2012 WK GC apparently needs a new trans

[croweater]

I'm in Adelaide too and given there are only 2 stealerships I've got a 50:50 chance of guessing which one, if it is the one near a former Chrysler factory though I'd like to know 'cos that's where I'm planning on buying mine from. Forewarned is forearmed etc.

I've already made the decision to only get warranty work and major services done at the stealership and get all other work done elsewhere. So if you are prepared to recommend your trans guy or a good diesel mechanic please do so.

[kimbo]

Croweater - LOL - oddly enough, yes, that's exactly the stealership I'm talking about. I had no problems with them, up to the point that the standard (at the time) 3-yr manufacturers warranty ended - once it went onto extended warranty, the quality of service went down each time.

So, my trans specialist has just got back to me, and, at the time of writing, he believes the trans is actually fine and that the error lights came on just at the right time. They've topped up the oil, road tested and it seems good.

The oil line from the trans cooler, which by all accounts, is integrated with the air-conditioning cooler, had split, and leaked oil (although he couldn't say how long it had been split for) to the extent that the pump couldn't generate enough pressure in the trans, causing shifting problems, and probably triggering the original errors lights on the dash.

He will be installing a separate trans cooler, and doing a full service, so we'll suck it and see from there - AND he's hoping to get it all done today, which given I only called him at 4:30 yesterday, is absolutely awesome.

Big thumbs up to Mike at MV Automatics in Blackwood.

Approx expected cost $1K.... therefore I'm heading into the weekend somewhere in the region of $8K happier than when I got to work this morning.

[croweater]

Excellent result for you - bit of a worry for other Jeep owners though is those oil lines have a penchant for splitting.

Thanks for confirming my worst fear and your trans guy is now on my list

[bjm]

If the. auto trans line were leaking there would be a trail of atf fluid under the vehicle or at least around the leaking area.These boxes as noted have very few weak points.However most give great service even when towing.mine has done over 150000ks mostly towing,fluid c hanged every 30000 ks.Did you check yourself to see if fluid in box etc.I would als o make sure the auto trans guy you have taken it to is completely happy doing the job if need be.There are numerous tests that can be done on these boxes to diagnose whats wrong.As Clarky said they are a Merc box,if need be call the Merc dealer and find out who does these ats in your area

[kimbo]

bjm - no I didn't check the oil in the box, I don't have the 3.5 meter long dip-stick that's apparently required LOL.

Besides which I went from "OMFG how much ???" at the dealership, straight to MV Autos.

Yeah they're more than happy to do the work - Mike knows Merc boxes very well, has been in the trade for a long long time, and was recommended as one of the "go to" guys in the area for all things auto-trans - from Mazda 2's, through to F350 Super Duty's and all points in between - and more importantly, his shops only 10 mins down the road from where I live.

[kimbo]

Oh sorry forgot, no didn't see a trail or puddles of fluid, which is what I expected, but I did notice this morning (because now I'm looking for it) some discoloration to the pavers underneath where I normally park it, so maybe it was a really small split and has taken some time to lower the atf level to the point that symptoms became noticeable?

[Taprod]

Originally Posted by kimbo

Croweater - LOL - oddly enough, yes, that's exactly the stealership I'm talking about. I had no problems with them, up to the point that the standard (at the time) 3-yr manufacturers warranty ended - once it went onto extended warranty, the quality of service went down each time.



So, my trans specialist has just got back to me, and, at the time of writing, he believes the trans is actually fine and that the error lights came on just at the right time. They've topped up the oil, road tested and it seems good.



The oil line from the trans cooler, which by all accounts, is integrated with the air-conditioning cooler, had split, and leaked oil (although he couldn't say how long it had been split for) to the extent that the pump couldn't generate enough pressure in the trans, causing shifting problems, and probably triggering the original errors lights on the dash.



He will be installing a separate trans cooler, and doing a full service, so we'll suck it and see from there - AND he's hoping to get it all done today, which given I only called him at 4:30 yesterday, is absolutely awesome.



Big thumbs up to Mike at MV Automatics in Blackwood.



Approx expected cost $1K.... therefore I'm heading into the weekend somewhere in the region of $8K happier than when I got to work this morning.

Great result for you. I wish I knew a trustworthy mechanic in Canberra that knows these vehicles. There are only 2 Jeep dealerships in Canberra. One I certainly don’t trust and will never use again and the other I’m skeptical of


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[Troutman]

A good result for you mate. This sort of issue is why I hate modern autos without a dipstick. The goatfuck procedure to check the level on the ZF 8 speed is so complicated, I doubt anyone does it.

[Clarky]

this is all you need to check the level
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Auto...item1ed5f70907



The Procedure is in this PDF starting on page 121 (Section 21-615) bottom of the page. Use the graph I posted as it is in degrees Celsius.
http://www.lx.abodiesonline.com/Manu...1%20Manual.pdf

Disregard step 10. "Lower the vehicle and add 7.0 L (7.4 qts.) of transmission fluid to the transmission" as 7 litres is WRONG, a TSB was released by Chrysler to warn dealers about the mistake