Trans sluggish - Check Engine Light On, related?

rakoon · **Posted:** Thu Sep 20, 2012 9:32 pm

I have a 2002 Limited 4x4 with the "45" trans (deep dish) Just changed all my fluids (front / rear diffs, transfer case and pulled the trans pan) along with the 2 trans filters. I did not use the WIX gasket in the kit, used RTV instead. (no apparent leaks)

I could not find a solid post on how much trans fluid to put in, but some said "3 or 4 quarts, then check". I put 4 in and checked, it looked a little low but I took it for a test ride. It seemed to work fine, maybe a little bump on a downshit from 40mph. Next day it looked at the lower end cold so I added a quart and started backing out the drive. I noticed right away some hesitation on the engine, then the engine light came on. After that it was sluggish, i.e. no get up and go from the start.

Kinda weird, like if you press on the gas it slowly accelerates but it used to go! Could this be from over filling? I sucked out 1/2 a quart and it is still the same. Could I have messed up the trans? Could some RTV have come off and gotten sucked in somewhere? (I let it dry overnight before I put fluid in and that was the initial test drive where it seemed to run pretty good)

I will have to take it to Advanced or something and see if they can read me a code, but thought I would ask about this in case anyone has an opinion.

Would a trans problem trigger the engine symbol light?

sharky · **Posted:** Thu Sep 20, 2012 11:41 pm

Don't worry I am going through the same problem its the TCM or a loose connection ...I simply reset my engine comp. By disconnecting the negative terminal on the battery left it off for around 15 min. Then reconnect it will work few hours later......trans is prob. All right....

Boomerang · **Joined:** Tue Jul 26, 2011 7:46 pm **Posts:** 184

They can only read a code if the engine has throw one and your check engine light would be on.
Also usually it can take 100 miles or so for the computer to acknowledge a problem to report to the computer, from what i've heard.

But the idea of resetting the computer by way of removing the battery circuit is a good idea since your Jeep may have slowly adjusted to the old transmission fluid as it broke down. Now you have the new stuff and it needs to relearn the viscosity and all. (just a theory)

rakoon · **Posted:** Sat Oct 06, 2012 10:41 pm

So I sucked out a 1/2 quart and went to Advance, the code indicated a problem with the transmission pressure switch, which is in the pan! It was hesitating when it shifts in R and D So I figured it needed the 1/2 quart, put some fresh in and it is still doing it. It seems kind of hard to read the stick.

Trying to find out a few things, been getting conflicting info.

1) What is the correct way to check the fluid? On level ground (that's a given) with engine running and in Park or in Neutral?

2) If the trans is slipping (and it never did before I changed the fluid) then is it because there is not enough in there? Seems to slip more afer it gets warmed up. Will too much fluid make it slip like that? (i.e. a pause before it engages, but not all the time?) Also, sometimes it does not doo doo through all the gears and seems like it is stuck in 1st, no acceleration from a stop.

I did notice what may have been some leakage around the pan when I was cleaning it up, a lot of crud around one corner. I do not believe it is leaking now that I put RTV on there, that is all I used, no gasket. So maybe it was low before I started, forgot to check, and now I only have about 5 quarts back in and it could need more?

Any advice appreciated.

USAFCOP · **Posted:** Mon Oct 08, 2012 7:11 am

Are you sure you used the correct kit? I have never gotten a kit for the 45RFE that came with a gasket? Also others on here have stated the trannys have acted weird after aftermarket filters have been used. (mine is aftermarket, dont remember brand, and it seemed fine when I left it) The other thing about the trans, is that once a code is sent, the 45RFE will go into "limp" mode to help you get to a service shop. do not keep driving it as this will create more friction and ruin the trans.

Verify you have correct filter. then to check fluid, warm vehicle up then shift it through all the gears then put it in neutral and check it. As for the fluid level, you should only add/remove some of the fluid as the torque converter will hold a lot of fluid in it. You need to estimate how much you drained, then ad about that amount, check and add until it reads full.

If still a prob, you may need to drain fluid and verify you have filters on correctly and inspect the pressure switch as the code indicates, may be clogged with old gunk that may have come loose. the valve body is right there when you remove the big filter and look up.

Trans sluggish - Check Engine Light On, related?

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