The Jeep Wrangler was equipped with the 42RLE, 545RFE or the W5A580 (NAG1) transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Jeep Wrangler transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Jeep Wrangler Transmission Models
Jeep Wrangler Transmission: 42RLE
Jeep Wrangler Transmission: W5A580 (NAG1)
Jeep Wrangler Transmission: 545RFE
Jeep Wrangler 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 Wrangler Transmission Prices:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
|---|---|
| 42RLE | 2152 |
| W5A580 / NAG1 | 2589 |
What are the DTC codes related to Jeep Wrangler transmission problems?
| Trouble Code | Description |
|---|---|
| P0700 | Transmission Control System (MIL Request) |
| P0706 | Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0710 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit |
| P0711 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0712 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input |
| P0713 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit High Input |
| P0714 | Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent P0715 |
| P0717 | Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal |
| P0720 | Output Speed Sensor Circuit |
| P0730 | Incorrect Gear Ratio |
| P0731 | Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0732 | Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0733 | Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0734 | Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0735 | Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio |
| P0740 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction |
| P0742 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Stuck On |
| P0743 | Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Electrical |
| P0748 | Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Electrical |
| P0750 | Shift Solenoid 'A' |
| P0751 | Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off |
| P0755 | Shift Solenoid 'B' |
| P0760 | Shift Solenoid 'C' |
| P0765 | Shift Solenoid 'D' |
| P0783 | 3-4 Shift |
| P0841 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0846 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch B Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0871 | Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch C Circuit Range/Performance |
| P0880 | TCM Power Input Signal |
| P0881 | TCM Power Input Signal Range/Performance |
| P0882 | TCM Power Input Signal Low |
| P0884 | TCM Power Input Signal Intermittent |
| P0888 | TCM Power Relay Sense Circuit |
| P0891 | TCM Power Relay Sense Circuit High |
| P0897 | Transmission Fluid Deteriorated |
Jeep Wrangler Transmission Recalls
Recall 05V460000 / E14 – Transmission may not hold in the park position
2005 – 2006 Chrysler 300 – 2005 – 2006 Dodge Charger – 2006 Dodge Dakota – 2005 Dodge Durango – 2005 – 2006 Dodge Magnum – 2005 – 2006 Jeep Liberty – 2005 – 2006 Jeep Wrangler
Summary – In November 2005, Chrysler recalled 256,409 vehicles equipped with the 42RLE transmission, because the cup plug that holds the park prawl anchor shaft may not have been properly installed. If the shaft moves out of position, the vehicle may not be able to achieve the Park position.
Consequence – If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle could unexpectedly roll away, causing serious injury and damage.
Remedy – Dealers were instructed to install a bracket to ensure that the 42RLE parking prawl anchor shaft will stay in the proper position. Concerned owners may call Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.
Jeep Wrangler Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
None Found
Common Jeep Wrangler Transmission Problems
Shifting problems and solenoid/pressure switch DTCs – 42RLE transmission
Problem – Drivers may experience 42RLE transmission problems that include slipping and harsh shifts. The check engine light may also be illuminated with the following codes stored in the ECU: P0750, P0755, P0760, P0765, P0846, P0871, P0841.
Solution – The problem may be caused by corrosion in the 10 pin solenoid harness connector. This may also be caused by a wiring issue between the TCM/ECU and the transmission harness connector. A new design 42RLE 10-pin connector will need to be installed and/or wiring issues repaired.
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 Wrangler 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 Wrangler transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Jeep Wrangler 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 Wrangler 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 Wrangler transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Jeep Wrangler 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 Wrangler transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Jeep Wrangler 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 Wrangler 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 Wrangler transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Jeep Wrangler Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Jeep Wrangler 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 Wrangler 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 Wrangler 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.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Jeep Wrangler 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!
I was out of town at a stop light and it turned green, so as I pushed the pedal, my engine stalled on me and my check engine light came on. I put it in neutral, put my key in the off position then started my jeep up and it ran normal again. I took it to autozone to get diagnosed and the P0335 code was showing. I then drove it home with no issues of any kind. The next morning when I turned it on, my check engine light was gone, but my jeep drove with terrible shifting. I was at a stop sign and when I accelerated, my engine stalled on me again. So I changed out the crankshaft position sensor which is the code it was showing, but that did not seem to fix the problem. Now my jeep has delayed shifting or struggles to shift at all. It also seems to be running in the higher rpm’s that usually. I’m not sure where to start. My jeep is no longer throwing and codes, but is shifting badly.
I have a 2014 Jeep Wrangler 4*4 and I replaced all the solenoid,when I put everything together and drive probably 10 miles and it was working very smooth the shifters.
When I make a stop and then I start driving only one shift going and the rest of the shift didn’t work.
I buy the shifter solenoid in the auto parts but the solenoid made in taiwan 🤔
My original solenoid made in Germany.
Do you think the poor quality of the solenoid didn’t working right 🤔
I have a 1999 Jeep grand cherokee 4.0 that took out the rear side of the thrust bearing on the crankshaft. I can’t find any mention of this on the web?? I replaced the engine went for a 5 mile backroad road test and the torque converter bolts were hitting the inspection cover. Removed the cover went for another road test now the bolts sound like they’re hitting aluminum spacer plate. Thrust clearance on the engine is within.005 ??? What is causing the converter to move so much ??? Ideas???
2011 jeep wrangler unlimited rubicon 4×4 4door is reading codes P0455, p0882 and p1745 check engine light is on and it will only shift up to 3rd gear
Some times gets the gears and some times don’t only mostly when I hold down the shifter down with pressure but as soon as I stop I can’t get it back into place so I’m stuck again
In cold weather from a standstill start transmission slipping until gets warmed up.
1987 Jeep Wrangler YJ. 2.5 L 4cyl engine. Unknown miles, a lot I imagine. It’s seized up, tires won’t even roll. Happened while driving. 4th gear started making whining sounds, then thumping and bumping like I had a flat tire.