I've been told by several places that I have a transmission fluid leak. They told me it should be fixed with a transmission service (about $80 if done at the shop). But whenever I check the transmission fluid with the dipstick, it shows that it is possibly over-filled.

Is there a special way to check the transmission fluid? I've heard that you're supposed to warm it up all the way, and go through all the gears or something like that. Is this true? If this is true, am I supposed to move the car in each gear, or can I just keep it in the garage and go through each gear with my foot on the brake? And which ever way is the proper way, am I supposed to check the fluid with the Jeep running or shut off?

 

Aw4 auto trans is at operating temp in neutral with the engine running and the parking brake set. If you need to add fluid it takes dexron/mercon fluid.

 

Thanks! Should I do it while it's running?

 

YEP!!!!

 

Thanks for the help! I really appreciate it.

 

What does your garage floor say?

 

I don't notice any red fluid on my garage floor. Only water spots most likely caused by the AC.

 

You might have some seepage at the tranny pan gasket that is not enough to drip significantly. Transmission service is always cheap insurance especially if you haven't had one in a while...

 

My dipstick in my XJ (89) says to check when hot and idling in Park

 

X2...

old thread but bringing back instead of a new one.
I keep checking mine, and the previous owner put in some couplers between the tranny lines. So i bought a new one. But until I actully repalce it, i keep leaking fluid. Problem is, it always says its over full. After its been running, and idle. ?

 

so what happens if you use anything else but dexron/mercon for the tranny??

 

There was a service bulletin a while back stating it is okay to run ATF+4 in the Jeep Cherokee.

However, my belief and some info. from insiders is that the bulletin has more to do with simplifying Chrysler logistics and margins in the parts department, rather than what is best for the transmission.

Remember, the bulletin came from Chrysler, not Asin Warner, the manufacturer of the transmission.

There have been a few people that have suffered some undesirable shifting characteristics with ATF+4. To be fair, some have run it without issue.

I'm sticking with Dex/III compatible (true Dex III is no longer licensed/available).

 

way i look at it is if its leaking one way to keep clean new fluid going thru it!

 

 

My transmission has 190,000 miles on it and has never been serviced--at least the ten years/110,000 miles I've owned it. Would having its fluid and filter changed help it or should I let sleeping dogs lie?

Also, I don't think I've ever had the steering linkage lubricated or the differentials serviced. Thoughts on these?