I recently did a tranny fluid and filter change on my '03 renegade. I forget the exact wording but the owners manual section for checking the fluid level states that the 42RLE will have a hash marked "normal" range on the dipstick. The description for checking the fluid on a 45RFE states that there is a cold section with two holes and a hot section with 2 holes.

Even though I have the 42RLE, it sounds like I have the dipstick described in the 45RFE section not the 42RLE section. I wonder if I got the wrong dipstick from the factory.

I checked the fluid before I dropped the pan and refilled it an noticed it was very over-filled from the factory which seemed odd. It was a good 1/2" higher than the top "HOT" hole. But now I'm wondering if it wasn't overfilled at the factory, but just has the wrong dipstick. I filled it and have it exactly at the "hot" section when the trans is hot. But if this is the wrong dipstick that might be incorrect.

Can anyone with an '03 and 42RLE remember if their dipsticks had hot and cold with two holes in each section or if they had hash marks on the dipstick?

Your not checking the fluid in the correct manner. The tranny must be hot and in N. Check it then, it will be to low since you didnt put enough fluid in it..

My dip stick on my 04 sounds like its the same as yours..

_________________
LOST KJ'S
Where are you going???
Current Jeep: 2004 Jeep Liberty
-Atlantic Blue
-Air Ride Rear Suspension ; OME/Rustys Lift ; Powertrax Locker ; Moog Lower Ball-Joints ; 245/70/16 Yokohama Geolander A/T-S's on MOABS ; Flowmaster 50 SUV
Lost #007082
http://www.cardomain.com/id/jeepjeepster

Same as my '03.

JP

That's how I'm checking it. I was just confused on why it was so over filled from the factory and why my dipstick looks nothing like what my owners manual says it should look like.

My service manual says you can check it in P or N, after setting for a minute, idling. I have a pic from the SM that shows a good chart that illustrates the correct fluid level at diff. temps. Email if interested. I wouldn't worry about the dipstick..

jp