Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.
Old 09-21-2015, 03:51 PM
How-Tos on this Topic
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:

Browse all: General Overview
Print Wikipost

4wd Stuck - TC Fluid Type

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-20-2011, 01:57 AM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
DocOrng XJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Linthicum, Md
Posts: 903
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 1987 4.0L (242 CID) I6 RENIX FI 242 173 hp (129 kW) @ 4600 rpm, 224 lb•ft (304 N-m) @ 4000RPM
Default 4wd Stuck - TC Fluid Type

My Jeep is a 1987, 4.0L I6 Renix, Automatic Transmission, 4wd Selectable NP231(i think), w/78,000 miles on Original Engine & Transmission.

When I use my 4wd sometimes it does not dis-engage right away, can take a few mins to a few days.
(I dont travel more than 15mins at a time @ speeds upto but not exceeding 45mph with where I am located vs work/play)

Ive tried going in Drive, Reverse, park and drop out of 4wd, rolling and drop out of 4wd. Ive even stuck my finger down thru the opening and the cable is taunt. (when I try to go back to 2wd)
Nothing seems to get it out of 4wd except when it wants to.

When I stop and get out after driving (in 4wd) there is a burning smell coming from under the Jeep, but not in 2wd. I am assuming I am overheating something by driving for extended period of time at higher speeds in 4wd.

Im changing the Fluids in my Jeep this weekend:
(In hopes that it helps fix the problem)

Tranns Filter & Fluid with Royal Purple.
Engine Oil w/ Rotella.
TC with ???
I was going to use some Royal Purple AT4 equivalent but dont wanna screw it up.

I heard the same AT fluid you use in your Trans should be used in your TC. I also heard AT+4 is recommended for the TC in a Jeep.
Is there any truth to this?

My problem is AT4 was introduced in the late 90s and mine is a 87.
I found this guide listed below for different AT Fluids.
Im having trouble figuring out what I should use for my TC.

Different Types:
Type F -- Introduced by Ford in 1967 for their automatics. Also used by Toyota.
Type CJ -- Special fluid for Ford C6 transmissions. Similar to Dexron II. Must not be used in automatics that require Type F. Can be replaced with Mercon or Mercon V.
Type H -- Another limited Ford spec that differs from both Dexron and Type F. Can be replaced with Mercon or Mercon V.
Mercon -- Ford fluid introduced in 1987, very similar to Dexron II. Okay for all earlier Fords except those that require Type F. As of July 1, 2007, the production and licensing of Mercon ATF by Ford ends. Ford says applications that require Mercon ATF can now be serviced with Mercon V. See Ford TSB 06144 for more information.
Mercon V -- Replaces Mercon. Introduced in 1997 for Ranger, Explorer V6 and Aerostar, and 1998 & up Windstar, Taurus/Sable and Continental. This is the current ATF for most late model Ford products. See Ford TSB 06144 for more information.
Mercon SP -- Latest friction-modified ATF for Ford TorqShift Transmissions only. Do NOT use in transmissions that require Mercon or Mercon V. See Ford TSB 06144 for more information.
Dexron -- General Motors original ATF for automatics.
Dexron II -- Improved GM formula with better viscosity control and additional oxidation inhibitors. Can be used in place of Dexron.
Dexron IIE -- GM fluid for electronic transmissions.
Dexron III -- Replaces Dexron IIE and adds improved oxidation and corrosion control in GM electronic automatics.
Dexron III (H) -- Improved version of Dexron III released in 2003.
Dexron III/Saturn -- A special fluid spec for Saturns.
Dexron-VI -- Introduced in 2006 for GM Hydra-Matic 6L80 6-speed rear-wheel-drive transmissions. Dexron VI now replaces Dexron III and II, and can be used in GM or import transmissions that formerly specified Dexron III or II.
Chrysler 7176 -- For Chrysler FWD transaxles.
Chrysler 7176D (ATF+2) -- Adds improved cold temperature flow and oxidation resistance. Introduced 1997.
Chrysler 7176E (ATF+3) -- Adds improved shear stability and uses a higher quality base oil. Required for four-speed automatics (do NOT use Dexron or Mercon as a substitute).
Chrysler ATF+4 (ATE) -- Introduced in 1998, ATF+4 is synthetic and replaces the previous ATF+3 fluid. Used primarily for 2000 and 2001 vehicles, it can also be used in earlier Chrysler transmissions (except 1999 and older minivans with 41TE/AE transmission). ATF+3 should continue to be used for 1999 and earlier minivans because of the potential for torque converter shudder during break in.
NOTE:Chrysler ATF+4 Must always be used in vehicles that were originally filled with ATF+4. The red dye used in ATF+4 is not permanent. As the fluid ages it may become darker or appear brown in color. ATF+4 also has a unique odor that may change with age. Therefore, do not relay on the color and odor of ATF+4 to determine if the fluid needs to be changed. Follow the OEM recommended service interval.
Chrysler ATF+5 for 2002 and newer models.
IMPORT APPLICATIONS:
BMW LT7114l or LA2634 -- Special formula for BMW transmissions.
Genuine Honda ZL ATF -- Special ATF for Honda automatics (except CVT applications).
Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II & SP-Ill -- Special formula ATFs for Mitsubishi transmissions.
Nissan J-Matic -- Special formula for Nissan transmissions.
Toyota Type T, T-III & T-IV -- Special formula ATFs for Toyota and Lexus transmissions.

Help would be appreciated. Thanks
Old 01-20-2011, 03:44 AM
  #2  
CF Veteran
 
freegdr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Broward County Fl.
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 0
Received 22 Likes on 22 Posts
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
Default

is the shifter moving or not, are you sure its not the vacumm disco not sticking,pass side front axle
Attached Images  

Last edited by freegdr; 01-20-2011 at 03:49 AM.
Old 01-20-2011, 03:51 AM
  #3  
Member
 
its_deer_not_jeep's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: las vegas, NV
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5L I4 MPI
Default

you can always take the easy way out and go 2wd like me (im guna convert to 4wd when i get another car or get some money in my pocket)
Old 01-20-2011, 03:59 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
DocOrng XJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Linthicum, Md
Posts: 903
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 1987 4.0L (242 CID) I6 RENIX FI 242 173 hp (129 kW) @ 4600 rpm, 224 lb•ft (304 N-m) @ 4000RPM
Default

the shift lever does move into all positions and the cable adjusts with the lever
Off hand, no I'm not sure its not the vacuum..

I normally use 2wd during normal driving, but I got stuck in some deep mud, from this rain, coming out of the garage in my backyard and had to use 4wd to get to the street.

Probably should mention, my actual question out of everything that I wrote is; what fluid type to use for my tc change or will the stuff im putting in the tranny be good enough?
Old 01-20-2011, 04:01 AM
  #5  
CF Veteran
 
freegdr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Broward County Fl.
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 0
Received 22 Likes on 22 Posts
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
Default

Originally Posted by DocOrng XJ
the shift lever does move into all positions and the cable adjusts with the lever
Off hand, no I'm not sure its not the vacuum..

I normally use 2wd during normal driving, but I got stuck in some deep mud, from this rain, coming out of the garage in my backyard and had to use 4wd to get to the street.

Probably should mention, my actual question out of everything that I wrote is; what fluid type to use for my tc change or will the stuff im putting in the tranny be good enough?
transfer case is not cable activated on my 89 its steel linkage rods
Old 01-20-2011, 04:02 AM
  #6  
CF Veteran
 
freegdr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Broward County Fl.
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 0
Received 22 Likes on 22 Posts
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
Default

i pm you go there
Old 01-21-2011, 07:58 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
DocOrng XJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Linthicum, Md
Posts: 903
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 1987 4.0L (242 CID) I6 RENIX FI 242 173 hp (129 kW) @ 4600 rpm, 224 lb•ft (304 N-m) @ 4000RPM
Default

appreciate the info everyone

but im still looking to figure out what Trans Fluid I should use for my Transmission & Transfer Case
Old 01-22-2011, 08:36 AM
  #8  
CF Veteran
 
whowey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Northern Illinois
Posts: 2,237
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Year: 90
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Trans and T-case get Dex III... not ATF+4....


Remember no matter what AllData or Chrysler say.. the AW-4 NEVER was a Chrysler transmission.

Also.. do you know the transmission's history of maintenance????
There have been failures of AW-4's that suffered from a lack of routine maintence when they are switched to synthetic fluids.
Old 01-22-2011, 01:32 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
DocOrng XJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Linthicum, Md
Posts: 903
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 1987 4.0L (242 CID) I6 RENIX FI 242 173 hp (129 kW) @ 4600 rpm, 224 lb•ft (304 N-m) @ 4000RPM
Default

thank you kindly
no I do not know the history of the maintenance of the vehicle, other than that she claims he took good care of it anD there is no rust anywhere on the vehicle after 23 years

it was bought from a little old lady who got it from her dad when he passed away and never drove it

my bet is it has probably has not been changed and this will be the first time
Old 01-22-2011, 08:41 PM
  #10  
CF Veteran
 
whowey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Northern Illinois
Posts: 2,237
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Year: 90
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

If you are wary of the maintenance history, I would not use synthetic fluid. The higher levels of cleaning agents will loosen up more built up crud inside the transmission. This is what clogs the passages of the valve body and causes the transmission to burn up.
Old 01-22-2011, 08:53 PM
  #11  
CF Veteran
 
peep's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2,150
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes on 9 Posts
Year: 1989 Laredo
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L 6 Renix
Default

Go with that recommend on the Dextron II, III, or IV for the transfercase.
My 89 with AW4 transmission also takes the dextron.
Old 01-22-2011, 09:19 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
Coach's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Lyons, Oregon
Posts: 536
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Default

my book calls out for Mercon for both the tranny and the transfer case. Coach
Old 01-22-2011, 10:16 PM
  #13  
Member
 
trailsend.lake's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Grand Mound, WA
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Dex III
Old 01-22-2011, 10:51 PM
  #14  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
DocOrng XJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Linthicum, Md
Posts: 903
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 1987 4.0L (242 CID) I6 RENIX FI 242 173 hp (129 kW) @ 4600 rpm, 224 lb•ft (304 N-m) @ 4000RPM
Default

The only tran fluid I can find is "dexron/merc" combination.
Is that fine or should I order specifcly dexron?

Approx. How much fluid does the tc case use?
Old 01-23-2011, 11:00 AM
  #15  
CF Veteran
 
whowey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Northern Illinois
Posts: 2,237
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Year: 90
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Dex/Merc III combo is fine....

It takes 2.2 pints to fill the transfer case.


Quick Reply: 4wd Stuck - TC Fluid Type



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:39 AM.