C'mon little Cherokee - WTF?

[tazwegion]

Had a big trip planned today, did a fluid change yesterday in preparation topped up ancillaries as required, got down the road 80km and noticed the RPM's creeping up whilst the vehicle felt like it was slowing down... engine temp was running at a quarter as would be expected for such a cold night.

Pulled to the side of the road to check it out and got the steam/smoke show, the transmission had blown it's fluids all over the engine bay and down onto the hot exhaust as I pulled over... a la my first Jeep fire

Working from what I've googled it may be related to a number of things including but not limited to...

Larger tyre combo

Internal solenoid/valve failure

Overheating

Torque converter issues

Crimped/damaged transmission cooler lines

Blocked transmissions cooler


This car was a beast of a workhorse 3 years ago, hauling the largest of the moving trailers fully laden without issue or complaint and has only seen around town cruising since, I could take it to a transmission specialist but I only want to do so as a last resort...

[JEEPCHIK]

I think I'd be looking at blocked transcooler or crimped fluid lines. sounds like the trans has built up a heap of pressure and spat the dummy for some reason. Have you recently done a trans service ie new fluid and filter?

[tazwegion]

No major service work recently only changed out the old fluids, seems it will shift fine after it's been sitting for a while (shut off) but otherwise works until it decides to spit the dummy again... the fluid level looks about right (albeit a little tan in colour).

Lines have been checked and are not crimped.

Repair is beyond my facilities here so it looks like I'll be off to a specialist after all... the repair bill will cause disharmony in the home I fear

[layback40]

What is it with jeep auto trans at the moment? first AG has his go & now you.

[Clarky]

Did the atf come out the breather/vent?
It happened to me when I over filled the auto, I should have known when only 3 litres came out don't put 4 back in

[layback40]

I dont know if this is relevant. In the past I have had problems with Allison trans in earth moving equipment if moisture gets in the tans fluid. When it gets hot the moisture boils, this normally occurs in the TC & results in a loss of drive.
If you have tan fluid it would suggest that you have toasted some clutch packs.

[anthonygubbin]

Originally Posted by layback40

What is it with jeep auto trans at the moment? first AG has his go & now you.

Yerr and both in Tas. With the shortage of decent Jeep wreckers here in Tas I doubt there will be two good cond SH units in the state.

Regards A