edgar426

Hi folks,
I'm new here so please bear with me.
I have a 2004 Grand Cherokee laredo, 4 liter SelecTrac with a 42RE transmission, 135K miles.
At around 100K I started having intermittent problems with my trans slipping when I made a left turn (and only left turns) from a stop. The car would take off fine and then when shifting to 2nd it would rev as if it was in neutral for about 1 second. I had to back off the gas and it would would grab 2nd gear. Lately the problem is occurring way too often.
It only happens on left turns, never straight or right turns.
I have searched some other threads on the forum and other guys have described the same problem.
The most common suggestion is to check the fluid. The Jeep owners manual says to check the fluid in Park. I have read other people say that it has to be checked in Neutral.
I have checked it in both park and neutral. In park it is at the correct level. When I check it in neutral it is very low.
Does anyone know for certain the correct way to check the fluid on the 42RE trans.
Also, what is the danger of overfilling it

Thanks
Edgar

freegdr

Dont it say it on dip stick?

belvedere

I'm pretty sure you check it in Park. I would sure go by the manual.

RTorrez1

You do check it in park.

Radi

If you have a 42RE, the correct procedure is to check it in Neutral. The 545RFE should be checked in Park. I imagine the owner's manual has procedures listed for both, since you could have either depending on engine choice.
42RE has roots all the way back to the 904 Torque Flite that sat behind millions of 1960's-1970's slant-6 Mopars. One of the quirks of that transmission was that fluid flow stopped in park, you could cook a 904 by idling it too long. Later revisions addressed the cooling issue but still have low flow in Park, filling the pan.
Anyhow- if it reads "full" in park, you are probably low on fluid. ATF+4.
Here's the 42RE manual:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/68696540/A...nsmission-42RE

edgar426

Radi

You were spot on. I checked the trans fluid in Neutral and it has been working beautifully. It hasn't slipped on a left turn since I did it. Thanks for the 42RE manual and thanks for the help.

Ed

Radi

No problem. Glad it was a cheap fix!