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!
Grinding going in to second gear, have to really pull it to the left for it to go in gear. Potential cause? Syncronizers, or full transmission replacement? 2003 Rubicon
Its showing code P1745 and it’s not shifting gears
2006 Jeep Wrangler sport
Jeep’s rpm will go above 3000 on first shift will driving ,won’t change shift and rpm will not drop until deceleration
Additional information. When put in reverse it want move . It just spins.
It’s a 2015 Jeep Wrangler sport. iIt has 114K miles and I just purchased it 2 months ago.
Jack Caruthers
When put in reverse it want move . It just spins.
Jack CaruthersIt has 114K miles and I just purchased it 2 months ago.
2011 jeep wrangler unlimited sport
130k miles
P0841 code
The jeep will not move when you put it in any gear it revs up but does nothing. I drained it replaced the solenoid pack pressure transmitter sensor and and solenoid the code disappeared but still won’t move
It acts like its slipping when you are giving it gas. You can see the rpm Guage going up and down as your giving it gas but if you put it to the floor it will get up and go.
Pops out of 1st gear 97 jeep wrangler tj5 speed
Driving in large hills transmission fluid comes out of the transmission dipstick. Thanks
I have no reverse on my 2011 JK for the 2nd time
Error code P0740 dealer recommends to rebuild or replace transmission.
2017 Sahara 80k miles, Jeep makes loud chirping (sounds like when a person is removing bolts from a tire at a shop) when driving at a certain speed, it stop and come back, if I change the gear while my foot is on the break it sounds… any idea what can be wrong. Transmission? Ugh I’m worried it is. I pray not.
Hi guys. My 2008 sahara just will shift fine until it gets warm and you park and turn it off. Get back in and take off it’ll slip in first gear and either shift hard. Or it will throw me into limp mode. My jeep oy has 83000 miles on it. I’m gonna try to get to a dealer to look into stuff this week. But been looking at replacement transmission all together. It also has 37″ tires and 4.88 gears
my problem is can’t seem to stop transmission leaks changed gaskets twice
My 2011 Jeep Unlimited 70th anv isn’t shifting into O/D so running high rpms over 60 mph. Button comes on and off but not switching gears
I think I have the same problem with my
My 2016 JKU sahara 113000Km has an intermittent chirping sound primarily at low gears, and speeds of 10-30Km/hr. it is not constant and eventually goes away but keep coming back.
Check your U-joint, sounds like they may be the problem
I own a 2006 wrangler 4.0 with 52k miles. Auto trans. Just started shifting hard into 2nd gear. Makes the whole front end feel like it’s about to come out. No service engine light is on
Just had the TCM replaced in my 2013 jeep wrangler unlimited sahara and it stuck in gear again while driving and the rpms ran too high at 60mph at 2500 rpms. And help out there
my 2015 jeep down shifted on hwy from 80 km to 20 km and had 4000 rpm engine raceing so now what, they can’t figure it out at dealer
I have a 2017 Jeep Wrangler unlimited with 24,000 mileS. All highway miles.
Jeep runs great. I’ve had No issues at all except that my check engine light just came on today while I was in reverse backing out of my driveway. When I check the engine codes the read-out on my dashboard says change oil. However I had an oil change at 22,000 miles so it is too soon again for an oil change. What do you think the issue could be?
They forgot to reset it. Turn key to on, pump gass petal 4 times, back to off. Should reset it
2012 Wrangler stuck in limp mode. Pulled code P1731 – incorrect gear engaged. Replaced all 4 wheel speed sensors. Fluid good, level, red, no burnt smell etc. any ideas?
I have the same problem…at the dealership now..
My 07 wrangler was fine and everything good to work. Coming home when I got home reverse didn’t work. Why?
My 2008 automatic did the same thing yesterday. Did you find out why?
So did you figure out what happened to your transmission and what did you do?