With its standard five-speed automatic transmission and V6 engine, your Jeep Grand Cherokee is the perfect mid-size SUV for towing and hauling. Keep that engine running smoothly by regularly checking transmission fluid and visiting AutoZone for Jeep Grand Cherokee automatic transmission parts. Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Shift Cable Repair Kit w/ bushing Easy Install (Fits: 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee) $24.99. 83506063, 6087 New Planetary Gear for Jeep Grand Cherokee Wrangler (Fits: 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee) $241.68.

1. Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Problems
2. Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Diagram
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Noise
4. 2014 Grand Cherokee Transmission Problems
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Identification

Jeep Grand Cherokee owners have reported 68 problems related to automatic transmission control module (under the power train category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Jeep Grand Cherokee based on all problems reported for the Grand Cherokee.

The inspection recall on my 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee did nothing to fix the problem with pcm and catalytic converter specified in the defective issue within the recalls issued. This harms the driver, pedestrians, other passengers and motorists. The tech where I went to have recall work performed ordered parts (see attachment), but nothing was installed on my vehicle. Only 'inspected. ' the tech was told of detailed poor performance and symptoms of a bad pcm. Such as shifting, stalling, fuel economy & hard to start. The Jeep is not operating optimally & this could mean there are. Other problems between different systems. All of these are indications of a faulty pcm. As well as the abs light being on the dashboard. The pcm is a 'critical' system & needs to be replaced. I'm requesting that you fix this problem for free, as it is defective and could mingle with other systems and cause a complete vehicle break down. Or refund the cost to me in full, including labor charges, if I replace/repair myself. If this defective part is not fixed, it could result in property damage, in which cdj would be liable for. Please advise as to how you can help enforce the manufacture to fully repair these defective parts & remedy this problem on fixing the faulty pcm & catalytic converter within a recall and possibly the abs system and transmission. The vehicle stalls on highway, in park, on the street, when stopped and then it stalls out and is hard to start. It also has not been able to go in reverse ( back up). Which mean it's not getting proper lubrication. Also, the alarm goes off when using key to gain access. Unhooking battery to reset does not help.
See all problems of the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee .

I continue to have service shifter and check engine issues with my vehicle, which have been ongoing for the last three years. This has occurred while stationary, in motion both on city/neighborhood streets or on the highway. It's happened while turning and in park. When the check engine and service shifter lights come one, in many cases the car goes into limp mode and I lose the ability to accelerate, which causes a severe safety risk if it occurs while turning or going down the highway. Many times my dashboard will go completely black for seconds and my wind shield wipers will turn on. My car has been in the dealership for service related to this issue for 180 days over the past three years and they are unable to resolve the issue. They have replaced the steering control module, the tcm, the telemax communication module, the transmission, and the shifter, but the issue always comes back. Over the last six months the issues have gotten worse and the vehicle is getting more unsafe to drive. Based on my research there are a significant amount of these issues and fca should take action.
See all problems of the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee .

The vehicle stalls while driving on the highway. I will be driving on the highway at about 70 mph and sometimes the car will give a jerk when I accelerate and suddenly the vehicle slows down to a stop (gas pedal does not work to accelerate) the car shifts itself from drive to neutral and a message appears on the dash screen 'put vehicle into drive'. Sometimes the check engine light turns on and sometimes is does not. Once the vehicle has stopped I'm able to restart the car and drive again. This occurs again sometimes multiple times in one day or will happen once every week or so. I was told to change the tcm, battery, spark plugs and clean the fuel injectors and that did not solve the problem. I've been to multiple mechanics and Chrysler dealership service centers and they can never seem to duplicate the problem so they have no real answers as to why this is happening.

The pcm is not communicating between the computer and the transmission. It's making the transmission jump, loose power while driving, warning saying transmission over temp (can come on even when you just start driving), code p1603-pcm internal dual port ram, communication failure. The rpm's have ramped up and down while at a stop, loose power while driving, and can even turn off while driving. Eventually the alternator went bad. Replaced alternator and battery have been replaced 8/16/20. Eventually if the ecm is not replaced then it'll kill the vehicle. The transmission over temp started around 60,000 miles. This issue has steadily gotten worse overtime, became more frequent, and more dangerous. I've read of lots of people have the same issue and there's been no recalls. I feel there should be a recall for safety issues. Please look into the number of people having the same issue.
See all problems of the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee .

Current issue - while waiting in a fast food line the battery light came on. . . After receiving food - I pulled into a parking spot and before I could turn the vehicle off, it started giving off error codes related to various electrical items not being available - first warning - svc. Air suspension - second - blind spot detection not available - third evic error - fourth - adaptive cruise not available. . . Then died and smelt like burning rubber when I exited the vehicle. . . A failed effort by roadside service to jump the vehicle did manage to turn on the windshield wipers which wouldn't turn off but that's all that accomplished so I had roadside service put it on a flatbed and tow it to my house since nothing was opened and I didn't want to leave it somewhere with the windows down (of course they wouldn't roll up). . . Pretty clearly this should be part of the t39 alternator recall that was issued due to bad diodes which cause the alternator to fry the electrical components with very little warning. . . The car should die and then the replacement of the alternator should rectify the situation. . . Not - the light comes on - the car immediately dies - and then you need a new pcm or ecm and all new wiring. . . Issue #2 - the suspension has been a total fiasco accumulating $13,000 in dealer assessments not under warranty - the whole system has gone out within 80,000 miles and even after replacing 2 air struts - 2 upper control arms - the tie rods end links - and the cv axles - and the compressor - it still sounds like a rickety bucket of junk. . . When driving - always. Issue #3 - the water pump continuously fails. - not sure if when driving but one would suspect that to be the case.
See all problems of the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee .

Vehicle was stationary and idling in the park position, went to shift to reverse and it would automatically shift into neutral and the check engine light came on immediately after. Attempted to shift back into reverse and it would once again shift into neutral. Turned vehicle off and back on and was able to shift into reverse fine however the check engine light remained on. Prior to this event happening there had been a jerking and pulling feeling in the transmission when the vehicle would shift gears as it accelerated on city streets as well as on the highway. Vehicle was taken to the dealership to get inspected and was diagnosed with the tcm codes p1d92 and p1da8. Was adviced to have the valve body replaced or possibly even the transmission. The jerking and pulling feeling is still current.
See all problems of the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee .

Tl- the contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn when the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact stated they were able to immediately turn the vehicle back on and continue driving. The contact then stated that while driving approximately 30 mph the vehicle would suddenly stalled, again, and they were able to re-start the vehicle and continue driving . Then while at a gas station and attempting to start the contact had to press the start button several times before the vehicle would start. This occurred multiple times. The contact contacted had not contacted the dealership for the failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the vehicle was included in a recall regarding the alternator, the battery, and the pcm. About 3-4 months ago and was repaired at the dealership (stew hansen Dodge ram Chrysler Jeep located at 12103 hickman rd, urbandale, IA 50323 phone number 515-331-2900) and that the current failures began about 3 months after. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issues. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. Gl.

Ecm was not functioning properly. Connections were failing. Due to this engine power was lost while running. At times would just shut off. Vehicle was stationary at time of wiggling pcm but don't want to find out if this would happen if I hit a rough spot on the highway going 75. Problem is manufacturer is not producing these computers anymore and can't find one anywhere, also can't be repaired.
See all problems of the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee .

'service shifter' warning appears on dash. While driving on city or highway. All lights on shifter are lighted up at one time. Ie. P,r,n,d,s all lite at once. Brought to dealer for pcm update. This did not fix the issue.

Tl the contact owns a 2013 grand Jeep cherokee. The contact stated that the power train control module and alternator failed. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 17v435000 (electrical system) and 17v572000 (service brakes, service brakes, hydraulic). The contact did not receive any recall letters. The vehicle was towed to ganley Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram (310 broadway Ave, bedford, OH 44146, (440) 232-2121) where it was diagnosed that the battery caused the failures. The dealer wanted to charge the contact for both repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 119,000.

Refer to complaint #1184392 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. (1) after tcm replaced at 1300 miles 3/1/2019. (2) internal valve body kit installed in transmission 1456 miles 3/12/19 to 3/22/19 parts had to order. (3) transmission ordered 4/3/19 @ 1589 miles. In service date 10/11/2018. Took delivery 10/13/2018. After all this trouble I was driving normal city road April 2,2019 vehicle would bang thump like backlash after complete stop in transmission felt in entire vehicle. The vehicle felt like no gas response to move in gear then. I came to stop at light to turn left car in drive running. Vehicle would not move at all. Stuck dead in road. After trying everything to move vehicle I got off 3 lane road to driveway of senior residence home. Vehicle running to stay warm it did it again would move in any gear. Flatbed came to take to dealer since they just did valve kit in transmission 13 days previous and 156 miles approximately. ) after all these experiences I've had in little time and mileage occured this new 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee is unsafe with all these transmission troubles. Transmission never knew when to shift normal since 1000 miles. Erotic shift with noice and thump after stopping , feels like no gas to move vehicle in gear driving. Took a turn and felt like out of gear no response in gas fuel pedal, times of acceleration it would lag then extreme take off and jolt you forward. Shall be also registering complaint with fca and issue of new car lemon law.
See all problems of the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee .

Tl- the contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v813000 (electrical system) however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle would suddenly stall and shutdown. The contact stated that when this occurs they have to place the vehicle in the neutral position, press the start button, and place the vehicle into drive quickly in order for it to operate properly again. The contact stated the failure occurred multiple times. The contact then stated that their vehicle was previously included in a recall with the manufacturer id v51 (NHTSA campaign number not able to be identified) regarding the reprogramming of the pcm. The contact stated they had the vehicle repaired, however, they were still experiencing the failure indicated on the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle's warning light stating the serviced 4 wheel drive was activated illuminated and the vehicle's traction control deactivitates. The contact contacted the dealership (john l sullivan Chrysler Dodge located at 950 harter pkwy, yuba city, 95993 phone number: 855-580-5113) who informed that the remedy was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, however, they were unable to provide an estimated time for the remedy or a loaner vehicle. The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA to file a complaint. The manufacturer also opened a case regarding the matter with case number: 71748777. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000. VIN tool confirms remedy not yet available. Gl.
See all problems of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee .

While driving the vehicle I receive a message on the info center displaying 'transmission over temp' the fan kicks on high and the vehicle will not go faster than 25mph. I have to pull over, turn the vehicle off, wait 30 seconds, turn it back on and it goes away. Had my vehicle at the transmission shop and had it thoroughly looked through and the pcm is to blame. It is very common on these vehicles. I feel it is a saftey concern due to the 'transmission over temp' displaying every couple of miles as I drive. Calling Chrysler directly to ask of the problem and they were very rude and hung up on me. Not happy!!.

Tl- the contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee overland. The contact stated that the battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the battery, the alternator assembly and the pcm. The alternator assembly had been extremely warm internally which had affected the pcm. The vehicle had to be turned off during the repair to further diagnose the pcm internal voltage shortage. The dealer fred beans Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram (858 n easton rd, doylestown, PA 18902, (215) 348-7500) was aware that there had been two recalls for NHTSA campaign number: 15v879000 (electrical system), 17v572000 (service brakes, service brakes, hydraulic) and had scheduled an appointment for the recall repairs for may 10, 2018. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 17v435000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000. Dyd.

A week ago my battery light came on in my car on my way home. Luckily I was able to get home before it died. We drove my car to an independent mechanic that we always go to get it diagnosed. My mechanic said I made it just in time because when they went to start my vehicle it was completely dead. They diagnosed that I had a bad battery and replaced it. They also identified that the alternator was bad and said there was a recall on it (I never received a recall notice on this part though). My car was towed to a nearby Chrysler dealership and they completed all the open recalls on it, including the alternator belt. Then my car was towed back to my independent mechanic. After my mechanic ran my car for 20 minutes the car shut off and it was found that the powertrain control module shorted. I immediately called Chrysler customer service to report the issue. It has been over a week and I have spoken to 5 different customer service agents. Every single one has told me something different and a different process I have to follow. My car has been towed back to the dealership and just sitting there. It has been over a week since I have had my car. I just heard from a customer service agent today that the car has to be diagnosed by the dealership and they have to declare that the pcm is not working. I have no idea what will happen after that. I am really trying to get them to pay for this and not go through a reimbursement process because I don't have faith I will actually get reimbursed in the end. I am so disgusted with the treatment Chrysler has given me. They obviously are trying everything to get out of paying this. Well they picked the wrong person to mess with, I will not back down.
See all problems of the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee .

After we purchased the Jeep Grand Cherokee it was taken in for a recall for the tcm, to be serviced and have the power steering fluid checked for leaks due to the well being empty. We were then told when we picked up the vehicle and the power steering well was dry that all Jeeps are like that. After questioning that statement the tech went to vehicle and filled the well. After the dealership replaced the part, the vehicle will hold for 2 to 3 seconds then begin to roll back for 10 to 30 feet depending on the grade of the incline when in drive. It is an automatic with the hill start assist which does hold the brakes for the allotted time. The recall was for the vehicle to go into park if the driver takes off his seatbelt and exits the car in gear. That does work. The Jeep will continue to roll until it jerks itself into neutral then stalls the motor, it will continue to roll if the brake is not applied. Chrysler and the dealership continue to say that all vehicles (automatics) will roll back on an incline in drive and not stop until you apply the brake no matter the distance. We have discussed this issue with multiple Chrysler certified mechanics and they have stated that under any circumstance no automatic transmission should roll back more than a foot. The manager of the service department stated that all vehicles roll back no matter the distance. I stated my kia soul does not even move an inch backwards in drive on an incline, he responded with'yes it does'. He then stated that 'due to the lemon law we can not guess what is wrong, if we are fix it three times you can return the vehicle and the time we have put into your Jeep we are not getting paid for '. He also stated that our Jeep does not idle high enough and can not be adjusted and Chrysler says we are responsible to have control of the vehicle at all times. We don't want to return the Jeep we want it safe.

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While the vehicle was parked with the air conditioner and radio still operable, the contact exited the vehicle. Upon returning to the vehicle, he noticed that the air conditioner and radio stopped working, but the windshield wiper blades were moving at slow speed. The contact shifted into drive, but the vehicle was moving slowly and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was stopped, shifted into park, turned off, and failed to restart. The voltage warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a faulty alternator and battery that needed replacement. The parts were replaced, but the mechanic noticed that the computer was damaged and could not be repaired. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic who diagnosed that the pcm needed replacement and there was an alternator recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had the vehicle towed to jt Chrysler Dodge ram of lexington (located at 4838 sunset blvd, lexington, SC 29072 (803) 957-2010) for repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15v674000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 113,002.

While driving on freeway, battery warning light lit up, followed by (incorrect) error messages on instrument cluster menu that driver seatbelt was unfastened. All electrical equipment in the vehicle ceased operation, including ac and stereo. I pulled off of freeway and opened hood to find the alternator smoking heavily. This was the exact same failure situation described in Chrysler recall p60, but because my alternator was 180amp instead of 160amp, it was not covered by the p60 recall. The alternator had to be replaced. The alternator failure also resulted in a blown-out pcm, which had to be replaced. This is an extremely dangerous failure that could have caused a car fire, or traffic accident. Chrysler recall p60 should include the 180amp alternators, as well, because they have the same fault and safety issues.

180 amp alternator experienced catastrophic failure causing total loss of all power, battery failure, pcm failure and smoking and burning smell from engine compartment. Experienced loud whinning from alternator while driving immediately prior to failure. Ultimate failure occured as car pulled into parking spot. This is the same issue experienced by 160 amp alternator under recall. It is extremely dangerous and Chrysler/Jeep should be required to fix these issues.

Tl-the contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph the vehicle shifted into fourth gear independently and stalled after a inclined hill with check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to an dealership where it was diagnosed the transmission control module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated a case has been assigned however it was not guarantee due to the vehicle was out of the 36 month warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Problems

Vehicle started to jerk/hard shift and slip when shifting from 1-2 and 2-3 while driving on a city street. I took the vehicle into the dealer who replaced the valve body, ran the flash software update and reprogrammed the pcm. The dealer test drove the vehicle and indicated that the 'trans shifts very smooth now'. 20 miles later while I was driving the vehicle on city streets it began to clunk and jerk when deceleration at 30 mph and then again at 8 mph; much worse than before during acceleration. The vehicle also now lunges forwards and shakes when you come to a stop at a light/stop signs with your foot on the brake. I took the vehicle right back to the dealer who has ordered a new transmission. The vehicle only has 6500 miles on it. This vehicle is very unsafe with all the jerking and clunking and control issues. It appears these vehicles have transmission issues with no 'fix' available; so I anticipate the same problem to occur when I get the vehicle back from the dealership with the new transmission.

I would like to know why Jeep/Chrysler has not done any recalls or fixes involving the powertrain control module (pcm) since it is a known issue with Grand Cherokees?!!! instead they want customers to go out and spend approximately $200+ for a new one and even more $$ to have dealer install it. I love my Jeep don't get me wrong, but Jeep dropped the ball big on this one. Just about as bad as the gas tank issue.
See all problems of the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee .

Engine stall/shut off on a highway at 70 miles/hr in center lane of a five lane interstate highway with plenty of gas in the tank. Has happened three times on different days. I'm original owner. Heavy failure analysis done. Allege that Jeep cut corners that risk driver safety. They used and may still be using cheap chinese microprocessor chips in their program control modules (pcm). Fred bailey fatal accident is telling. His Jeep shut down on a bridge. Plenty of gas in the tank. Tractor trailer plows into the back of this Jeep (like mine). The gas tank explodes and he dies. . Read more...
See all problems of the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee .

Tl-the contact owns a 2014 Jeep cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v509000 (visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact also stated that while driving the transmission failed to shift. The contact stated that the vehicle would not downshift to the lower gears. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the transmission control module was reprogrammed, however that failed to fix the issue. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 7,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. Ah.

The vehicle goes into what's called a �limp mode� which essentially means it has lost communication with the transmission control module and the vehicle will not shift.

The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the transmission control module dropped out of the vehicle causing the vehicle to come to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that this was a known failure with this year and model vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and explained to the contact that the part needed was on back order and there was no time frame for when the repair could be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 52,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving various speeds, the shifter would erroneously shift out of gear and a hum was present coming from the transmission. Also, the display panel changed from drive and displayed a straight line. The vehicle began to hesitate and reduce speed. After stopping and switching the shifter back to drive, the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was erratic transmission failure. The pcm, tcm, reh, and ipc were all reprogrammed. After retrieving the vehicle and driving, the vehicle would not accelerate on demand. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 700.

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving at 35 mph, the vehicle stalled and failed to switch gears. The engine restarted after numerous attempts. The check engine and service transmission warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the pcm and tcm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. However, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 7,800.

The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 55 mph, the engine stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power train, the transmission control modules and the integrated power module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,300.

My Jeep Grand Cherokee has been sputtering, stalling when stopped and when driving, backfires blown apart 2 mufflers. It will not show a check light or give an error code when hooked up to a computer. Have researched online and found several people with same issue. Have done as they have and replaced nearly every sensor. Have yet to replace pcm/ecm. Don't know if this will fix due to some online have and still having the same issue. Like the people online I have taken it to different mechanics, none of which could duplicate or find a problem. Surprised with as many people having this issue Jeep hasn't resolved this. I think dealerships are aware of this issue because some people online have traded their Jeeps in and gotten very little towards trade-in.

Bought new in April 2013. Since then, Jeep has been in dealers service dept for many electrical problems, transmission problems, down loads to control modules and front and rear bumpers just falling off. Radio was replaced, wiring harness replaced, many control modulars replaced, generator and battery replaced and the dealer even added an extra negative wire to the Jeep to stop the exterior and interior lights from just turning off and on, altering the Jeeps design. My Jeep then began turning on and off certain controls, like the wipers would just come on and off, the radio would go up and down in sound then the whole screen would go black, turning off on its own, dealer had to replace the entire radio system. Recent repairs were the transmission, which have been an ongoing problem within month of purchase. The Jeep would not go higher the 2nd gear. Dealer had to remove certain codes, replace with new codes and reprogram the tcm control module. This has been done many times. Just last month, the front and rear bumpers just began to fall apart. Dealer had to send Jeep to a body shop for repairs. The Jeep is in mint condition and aways has. It's service record is proof of proper mainteance on schedule. On one occasion after the dealer attemptedto finx the lights from going out and had the Jeep for sevral weeks, the dealer told me they go the lights to at least not go out but it still has a slight flicker. When I told the dealership that's not fixed right, the dealer told me that they considered the repairs commercially acceptable. It's been almost a year since I hired an attorney to address this under the lemon law but Chrysler continues to drag this issue out without addressing the safety issues my family continues to endure on a daily basis . Asking the attorney to become more involved, I was told they have to do what the law allows.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Diagram

Started truck shifted from park to drive. Started to drive, truck lurched forward and was unable to get it to speed over 20 mph. Tried pulling over and putting in park, still was unable to get truck to drive normally. Had same issue previously, had truck repaired was told that it was the electronic shift module - along with the battery, transmission control module and alternator - this seems to be a problem with this particular model - when will they recall this - do we need to wait for someone to get killed before some realizes there is a problem?.
See all problems of the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee .

The check engine light would come on and go off. . I was driving around 60 mph the car shifted into neutral and lost power. . . I was able to steer to the side of the road but I was in three lanes wide of traffic on the highway and had I not been in the lane closed to the side of the road I could have been badly injured. Within the time frame of three weeks it happened 4 times. . . All when I was driving highway speeds except once the car shifted into neutral on its own and powered down when I was at a stop sign in town. The check engine lights comes and goes so fast by the time I can get to a repair shop and have it scanned its usually off. I was able to scan it once and it read a code for 'transmission control module'. . . The car runs great but I don't understand why it just powers down. How many people have to get injured from this failure before someone fixes it! this is absurd!.

At high and low speeds, and when stopped without any warning my 1996 Grand Cherokee will die and immediately steering is lost. This is totally frightening and life-threatening. The car will start immediately to get out of roadways. I've spent days researching this situation on-line and it is outrageous that there is no recall, there are years of complaints about this situation . I called Jeep today at 1-877-426-5337 and was told the phone number of a Jeep dealer, along with sincere apologies that there is no recall for this problem. The solution may be that 2 screws associated with the pcm are too long. People have spent thousands and thousands of dollars fixing everything on these Jeeps but nothing has worked. I respectfully demand to know why there is no recall, this is a public safety issue!!!!! thank you for your prompt reply. Lives depend on it. This is a life-endangering situation - mine and others. There needs to be a recall now.

Engine suddenly cut off while driving, power brakes and steering were immediately lost, although lights and gages remained operational. Battery and grounds tested fine. Cap, rotor and plugs are all new, wires and coil test fine, and vehicle has new mopar crank position and throttle position sensors. Research on Jeep technical sites finds identical problems being traced to failure of power control module pcm, sometimes also referred to as engine control module (ecm).

Problem Category	Number of Problems
Power Train problems
Automatic Transmission Park/neutral Start Switch problems	818
Automatic Transmission problems
Differential Unit problems	169
Transfer Case problems
Driveshaft problems	69
Automatic Transmission Control Module problems
Axle Assembly problems	57
Transmission Failure problems
Automatic Transmission Column Shift problems	43

Overheating is the worst thing that can happen to your Jeep Grand Cherokee’s transmission. An overheating transmission will drastically shorten its service life. If you suspect that your transmission is overheating, doing something about it now can keep you from an expensive transmission repair later. Low transmission fluid is the number one cause of an overheating transmission.

Allowing your Grand Cherokee’s transmission to overheat for any period of time can damage it in the same way that driving with an overheating engine can hurt the engine. It is important to know the symptoms and causes of an overheating transmission.

Contents:

Transmission Overheating Symptoms: Jeep Grand Cherokee

Here are the most common symptoms of an overheating transmission:

1. Slipping

Slipping is a condition that occurs when your Grand Cherokee’s engine revs higher than intended as the transmission’s internal components fail to transfer the energy to the driveshaft(s). An overheating transmission is the most common reason why a transmission will slip.

See Also: Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Slipping

2. Burnt or Dirty Transmission Fluid

If the transmission fluid looks dirty or burnt, it should be changed right away. This is an indication that the transmission may have overheated at some point. The fluid will no longer be able to do its job the way it could when it was new (higher temps, likely to slip).

Here’s more on telling what is going on with your transmission based on the color.

Transmission Overheating Causes: Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Noise

Here are the most common causes of an overheating transmission:

1. Low Fluid/Bad Fluid

Low transmission fluid is the most common reason that your Jeep Grand Cherokee’s transmission will overheat under normal operation. The fluid that is left must work much harder. The overworking transmission fluid will overheat and lose its ability to cool operate the transmission quickly, which only makes the problem worse.

If the transmission fluid is overdue for a change it may have lost its ability to properly cool the transmission. Looking a the color and sticking with Jeep’s transmission maintenance schedule is critical to long transmission life.

2. Climate

2014 Grand Cherokee Transmission Problems

Extreme heat can test your Grand Cherokee’s cooling system. When it’s really hot out it causes your transmission fluid to heat up and break down faster than in normal conditions. Always use the fluid recommended by Jeep.

3. Towing

If you are using your Grand Cherokee to tow or haul, it’s much harder on the transmission than normal operation. Some large trucks were designed to tow with heavy duty transmissions and a cooling system designed for the job. Even then, they still need to follow a more rigorous maintenance schedule.

4. Heavy Use

Stop and go traffic in the city, or run and gun type delivery work will cause an automatic transmission to work harder than normal, this can cause it to overheat. Make sure to keep an eye on the fluid and get a cooler if needed.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Identification

5. Cooling System Issues

Automatic transmission fluid is cooled through the same radiator that the antifreeze goes through. If there is something wrong with the radiator, it’s not going to properly cool the transmission fluid.

If your automatic transmission has been overheating, take a look at the front of the radiator and make sure that it is clean and free of large debris (think plastic grocery bag). It only takes a second and can save you a lot of time.

6. Solenoid Issues

Transmission are full of solenoids. Solenoids control the shifts by regulating the transmission fluid/pressure. They also let transmission fluid in. If a solenoid is acting up, you may get the check engine light, and the transmission will overheat. This is due to there being plenty of fluid in the transmission pan, but not enough going where it needs to go in the transmission itself.

Hot to Prevent Transmission Overheating

Preventing your Jeep Grand Cherokee’s transmission from overheating can save you from a very expensive repair. Below you’ll find some practical tips for doing just that.

Take Care of the Transmission Fluid

Taking care of your transmission fluid is the number one thing that you can do to keep your transmission from overheating.

• Check the Fluid– Check the transmission fluid often. If the color looks off go ahead and change it. If it’s low add fluid. This will keep most transmissions from overheating.
• Follow the Maintenance Schedule– Following Jeep’s scheduled service times will keep your transmission operating like new and dissipating heat properly. If the fluid overstays its welcome, it can go bad and start to lose its efficacy, and the transmission will overheat.
• Make Sure It’s Full– Transmission fluid’s primary job is to dissipate heat. Just like antifreeze, if there isn’t enough of it your transmission will overheat. Check the level often. This is the most common reason that a transmission will overheat.

Aftermarket Oil Pan

An aftermarket oil pan can help by allowing more transmission fluid to cycle through your Grand Cherokee’s transmission. This lets it run cooler since the extra fluid means there is more to cycle through and heat up, which in turn will make it take longer to heat the transmission up (or overheat it). It can also cool the pan letting the transmission run cooler overall.

External Transmission Cooler

As long as your Grand Cherokee is stock and used in the way the manufacturer intended, you shouldn’t need to add an external transmission fluid cooler. But, if you are towing or live in an extremely warm climate that tests the transmission constantly, an external transmission cooler can help keep your transmission cool.

External transmission coolers are relatively affordable and easy to install. If you are doing a lot of heavy towing, you may wish to consider a higher capacity transmission pan too. But, an external transmission cooler actively cools the transmission fluid and makes a noticeable difference in the transmission temperature, and is typically easier to install than the transmission pan.

Conclusion: Grand Cherokee Transmission Overheating

Overheating can drastically shorten your transmission’s life. Checking the fluid often and adding extra cooling if needed can help it live a long trouble free life. If there is anything that you would like to add, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading.