The Jeep Wrangler was equipped with the 42RLE, 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 Wrangler transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Jeep Wrangler Transmission Models
Jeep Wrangler Transmission: 42RLE
Jeep Wrangler Transmission: W5A580 (NAG1)
Jeep Wrangler Transmission: 545RFE
Jeep Wrangler 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 Wrangler Transmission Prices:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 42RLE | 2152 |
| W5A580 / NAG1 | 2589 |
What are the DTC codes related to Jeep Wrangler 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 Wrangler 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 Wrangler Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
None Found
Common Jeep Wrangler 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 Wrangler 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 Wrangler transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Jeep Wrangler 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 Wrangler 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 Wrangler transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Jeep Wrangler 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 Wrangler transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Jeep Wrangler 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 Wrangler 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 Wrangler transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Jeep Wrangler Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Jeep Wrangler 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 Wrangler 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 Wrangler 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 Wrangler 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!
2016 Jeep Wrangler with automatic transmission doesent shift up to next gear without being put in neutral and then back in drive. ? Suggestions as to what the problem may be?
2006 jeep wrangler sport.
Transmission having limp mode issues any way to bypass this till I can get a torque converter. Transmission shop
Rebuild 2300 to 2500
Remanufactured 2700 to 2900
AutoZone under 180.
Don’t understand the difference in price.
Will torque converter fix my issue?
Found 42rle out of 02 liberty for 100 with 88 thousand miles
Mailman with no backup now.
Can you help ?
Hi, 2010 jeep wrangler recently lost reverse gear. No grinding or crunching present, reverse lights work still and the TCM recognizes reverse demand when a diagnostic computer is hooked up, but the transmission stays in neutral while in reverse. Moves forward in all gears fine. At a dead stop for diagnosis and thinking could be a shift solenoid. any ideas?
Did you end up replacing or fixing the transmission? Mine did something similar only has first gear all others gone.
Ever find out the issue? I have aamco looking at my 2008 jk with 150k tommorow
I Have a 2008 Jeep Wrangler X automatic I’ve had no symptoms no issues whatsoever. The other day the jeep just rolled through a stop and I could run the sticks the gearshift through all gears without problem and when I would give it to gas it was like the truck was stuck in neutral it just wouldn’t go anywhere no bucking no thugging nothing and I was told that it needed a new transmission it has 120,000 miles on it
Have checked the shift linkage? Inexpensive to fix if this is the culprit. I had the same symptoms that you described and that was the fix.
My 2014 wrangler is leaking from the top
Could it be the seal of the torque converter.
My 2008 Jeep Wrangler 4dr, auto, will only rev in reverse (most of the time) and slips through most all gears. I was wondering if this could be a linkage issue or a transmission issue.
My 2007 jeep wrangler Sahara unlimited got stuck after getting out it would go into revers but wont go now the esp bass light is on and the clock spring is broken it sounds like theres an air leak as well im not sure if the transmission is shot or if its a sensers or the torque converter any suggestion
I have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler with around 75,000 miles, my vehicle has never been off roading, mudding.. none of that. For the past 3 months I have had an issue of where it feels like someone has bumped me from behind but they haven’t, it’s like a loud “thump” from the rear of my Jeep. It may do this once or twice a day and then nothing for a week or so. Took it to the dealership, no codes came up, they told me to bring it back when it does it again but do not turn the vehicle off and they will plug it into their machine to see what code shows up…again no code. I was told my options were to drive it till it died OR bring it in have them tear down the transmission and hope they find something wrong with it so that they can turn it in on my extended warranty, but if nothing is found to be wrong I have to foot the bill. I think this is a load of crap that they can’t tell me what is going on with this. Has anyone else had this issue and what did you find out.
Just recently I’ve been having issues with my Jeep Wrangler for what seem to be transmission problems. The check engine light comes on and off intermittently. I was able to get a code read from autozone multiple times and got same code: U0414 – Invalid Data Received from four-wheel drive clutch control module. Looked this up but didn’t find much online but a lot of similar codes and problems like mine. Here’s what’s happening in my Jeep, while driving sometimes from leaving a stoplight as I drive the rpms go up and I can hear it reving higher and higher so I know something’s wrong – this is happening at around 20 mph… won’t go much more than 25 mph otherwise the engine is screaming at about 3500+ rpms! I’ll have to pull over put it in park or neural wait, then put it back in drive and try again… sometimes this works and sometimes nothing changes! I’m taking my car in for service for the next available slot but have to wait until then! I’ve noticed to you comment this almost certainly will happen when I start my jeep and shift into drive and I get a thump/ a push/ a leap forward in drive like the Jeep is raring to go… Don’t know what’s going on here but any help is greatly welcomed!!!
@melow mw I’ve had the exact same problem in my 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Curious to know what they told you the problem was?
2006 Jeep wrangler 4.0 automatic. 75000 miles Trans will like shift neutral rpms go up to almost 4500 with foot on the brake Or be going down Rd and accelerate the motor and nothing happens rpms go up speed stay same or goes down Replaced the neutral temp rpm switch in throttle body My go two weeks before it does it again or a month. We pull over turn motor off restart and go on our way after a minute
2009 Wrangler has a bad shutter in overdrive at 1500 rpm. Turn overdrive off it’s fine until you get down to that rpm range. It feels like going over rumble strips. Dosen’t feel like a engine misfire. Aldo it has no codes.
My 2011 Wrangler Sport has the same issue. I was told it was a torque converter issue locking into overdrive. I press the button to turn it off unless I’m on the highway going over 60 mph. The shutter comes on when the rpm drops below 1500.
I have a 2000 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 5-speed standard when I put it in reverse it won’t go in dies all forward gears work fine what could be the problem
2012 jeep Wrangler unlimited Rubicon auto trans…in limp mode, system shows no codes stored. Vehicle was stuck in mud previously.
If your stuck in limp mode..that’s your tranny..
I had to have mine rebuilt. It’s getting to hot and by the time that happens it’s already no good. You will need to install a tranny cooler.
My daughter has a 1997 Jeep wrangler 2.4L 232000 miles 5 speed stick, it started to kick and buck when you decelerate and only when decelerating. Give it gas ran fine. At idle ran smooth. Did a full time up plugs ,wire’s, rotor, and cap. Still doing it. A friend said it could be the transmission since it only does it on deceleration. Any ideas would be helpful. Thanks
My 2000 Jeep Wrangler sport uses the 32rh automatic transmission (i think) i recently got the trans line replaced due to rust and since then it’s been in limp mode without throwing a code, fluid level is good the lines are cinched down good and I’ve checked wires, anyone have any ideas what could be going on?
I have a 1996 Jeep Wrangler Sport the problem is that it will run but you can shift into drive and the car will not move. I was driving on the freeway her a slight boom and all of a sudden the car was in drive but you have no control of how fast you were going because you could not accelerate pulled over and try to go again the car would not move when put in Drive what could be the problem
Sounds like transmission….. what was the verdict?
2012 Wrangler jk po730 code incorrect gear ratio when check engine codes come on jeep stalls for around 10 seconds then drives fine with check engine light staying on. Cleared the code and it came right back on that evening. Was driving today to work and it was struggling to shift out of first. Then when I got on the interstate it struggled to get into higher gear. Today has been the worse it’s been. Any kind of help would be appreciated. Guess I’m going to take it to transmission shop hopefully it’s the shift solenoids or something cheaper not a whole new transmission. Say a prayer for me 🙏🙏🙏
What was the outcome?
2017 Jeep Wrangler unlimited with 7100 (yes, you read that right) 7100 miles started to lose power off a full stop a week ago. Just had no get up and go. Then check engine light went on. Called dealer who said to bring in. Transmission is toast. Dealer said at end of test drive (with same problems) car was put in reverse but leapt forward and wouldn’t reverse. Then wouldn’t move. I was told new transmissions are on backorder with no ETA. Dealer suggested it could be 2-6 months but that Chrysler parts has 30 days to respond before they can do anything. Also this dealership said they don’t do loaners to cut their costs. Wish I’d asked that when I leased it 😳
Jeep wrangler 08. Po731 and Po732. 194000 kms. The fist fist warning i got was an intermittent beeping and hot oil warning on the dash. As I went up the driveway about half way to the garage my jeep felt like it was braking or like a down shift that let off the clutch to fast. My transmission is an automatic. Oil was nice and red with no burnt smell and level is good. I was plowing my yard . Any suggestions?
Any response? I was having similar symptoms (“limp mode”) and DTC P0731 (incorrect 1st gear ratio) and P0735 (incorrect 5th gear ratio). My 2016 JKU with 38K miles is at dealership right now getting a new transmission valve body. Hope this fixes it.
Did this fix it Israel ?
Definitely transmission..install transmission cooler. If it’s not to late..you can clear codes by disconnecting your battery and let it sit for a while.
My 20 year old daughter wanted Jeep Wrangler and for months she looked almost bought one , went the next day and was sold the night before. I tried to talk her out of it , tried to get her in a Renegade instead , she wouldn’t have it , nope a Wrangler. Then about 3 weeks ago she found one a 2013 Jeep Wrangler with only 52000 miles on it and I even thought it was nice looking. Then it happened the dreaded phone call with her crying , I asked what’s wrong she said she was going up a slight hill a common street in a big city and her transmission stop working. Then the beginning of a nightmare from mom and pop shop trying to squeeze 5000 dollars out of my little girl , then called a dealership and spoke to a service writer at Larry Miller Jeep and basically wrote me off after I explained it’s my daughter first Jeep with I thought had low miles. He said the drive train warranty had expired Jan 2018 and could do nothing for her so I then thought of AAmco transmission in Boise had it towed and with a 30 mo 50k warranty for $4128 in total , then made a call to Jeep Corporate office spoke with Ana and she said on some occasions a Jeep Dealer could have made a different suggestion on a goodwills claim with a tear down and submit to Jeep head quarters for a valuation and possible pro rated instead. Then I called the Dealership spoke to Sevice Mgr and he said yes if I could get the Jeep to him, I said after your sevice writer gave me no options I took it to AAmco transmission for repairs and he then asked the General Mgr of the Dealership and was advised they could do nothing. So a Very Bad taste from the person who sold my daughter a 20 K Jeep and now a 4K transmission and a Very bad taste not only from Jeep Headquarters and The Dealership, now if I hear anything from a Jeep owner I will spread this on internet and in person be weary of a Mercedes transmission in a Jeep not even a Jeep Product
Just had the same issue with mine. 2013, with the Mercedes transmission, only have 60,282m and my power train warranty was up Jan 18, so I asked if the dealer if they could at least give me some help on the parts cost and I would pay all the labor but they refused and when I called FCA they told me my warranty expired too long ago..a transmission at 60k miles is ridiculous. I have always done all my maintenance at dealership and now this. I will not buy another Jeep product.
Jeep liberty. 180000+ miles. Check engine light came on. Slipping gears. I just bought it and the transmission fluid is dirty. Doubt it has ever been serviced.
All light came on and radio went out. Came back with a check engine light. Wouldn’t change gears. I didn’t get the code but it read bad transmission sensor. The check engine light went out after tightening all grounds and power. I think it maybe speed sensors but not sure.