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If it isn't one things, it is another.
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=76413		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  orbanator7577 [ Wed Aug 21, 2013 9:32 am ]
Post subject:  If it isn't one things, it is another.
After a few weeks of trouble-free driving, I knew it was too good to be true. This morning, the transmission is shifting erratically, slamming in to gear, and throwing the generic p0700 code. I am going to put a band aid on this issue long enough to clear the codes and sell this thing at the Auction. Time to cut my losses and drive something that isn't a complete turd. The next time I buy a jeep product, it will be to swap out the engine with a 4bt.
Author:  naturist [ Wed Aug 21, 2013 10:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: If it isn't one things, it is another.
Have you checked the transmission fluid level?
Author:  orbanator7577 [ Wed Aug 21, 2013 11:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: If it isn't one things, it is another.
Yes while it was hot on a level surface and the fluid is right at the hot mark. It has been driving fine for weeks, but I noticed last week whenever I turn a corner, it would hold that gear and not shift. After about 30 seconds, it would shift to the next. Then it would be fine. On Friday of last week I was driving home on the highway and it would randomly downshift. Yesterday it has started shifting REALLY hard. The code is P0700 which basically means it could be anything.
Author:  thermorex [ Wed Aug 21, 2013 11:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: If it isn't one things, it is another.
Could be the solenoid, had it been replaced recently? I think you need a dealer obd scanner to get more specific codes. Hexus may be able to help more if he reads this. I find the quality of some parts for jeep in general is pretty low compared to other manufactures other than chrysler.
Author:  orbanator7577 [ Wed Aug 21, 2013 12:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: If it isn't one things, it is another.
The only tranny work that had been done recently was that I replaced the fluid, filters, three sensors on the side of the tranny and a transgo kit. Ran great for two months until a few days ago. Does the solenoid pack in these fail often? Yes I agree, the quality of parts is VERY low. I have replaced two injectors on the engine, GDE eco tune, Racor filter and provent. Runs great otherwise. I think the problem with the tranny is temp related.
Author:  painemann [ Wed Aug 21, 2013 12:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: If it isn't one things, it is another.
orbanator7577 wrote:
After a few weeks of trouble-free driving, I knew it was too good to be true. This morning, the transmission is shifting erratically, slamming in to gear, and throwing the generic p0700 code. I am going to put a band aid on this issue long enough to clear the codes and sell this thing at the Auction. Time to cut my losses and drive something that isn't a complete turd. The next time I buy a jeep product, it will be to swap out the engine with a 4bt.



I can't help, but I definitely feel your pain!! I am about to list it on ebay!!
Author:  orbanator7577 [ Wed Aug 21, 2013 12:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: If it isn't one things, it is another.
Yeah. It is like where do you draw the line? I liked the idea of driving something different, but it is a product from a time before 2008 when quality was the last thing they were concerned about. Thus far I spent 8k on the jeep and put another 4k in to it in repairs and it is still a POS. I will be fixing this issue and then listing it in the Mannheim auctions for about what I paid for it. I will then be buying a Ford truck or GM truck, you know, something that wont break down every other month.
Author:  flash7210 [ Wed Aug 21, 2013 1:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: If it isn't one things, it is another.
My guess would be transmission input and output speed sensors.
http://www.cascadetransmissionparts.com/545rfespeedsensorkit.aspx

But its difficult to be certain without good transmission diagnostic tools.
If you can get the pair for about $50 then I'd say its worth a shot.
Author:  Hexus [ Wed Aug 21, 2013 3:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: If it isn't one things, it is another.
orbanator7577 wrote:
The only tranny work that had been done recently was that I replaced the fluid, filters, three sensors on the side of the tranny and a transgo kit. Ran great for two months until a few days ago. Does the solenoid pack in these fail often? Yes I agree, the quality of parts is VERY low. I have replaced two injectors on the engine, GDE eco tune, Racor filter and provent. Runs great otherwise. I think the problem with the tranny is temp related.


Yes, the Solenoid pack is known to fail in the 545RFE transmission, for Jeeps as well as Dodge products. The Transmission guy that rented me a lift to do the work on mine said that it's the most common failure he's ever seen on a 545RFE, except for some shoddy torque converters (Don't we all know that?).

If you did not have a solenoid pack/valve body issue before, the Transgo kit has brought it out for you.
Author:  orbanator7577 [ Fri Aug 23, 2013 10:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: If it isn't one things, it is another.
Do you think replacing the solenoid pack is worth it then? I had this problem before and replacing the TCM fixed it. The transmission seems solid otherwise.

Just found this on the web, so maybe a pack would be worth it.

"Quite an Easy replacement with the transmission in the vehicle. This repair does require valve body removal. As the models cross the 100,000 mile mark ; solenoid failure is quite common. The engineering design inside these blocks make them a weak item , and from our research , and industry knowledge their maximum life span averages 85,000-90,000 miles."
Author:  thermorex [ Fri Aug 23, 2013 11:26 am ]
Post subject: 
Btw, anybody has the solenoid p/n handy?
Author:  orbanator7577 [ Fri Aug 23, 2013 11:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: If it isn't one things, it is another.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151054750645?ss ... 1438.l2649
Author:  Hexus [ Fri Aug 23, 2013 3:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: If it isn't one things, it is another.
Don't get a solenoid pack from Ebay.

Get it somewhere new, and warranteed.

Cascade:

http://www.cascadetransmissionparts.com/545rfesolenoidblock.aspx

Transtar is another good one.
Author:  thermorex [ Fri Aug 23, 2013 4:21 pm ]
Post subject: 
Cool, I'm kind of meh too about parts from ebay, new or not...

Thanks a lot guys!
Author:  Auberon [ Tue Aug 27, 2013 3:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: If it isn't one things, it is another.
X2 Hexus post re Cascade.
Good guys to deal with - very helpful and competitive offering quality parts.
Author:  orbanator7577 [ Mon Oct 28, 2013 9:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: If it isn't one things, it is another.
I wanted to post an update on this. The issue turned out to be related to heat. In the morning, it would drive and shift fine, but in the afternoon when the outside temps are higher it would shift weird about 10 minutes in to the ride. After replacing the TCM, solenoid pack, fluid and filters twice and sensors, adding a trans cooler, the problem still existed. I got under the jeep and just laid there for about an hour until things made sense and they did. A couple of things occurred to me. First the turbo down pipe was about two inches from sensors/wires and heat effects their resistance values. I went ahead and wrapped the down pipe and I also replaced all the wire loom with a heat reflective reflective loom on all the wires near the exhaust going to the transmission. The end result is this, its been about a month now and shifts perfect. The under hood temps are SIGNIFICANTLY lower. There is a LOT of heat that radiates from that turbo down pipe.
Author:  orbanator7577 [ Mon Oct 28, 2013 9:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: If it isn't one things, it is another.
I forgot to mention that my glow plug light has been on since buying the jeep. I bought 4 new plugs, but was procrastinating installing them for obvious reasons. Anyway, since shielding the wires from the heat trying to fix the trans problems, it also fixed the glow plugs. Recently we has some cold mornings and it started right up.. I still have yet to replace the glow plugs.

The wiring in these jeeps are CRAP.
Author:  LMWatBullRun [ Wed Oct 30, 2013 10:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: If it isn't one things, it is another.
You may want to check your fan clutch and your electric fan.
Author:  geordi [ Wed Oct 30, 2013 12:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: If it isn't one things, it is another.
If you haven't replaced the fan clutch, it is bad. Guaranteed. 100% of the factory fan clutches are crap and fail within an amazingly short amount of miles. The only saving grace on the CRD is that the engine naturally runs so cool normally, and the thermostat is ALSO crap so the engine never heats up fully.

Hayden 2905 severe duty clutch.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Author:  thermorex [ Wed Oct 30, 2013 2:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: If it isn't one things, it is another.
Go electric, is worth the money, you get 1-2 mpg more. Unless you do heavy often towing, in which case hayden is a proven solution.
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