KJ Auto Gear box failure with code P0700 TMS

[glend]

I am posting this for a mate of mine who has had an apparent major failure of his 4speed auto box after only 54000km on the vehicle. Anyone have any ideas?

Here is what he has sent to me:

"Have had a major failure of the auto gearbox in my KJ.

I had just returned (to QLD) from a trip to Nowra NSW and the Jeep had driven especially well but only a 25 km's from home, the gearbox flared and dropped back to 2nd gear. I pulled to the side of the road and stopped. The dash engine warning light came on so I checked the error code as P0700 (Transmission management system). I started the engine and tried to drive off again but the gearbox made guttural noises and locked up. I had to have the RACQ skid tray the Jeep to their depot near here. Unfortunately, my Jeep is out of warranty with only 54,000km.

Am testing your knowledge on what you know about these 4Speed auto g/boxes or incidents or good replacement supply sources.

Incidentally, for worst case scenario, I've priced a new Auto gearbox off Jeep for $4,400. ... ouch!!"

[GMEMUD]

mine went at about 180000ks took the Transfer case with it. Paid $3800 for second hand pair that had 45000ks on it. Done 30000ks since with no problem. The guy at the automatic shop that did mine said it looks as if it either had the wrong oil in it or the service intervals are too far apart for our climate here, they do not hold a lot of oil apparently and they run pretty hot.

[barryh]

I am also having trouble on my2004 KJ which I bought about 1 month ago. It has done 71,000 and the trans is shuddering and slipping in reverse when uphill. No problems at all in forward or in normal use of reverse. Can you tell me the year of your car so I can see which Trans you have.
So far I have had a couple of quotes to repair which are remarkably similar--between $5 to $6K. The price for a new Trans that you have quoted seems reasonably attractive to me so I will chase up with local agent and look at changing over myself--my time is cheap.
Have you had any joy in locating anything 2nd hand and are you considering that path?? Barryh

[TheOoz]

Being an XJ driver, but a reader of the forum, there seems to be a lot of recent posts about KJ autos packing it up recently.

[Fouros]

Originally Posted by barryh

I am also having trouble on my2004 KJ which I bought about 1 month ago. It has done 71,000 and the trans is shuddering and slipping in reverse when uphill. No problems at all in forward or in normal use of reverse. Can you tell me the year of your car so I can see which Trans you have.
So far I have had a couple of quotes to repair which are remarkably similar--between $5 to $6K. The price for a new Trans that you have quoted seems reasonably attractive to me so I will chase up with local agent and look at changing over myself--my time is cheap.
Have you had any joy in locating anything 2nd hand and are you considering that path?? Barryh

4 speed 03 and on will be a 42rle

shudder in reverse is a well known issue but we have all been told its normal

[Pipeliner]

Another reason why I feel superior when driving my manual.

[Nobster]

Get your of it Chris