Bjorn15

Hi,

I don't know much about cars, but I went in for a coolant flush, previous owner decided to put the wrong coolant in . The mechanic said my clutch was going bad. Do automatic Jeeps even have a clutch? Sorry if this is a stupid question. The only issue I am experiencing with the car is when I am idling the car revs slightly every ten seconds or so up to around 850-900 rpm. I read it could be a bad O2 sensor...Otherwise she seems to be shifting fine. Is this mechanic trying to scam me?

Radi

No clutch per se in the automatic trans.
There is a torque converter that performs a similar function. You'd notice if that was failing, it'd whine, or you'd rev excessively before the jeep started to move (among other things).
There is also a torque converter clutch that serves to lock up the torque converter to improve mileage. This is easy to check, cruising at steady speed above 45 MPH, gently tap the brakes. RPM's should jump up about 300, then jump right back down. That's the torque converter clutch unlocking then locking back up.

The occasional RPM bump is probably a sensor starting to fail. Do you have any codes stored, or a check engine light?

Bjorn15

The check engine light actually just went on, I am going to scan once I get a scanner from my buddy. I am not hearing any whine and I believe the torque converter clutch is locking. Safe to say this guy was just trying to get some money out of me?

pdowty68

I'm not sure about that mechanic. I sense he's trying to rip you off. But about the radiator, it's easy to flush it yourself, as long as you can find the petcock drain valve. If you have any questions, we're all here for you

belvedere

If the mechanic was working on the cooling system, maybe he was talking about the fan clutch.

pdowty68

you are a genius, I was thinking he was saying the cooling system had something to do with the tranny, I'm no longer confused...

Bjorn15

He never specified that it was the fan clutch, what would be the symptoms of that problem?

Radi

Doesn't cool as well as it should. Fan clutch would make more sense than trans clutch, lol. Where does the temp gauge run when you are sitting at idle, stuck in traffic?

BMAC6642

If you look at the fan clutch see if there is any oil around the shaft or the finned aluminum housing.Grab the fan and shake it to see if it's loose on the shaft.Last,spin the fan by hand,you should feel some drag from the oil inside.

Bjorn15

Temp gauge is in the middle when at idle.

belvedere

First time I've ever been accused of that, LOL. Can you talk to my wife for me?

Bjorn15

Thanks everyone, the fan clutch seems to be fine, going to find out why the engine light is on..Thanks again for your help.