Questions about transmission/gearing

Kevin7 · **Joined:** Mon Aug 25, 2014 1:42 am **Posts:** 14

So I was out wheeling this weekend and ran into some issues. The transmission temp light came on while climbing up a trail. Stopped the engine and let her cool off but it kept coming back on so I ended up turning back.

I was in drive and 4 low. Seemed like she was working pretty hard, revving 3-5k. Whereas my friends in their JKs on 33s and 35s (not regeared) were crawling up at 1000-1500rpms, no issues. I believe my KK has the 3.73 gears being an auto. She's on 30.5 all terrains as well. Gone up similar trails before and never had issues with the trans overheating. Short of regearing, is there anything I can do to deal with this? Does it seem like something is wrong with the rig? Or am I just driving like an asshat and overworking it beyond its capabilities?

Bmxer524 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 15, 2015 6:26 pm

Where you in 1st? That'll help with keeping it in a lower gear for more torque. Also were the JKs Rubicons? Rubicons have 4:1 low ratios compared to KKs and JK Sports and Saharas with 2.72:1.

Regearing or going back to a smaller tire will reduce heat. Not much else you can do.

Kevin7 · **Joined:** Mon Aug 25, 2014 1:42 am **Posts:** 14

Thanks, I'll put it in first and see if it helps. They were not Rubicons, one sport and one Sahara.

Texasrugby911 · **Joined:** Thu Feb 04, 2010 3:18 pm **Posts:** 196

Interesting. Although I have never had an issue with the tranny overheating, I sometimes fear it may get close to do the work I put her through. Not sure if the 08 Mannys even had the trans overheat sensor. I've had plans to install my own trans temp In/Out for that exact reason, but haven't gotten around to it.

Kevin7 · **Joined:** Mon Aug 25, 2014 1:42 am **Posts:** 14

Yeah I work my KK hard to run with the big JKs lol. Might be time to get a Wrangler soon though.

I think my 08 auto limited even has a trans cooler unlike some early JKs but I still manage to overheat the thing. I wonder if there is a way to upgrade it..

tommudd · **Posted:** Tue Jun 16, 2015 9:07 am

No need to upgrade if you are using the gears/ transmission correctly
keep it out of drive , you're slipping the gears more than anything causing more heat

lfhoward · **Posted:** Tue Jun 16, 2015 9:09 am

Since KK's already have transmission coolers, you can probably make them more effective by adding the extra cooling fan from the factory tow package.
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=104&t=76451
It is also possible to add a second aftermarket transmission cooler as well.
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=88&t=79079
But as Tom said, keeping it in a low gear so it doesn't try to shift all the time will probably do the trick without having to add any equipment.

Kevin7 · **Joined:** Mon Aug 25, 2014 1:42 am **Posts:** 14

Already have the tow package as well. Will keep in in gear next time, thanks all

RenKJ · **Joined:** Sat Jan 24, 2015 4:45 am **Posts:** 96

Kevin7 wrote:

Already have the tow package as well. Will keep in in gear next time, thanks all

KJ here, never had issue keeping up on dune/hill climbs so you can be reasonably sure it was just the tranny trying to switxh gears alot, with all the torque we can deliver the computer will often upshift even whr climbing a hill, in the KJs (dunno about KKs) the 1 and 2 gears had their own slots below drive so you can leave it in 4hi and just switch between 1st and 2nd manually, dunno if that eas a Renegade / 42rle specific thing or what

Bmxer524 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 18, 2015 12:01 pm

RenKJ wrote:

Kevin7 wrote:

Already have the tow package as well. Will keep in in gear next time, thanks all

KJ here, never had issue keeping up on dune/hill climbs so you can be reasonably sure it was just the tranny trying to switxh gears alot, with all the torque we can deliver the computer will often upshift even whr climbing a hill, in the KJs (dunno about KKs) the 1 and 2 gears had their own slots below drive so you can leave it in 4hi and just switch between 1st and 2nd manually, dunno if that eas a Renegade / 42rle specific thing or what

KKs have that as well. It goes Drive, 2, 1. Then there's always the tow/haul button to lock out overdrive. If he keeps it locked in 1st it won't shift and slip as much which should drop heat a tad.

Questions about transmission/gearing

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