Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Problems & Cost | A518 | 65RFE | W5A580 | 545RFE

The Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with the 46RE (A518), the 545RFE the W5A580 (NAG1) or in later models the 6-speed 65RFE transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Models

Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission: 46RE (A518)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission: 545RFE
Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission: W5A580
Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission: 65RFE
Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission: 8HP70

Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate

Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.

Replacement Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmissions:

TransmissionStreet Smart Transmission
42RLE2152
545RFE2348
65RFE2478
W5A580 / NAG12589

What are the DTC codes related to Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission problems?

Trouble CodeDescription
P0700Transmission Control System (MIL Request)
P0705Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDL Input)
P0706Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P0710Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit
P0711Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P0712Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input
P0713Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input
P0714Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent P0715
P0717Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal
P0720Output Speed Sensor Circuit
P0729Gear 6 Incorrect Ratio
P0730Incorrect Gear Ratio
P0731Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio
P0732Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio
P0733Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio
P0734Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio
P0735Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio
P0740Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction
P0743Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Electrical
P0748Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Electrical
P0750Shift Solenoid 'A'
P0751Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off
P0755Shift Solenoid 'B'
P0765Shift Solenoid 'D'
P07833-4 Shift
P0880TCM Power Input Signal
P0881TCM Power Input Signal Range/Performance
P0882TCM Power Input Signal Low
P0884TCM Power Input Signal Intermittent

Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Recalls

None Listed

Jeep Grand Cherokee Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

TSB 21-08-99 – Buzz, whining or moaning sound when reverse is selected
1996 – 1999 Dodge Ram Van – 1996 – 1999 Dodge Dakota – 1996 – 1999 Dodge Ram – 1998 – 1999 Dodge Durango – 1997 – 1999 Jeep Wrangler TJ – 1996 – 1999 Jeep Cherokee – 1996 – 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ/WJ
Problem – An intermittent buzz, whining, or moaning sound may be noticed when the vehicle is shifted into reverse.
Solution – A new regulator valve may solve this problem. However, the issue can also be caused by a number of things, including a cracked pump housing, a torn pump gasket, low transmission fluid level, a dirty transmission filter, restricted transmission cooler flow, a worn valve inside of the valve body, or a worn valve body.

TSB 21-015-05 – Delayed gear engagement – 545RFE Transmission
2000 – 2004 Dodge Dakota – 2000 – 2006 Dodge Durango – 2003 – 2006 Dodge Ram – 2002 – 2006 Jeep Liberty – 1999 – 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee – 2006 Jeep Commander
Problem – Drivers may notice an initial delayed gear engagement with the shift into Drive or reverse after the vehicle has been parked overnight/is cold. This may occur after having the transmission serviced and having the transmission cooler return filter replaced.
Solution – If the OEM transmission cooler return filter (part #04799662AB) was used, it can allow the transmission fluid to drain back out of the torque converter, causing the delay/slip on initial gear engagement. Installing an upgraded transmission cooler return filter should cure the problem.

TSB 21-003-06 – Transmission shudder or buzzing noise due to water contamination
2005 – 2006 Chrysler 300
2005 – 2006 Dodge Magnum
2005 – 2006 Dodge Charger

-Note: This W5A580 transmission TSB is intended to supersede TSB 21-011-05 which included the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Problem – Owners may experience a shudder vibration and/or a high-frequency buzzing sound. This W5A580/NAG1 transmission problem may be most noticeable during light acceleration where partial application of the torque converter clutch happens in 3rd, 4th, or 5th gears. The reason this happens is because water has gotten past the transmission oil fill tube/dipstick seal. Contaminated transmission fluid can cause the TCC to stick and/or slip.

Solution – If the contaminated transmission fluid has not caused a lot of damage, the transmission and torque converter may be able to be flushed to cure the problem. However, if the contamination is severe, the torque converter will need to be replaced, and the transmission inspected for signs of other damage. The transmission fill tube seal will also need to be upgraded.

TSB 21-010-12 – Clunk noise when shifting from drive to neutral – 65RFE transmission
2011 – 2012 Ram 1500 – 2011 – 2012 Ram 2500 – 2011 – 2012 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis – 2011 – 2012 Dodge Durango – 2011 – 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Problem – Drivers may notice a pronounced clunking noise when shifting from drive to neutral. This may be particularly evident when the vehicle is hot or at normal operating temperatures.
Solution – These 65RFE transmission problems may be caused by the underdrive clutch releasing too quickly. To correct the issue a revised spacer plate will need to be installed inside of the valve body.

Common Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Problems

Delayed and/or harsh 3-4 or 4-5 shifts – 545RFE Transmission
Problem – Owners may experience an unusually delayed or harsh 3-4 or 4-5 gear change, where the transmission doesn’t seem to want to go into that particular gear.
Solution – This issue is related to valve body problems where the material used to make one of the checkballs has broken down to the point that fluid is able to get past and engage the underdrive clutch during those shifts. An upgraded #2 checkball will be needed to solve the issue.

Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

If your Jeep Grand Cherokee can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.

How often does a Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission need to be replaced?

The overall lifespan of a Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.

How are Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission issues diagnosed?

It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.

How is a Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission replaced?

In order to replace your Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed.

Recommendations for Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission issues?

To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission

The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.

Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission

Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.

Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission

Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your Jeep Grand Cherokee Have?

Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!

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Patrick Tackitt
2 years ago

Goes into 3rd instead of drive very often. You can turn key back and forth a few times and it will go into drive. A daily occurrence

Rose Dear
2 years ago

After my 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee gets up to operating temps..it won’t shift from 2nd to 3rd.

Levi Jordan
2 years ago

Over filled transmission fluid

Ted Burton
2 years ago

My 98 jeep grand cherokee tends to bounce between 1st and second gear , at low speeds. It has 178,557 miles on it but, the transmission is out of the salvage yard . So I’m not sure how many miles it has on it.

Kyle
3 years ago

2001 jeep G C 4.0 when I shift to nuteral still moves forward then to diverse acts like forward and diverse chokes engine down shift to park chokes engine if I rev up kill eng restart in park shifts all forward gears

Dave
3 years ago

2004 Jeep grand Cherokee 4.0 L transmission started whining and then I parked it and when I came back out to leave put the transmission in gear and it was like in neutral got it to move but it was like it kept slipping in neutral but it kept moving but not at the speed it should be but I limped it home. Went out to look at it try to see if I can find anything checked all the fluids fall now I have no reverse no first no second no third no drive nothing everything is neutral

Jesse
3 years ago

Jeep not going into any gear

Tina
3 years ago

When driving down the road it shifts hard and the shifter reader says p r n 3 then check engine light comes on

Paula Queen
3 years ago

It going into any other gear but 1st second and neutral reverse.

Jose
3 years ago

I have a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4×4 I can’t shit it up or down manually but it runs fine, it has no codes

Jose
3 years ago

Won’t shift up or down manually

Lucinda D Fields
3 years ago

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee stuck in first gear. Park, reverse and neutral are good. P700 code. 135,000 miles.

Logan Williams
3 years ago

We have an 05 grand cherokee it started with a wine and seemed to come from torque converter then (less than 20 miles)we trailered it to a trans shop by then it started leaking out front seal transshop said they don’t work on benz trans so we bought one online installed it at first great one trip to town and back (44miles ) then second trip same exact thing happened help please

Sam
3 years ago

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee that’s does nothing in drive or reverse!the traction control leds blink randomly!! Only has 60 miles and has had no problems before

Don Kirkland
3 years ago

I have a 2000 Grand Cherokee with 4.0 straight six. My transmission cooler line developed a leak. Loaned it out and friend tried to fix but made it worse cause he drove it out of fluid. When I heard him over reving engine in order to get it up the street I new he’d screwed it up and was making worse. I noticed smoke coming out of dip stick and when I tried to move it Reverse was now drive.along with nutural and rest of drives. I as Lao noticed a sound like something spinning freely on torque converter. Is my tram my most likely shot or could it just be torque converter?

Frank Feliz
3 years ago

My 1996 jeep Cherokee 4.0 6cyl won’t move.Now I let off the gas pedal for a minute.Then it starts engaging.

Jimmt
4 years ago

I have a 01 grand with 4.7 it has started to not want to change unless i let off the gas it has no codes or making any noises but seems to just run out of power at 3.000 rpm any ideas

Greg
4 years ago

My 2004 jeep grand Cherokee all of the sudden wont go into drive ,3rd,or,1st gear it’s like I’m in neutral. I can go in reverse and park. Wat would cause that.

Nicholas Medina
4 years ago

I’ve been having tons of random codes come up 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7 four-wheel. I have codes pop up from p0958 and P1 593s and p0581s clear them and then another codes will come on like transmission over temp codes this and that I have done absolutely everything to this vehicle and now it seems like it shakes has a hard time when putting into drive or reverse everything is good Brand new fluid filter everything literally except for new transmission I am at a loss for words I am tired of dealing with it but I know the transmission is in good shape still I don’t know what to do cuz every time I clear codes different codes will pop back up for different reasonings I have replaced the PCM twice flashed it and everything so I am at all lost words to how to fix it please anybody help me??!!?

jake
4 years ago

I would focus on the codes, it sounds like you may have an electrical problem occurring. i would check all grounds. Also perform voltage drop tests on all associated components.

James Bond
4 years ago

2015 JGC overland Gets 9mpg and bucks like a horse when slowing to a stop at red lights. Also seems to be lacking full power/torque.

2013 Jeep grand Cherokee trail hawk
4 years ago

2013 Jeep grand Cherokee trail hawk have a popping knocking noise in the rear end when accelerating the car shutters.

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