Transmission Problems on my 2002 KJ

KJ4x4inNJ · **Posted:** Fri Nov 18, 2005 11:50 am

I was wondering if any members are having problems with their 4 speed automatic on their KJ. I have a 2002 Sport 4x4, 3.7 V6, with a partime 4 wheel transfer case and the 4 spd automatic. For three years I have been experiencing a shuddering/slamming problem in the trans. when starting and stopping. I have had the rig back to the dealership on numerous occassions and they tell me they can't find anything wrong. Two times when it was back to the dealership, they reprogrammed the software for the tranny, but that did not help.

If anyone is having the same problem, or if there is a fix available for this problem I would like to know.

WV(0)IIIIIII(0) · **Posted:** Fri Nov 18, 2005 1:49 pm

try these

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/vie ... php?t=3004

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/vie ... php?t=3431

KJ4x4inNJ · **Posted:** Fri Nov 18, 2005 2:28 pm

I have read all the past forums on tranny problems, but I am not experiencing what was decribed in those forums. My problem is that the tranny feels like it is slipping when starting and sometimes when coming to a stop its like the tranny is catching up to the vehicle.

I forgot to mention in my original question that my rig is also equipped with the offroad package and the trak loc option.

WV(0)IIIIIII(0) · **Posted:** Fri Nov 18, 2005 4:53 pm

KJ4x4inNJ wrote:

I have read all the past forums on tranny problems, but I am not experiencing what was decribed in those forums. My problem is that the tranny feels like it is slipping when starting and sometimes when coming to a stop its like the tranny is catching up to the vehicle.

I forgot to mention in my original question that my rig is also equipped with the offroad package and the trak loc option.

By starting do you mean when switched from park to drive, reverse to drive or a standing start from a stoplight :?:

KJ4x4inNJ · **Posted:** Fri Nov 18, 2005 5:20 pm

WV(0)IIIIIII(0) wrote:

KJ4x4inNJ wrote:

I have read all the past forums on tranny problems, but I am not experiencing what was decribed in those forums. My problem is that the tranny feels like it is slipping when starting and sometimes when coming to a stop its like the tranny is catching up to the vehicle.

I forgot to mention in my original question that my rig is also equipped with the offroad package and the trak loc option.

By starting do you mean when switched from park to drive, reverse to drive or a standing start from a stoplight :?:

This condition is only existent when the vehicle is in drive and coming to a complete start or coming to a complete stop.

FreedomKJ · **Posted:** Fri Nov 18, 2005 6:11 pm

KJ4x4inNJ wrote:

My problem is that the tranny feels like it is slipping when starting and sometimes when coming to a stop its like the tranny is catching up to the vehicle.

Common issue. Sorry to say, but "it's a Jeep (KJ) thing."

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Fri Nov 18, 2005 7:09 pm

yea, mine does it too. Its like the tranny doesnt know how to shift into 1st when slowing down and do it in a smooth way.

the1jferg · **Posted:** Fri Nov 18, 2005 10:16 pm

2002 45RFE Tranny, Mine has been rough as a cob since day one and does the same stuff your talking about and more.

If you add a locker (not ARB) it could get worse because of some backlash lag.

I think the 45RFE is different from the newer models?

2003KJ · **Posted:** Fri Nov 18, 2005 10:39 pm

the1jferg wrote:

2002 45RFE Tranny, Is this the same tranny as newer models?

Unfortuneately no. The 45RFE tranny used in 02 models, and the 1st half of 03 models is a common tranny found among Dodge Rams, and is pretty tough. About midway through 03 production year to current, the 4 speed auto is now the 42RLE, which was designed to be more, dare i say it, "carlike" to appeal to the soccer mom type who want the smooth ride. They both have their different quirks. The 45 is a tougher tranny, therefore it's tougher on the gear changes, and the starting and stopping. The 42 is a little smoother in the changes, but its main drawback is the torque converter not making up its mind when it wants to lock or unlock (IE coming in and out of overdrive all the time). Especially going up the SLIGHTEST of hills, and sometimes the converter will lock WAY too early, and give you NO power at all, unless you punch it and force the tranny to go down a complete gear.

So in short, they both have their quirks. IMO, the 45 better suits the KJ. And the problems described by the orig. poster don't sound like problems, they sound like what all the 45's do.

2003KJ · **Posted:** Fri Nov 18, 2005 10:40 pm

hmmm, looks like you went back and edited your post before i could make mine...lol. Per your edit, you are correct, but i'll leave my other post up uncase others who are browsing are interested.

the1jferg · **Posted:** Fri Nov 18, 2005 10:44 pm

I figured it out, just trying to make you look crazy.

Pre-low, non c-clip dana- 45RFE tranny- Titanium A-arms -Diversatech titanium oil, and tranny pan...the 2002 differences only get tougher.

2003KJ · **Posted:** Fri Nov 18, 2005 10:47 pm

the1jferg wrote:

I figured it out, just trying to make you look crazy.

Well I'll go ahead and tell you, thats not hard to do.....LOL!!!

FreedomKJ · **Posted:** Sat Nov 19, 2005 3:50 am

You know, my window sticker said 42RLE, but evertime the "transmission differences" topic comes up mine sounds more like the 45RFE. Are there any labels on the tranny I could look at to know for sure?

2003KJ · **Posted:** Sat Nov 19, 2005 10:18 am

FreedomKJ wrote:

You know, my window sticker said 42RLE, but evertime the "transmission differences" topic comes up mine sounds more like the 45RFE. Are there any labels on the tranny I could look at to know for sure?

Whats your build date? I believe the switch happened around march/april of 03, IIRC.

KJ4x4inNJ · **Posted:** Sat Nov 19, 2005 10:42 am

I'm seriously thinking about trading in my '02 KJ for an '06 CRD with the 5 spd auto. Has anyone heard about similar problems with this 5 spd auto banging and slamming?????????

snowsport · **Joined:** Tue Oct 18, 2005 11:52 pm **Posts:** 1211

"The 42RLE can be identified by a barcode label that is affixed to the upper left area of the bell housing." "The 42RLE is a four-speed transmission that is a conventional hydraulic/mechanical assembly controlled with adaptive electronic controls and monitors." "The 45RFE transmission is a sophisticated, multi-range, electronically controlled transmission which combines optimized gear ratios for responsive performance, state of the art efficiency features and low NVH." "Transmission identification numbers are stamped on the left side of the case just above the oil pan sealing surface...A label is attached to the transmission case above the stamped numbers." (quotes from the Liberty 2003 Service Manual) My 03 has a 42, but I love her terribly anyway... :twisted:

2003KJ · **Posted:** Sat Nov 19, 2005 1:11 pm

KJ4x4inNJ wrote:

I'm seriously thinking about trading in my '02 KJ for an '06 CRD with the 5 spd auto. Has anyone heard about similar problems with this 5 spd auto banging and slamming?????????

The new 5-speed auto's in the KJ's are a 5-45RFE. I believe it's essentially a 45RFE (which you have in you 02), just modified a bit for the extra gear. Don't quote me on that as I don't have any experience with the new 5-45. Hopefulle someone who does have one (i know there are people on this board somewhere that do..lol) will give their input on it. Your best bet would be to go test drive one and see for yourself.

SD-KJ · **Posted:** Thu Apr 13, 2006 12:07 am

Sorry to bring this post out of the archives but i would rather post here than start a new one.

My question about this is my 45RFE tranny makes a loud clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Park to Reverse. And most of the time it seems like its hard to shift. Not abnormally hard, but i have not ever compared it to another liberty so i wouldnt know??? I am just wondering if i need to worry about the clunk. It almost seems like a drive shaft taking up the slack but yet it sounds like the trans so i am not sure. Has anyone ever heard of this?

-Nick

sqliberty · **Joined:** Sun Mar 19, 2006 3:08 pm **Posts:** 207

Jeep replaced the valve body in my trans when I had some shifting issues, it's ok now, and it was warranty

jdumont · **Posted:** Thu Apr 13, 2006 9:27 am

Mine feels the same way when stopping or starting. I think its normal unfortunately. My 96XJ also did the same thing and felt exactly the same. The only way to lessen the knocking into 1st gear is to start/stop a little slower. To me it just feels like slop in the gears? Good luck and keep us posted.....

Transmission Problems on my 2002 KJ

Who is online