Slow to engage reverse

[B2jgc]

Hi all
Over the last few days I have noticed my 2001 WJ v8 not going into reverse unless is rev it a bit! It's ok from cold, drives ok forwards.
Today I went to reverse into a parking spot and it seemed as if it was in neutral until I revved it slightly.

I have checked the transmission oil level and all appeared to be ok.

Any ideas would be appreciated

Cheers
Jon

[Savvas]

There's a couple of TSB's on delayed engagement in these transmissions. Something about suspect filters. Have a look here (I know this is for WK, but I believe some apply to WJ too) ...

http://wkjeeps.com/wk_tsb.htm#TRANSMISSION

Might also be a sticking solenoid.

If you're in Sydney, I can recommend Serge at Central Automatic Transmission Services at Rosebery for an honest opinion ... http://transmissionservice.com.au/

[Hanna]

Yeah, dunno if it's the same issue, but mine was doing the same for a while and I gave it a full service - new filters, transmission fluid and a replaced the pan gasket and no worries at all now. If anything, it's probably low level of transmission fluid that's causing the reverse slip, but unless it has an obvious leak it's probably time for a service.

Grab a service kit from Rock Auto for about $60-70 shipped and some Valvoline ATF 4+ from Amazon and you're set! Cheap piece of mind....

[B2jgc]

Hi all thanks for the help. I had a service done by transmission service and all has been good for about a year. Its started playing up again only when warm it becomes hard to get reverse without revving and then it jumps in with a thump. I am going the do another service but it's only been about 14 months and 10k since the last one. Any advice ? Thanks

[Hanna]

It only took you 17 months to report back to us!

I have done some further research on this recently as my wife's KJ CRD does the same thing and it has the same transmission.

It is a dodgy filter allowing the trans fluid to drain back if it's happening when cold. If it's happening when the car is warm then it may be more sinister.

Is it only reverse, or in drive as well?

[B2jgc]

Haha yes it's been all good for that time. It drives really well and doesn't throw any coded. Just reverse after it warms up!

[B2jgc]

So I changed the filters and fluid with genuine parts and still has the problem. Drives really well until it's warm and then reverse becomes difficult to get unless I rev it a bit and then it jumps in. Once in there is no slip. Took it to transmission services and was told " well it is a jeep, you know that stands for Just Empty Every Pocket" nice ! Any help would be much appreciated thanks. 545 transmission.