut it off for a minute it does fine when I start it back up, the codes that I’m getting is transmission slippage p0700, control module 7E8 and system low voltage p0562, I have a 2006 Jeep Liberty limited edition, do I need a new transmission or can it be fixed ? It has 163,000 miles on it
I replaced my Transmission Cooler/ A/C Condenser with a brand new not remain one and it seemed to have fixed the leak I left so parts off to be able to check and make sure That I had no leaks at my previous location that I just fixed. I seem to drive it for a few days it was fine and then all of a sudden I’m getting Serv 4WD light and a check engine warning light on all the time on my display for the last few days no problems check my fluid few times make sure it was creek location and then driving along and all of a sudden these damn lights. I finished putting the grill back in the vehicle in the last trim panel so it’s all completely put back together that’s why the check engine light came on just gonna take it back apart of course that’s how it works LMAFO. So I’m Scanner on it I guess see what the codes are and if there’s something that can be corrected easily it’s not them to clear them and see if they come back does this sound like the best course of action please respond and let me know ASAP thank you.
2005 jeep liberty, getting stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear limp mode. I can stop and turn the vehicle off and start back up and it will shift fine for a while but always gets stuck in gear again. It has 179k miles on it and shifts and runs great when it is right.. Had new solenoid pack put in for $700 and it started doing the same thing again and the shop won’t help now.
P0700
Parkit one night got up the next morning and will not shift into 3rd gear
Not sure if this is a tranny problem, but my 2012 Jeep Liberty, 4 wheel drive, is turning on the CEL but when I do the ignition check, doesn’t give me a code. I have a code reader but my father presently has it so haven’t tried to use it. But … the CEL has turned off and back on twice now, doesn’t come on when starting up in the afternoon (aka doesn’t come back on after being lit on the way into work) but has come back on first thing in the morning when I have driven it like 1-2 miles. Now this morning I noticed it was hanging at 2200-2300 RPMs at 60 MPH but after the light came on it was more like 1900. Not sure if it was immediate or not, happened to look down WHEN the light came on and noticed the drop in RPM, but didn’t “feel” anything in the Jeep, sure didn’t feel like it shifted up. Seems more like its running at the 2200-2300 RPMs in 4th, then suddenly drops to 1900RPM after tranny warms up? Would that throw a CEL? And same thing, when I got to the parking lot and tried the ignition code check, nothing, just dashed lines for a few seconds then “done”. Its been in the single digits temp-wise in the morning, but its only in the mid-20’s in the afternoon so …..
the transmission slips or does not go into gear properly until it is fully warmed up and then runs smoothly……..
Hi I have a 2004 jeep liberty 3.7ltr Vehicle approaches 15mph then no acceleration then slows to a stop. I have to shut my jeep off then back on again for it to be able move again doing the exact same thing. (If I go past 10-15 mph the transmission quits working till I shut the vehicle off and back on and the it seems like I only have 1st and reverse for gears.
Gear shifts into 1st and 3
Pressure switch