Ellusionist

hey guys I've had a problem with my jeeps transmission when I start the engine I seem to start in 3rd gear, when I manually shift it shifts fine. everything I've read about this problem seems to indicate a tps,tcu,solenoid problem.

I took it to the transmission shop and their telling me it's an internal problem and they have to rebuild/replace it. I really can't afford that right now, is this really the problem or am I getting screwed?

Ellusionist

also they told me it would be 400 to take it out and take a look at it. could anyone tell me if they take it out what the problems could be that wouldn't involve a rebuild/replacement. I'd hate to pay 400 to take it out just to hear it needs to be rebuilt/replaced.

kissthis66

Theres a shop here in Sacramento that does free inspections. Take it out of the Jeep, drop it off, they go through it, and let you know whats wrong.

I would look for a shop that offers that service. I take it you have an automatic?

Ellusionist

yes I do, I'm also not so sure I'm mechanically able to take the transmission off...Do you happen to know if theirs anything inside the transmission that could be repaired that wouldn't warrant a complete rebuild?

Bustedback

I highly doubt they will remove and tear down the tranny for free. I would say that they test drive, check the TCM for codes, and check pressures at the most for free.

Ellusionist

Well I've called around and it seems I can have it rebuilt for around 1200 or swapped out for about the same, any opinions on which is better?

also before I spend all the money I don't have could anyone answer my first question which was, even if my transmission is working fine in manual, could their still be a reason to have to rebuild it? Thanks

VTJeep

Have you checked tranny fluid? Have you put a code reader on or changed oil? Before doing anything expensive, do the cheap stuff first; if it works, great, if not, then it didn't cost much and you have now narrowed your possibilities down.

Ellusionist

Unfortunately it's at a shop right now and it's my only transportation so my options are repair it their or some place else. I just want to know if what their saying adds up, I can shift manually, I thought that meant a bad solenoid but if it is something inside like they say I'll get it repaired.... I just need to make sure THEY aren't jumping to conclusions.

kissthis66

Actually they do, you have to drop the tranny out of the rig, drop it off at there shop and they will inspect it for free and let you know what is exactly wrong with it. Manual Transmission Warehouse is the name of the place, they also work on automatics. Just saying there are places out there that do this.

Anyways, if you have an automatic theirs a valve body on the bottom that may have a stuck ball bearing. Automatics work off of oil pressure so nice thing is its damn near impossible to burn them out like manual trannys. Not saying it cant happen, i just haven't seen it happen.

Based on my experience with the Chevy 700R and Turbo 400 trannys there is a valve body on the bottom, basically looks like a brain cut in half, that has groves that oil go through to shift gears and what not. Most likely there is a ball getting stuck. If your lucky they can just drop that and see the issue, but this is all based off my experience with Chevy based trannys. I've never seen the inside of an AX4 or any Jeep automatics but I'm guessing they are based on the same rules as others.

I'm no tranny expert, just a shade tree mechanic, best thing to do is go to a reputable shop and have them look at it. There not always out to get you.

kissthis66

oh crap Bustedback your from the Ville??? HOLY HELL all my family lives there. You might even know them hahaha

kissthis66

Take it somewhere and have a Tech inspect it, $1200 is crazy!!!

When I called around to get quotes on the AX15 i was told around $600-$800. Found one on Craigslist that was already rebuilt by a shop for $600 with core exchange.

kissthis66

They are giving you there best guess on what you have told them you are experiencing. Until they actually get in there and look at it, they will not have a solid answer for you.

Ellusionist

oh I understand, I was under the impression that the solenoid/tcu/tps were check able without taking it apart. I apologize guys I'm very very clueless when it comes to cars unfortunately.

I've had the jeep moved to a tranmission shop that has a good reputation judging by online research anyway. they told me worst case scenario they could rebuild it for 1175+ tax so that's a lot better than the original 2-3k I had thought.

kissthis66

keep us updated on what they find. who knows maybe something simple and cheap, but if you have my luck, your gonna need a whole new tranny haha

Cherockee

This is just food for thought....

I had a simular symptom with my '99 (you didn't mention what year it was) and I took my Jeep to a "specialist" and he test drove it and put it on the lift and checked it out... told me it needed rebuilt- $1500.

Discouraged, I took it home and started doing some research about the tranny (it's an AW4) and did some reading through the FSM. Found out I had a blown 15amp fuse in the passenger kick panel. So for $0.20 I fixed a $1500 problem. Nice.

What were the symptoms before this happened?