jeep98cherokee

Since I changed the trans pan gasket & filter the transmission hasn't been the same. It hesitates to grab any gear P, R, D, 3, 2, 1...could this be because of the brand new fluids in it? It has 150xxx miles on it.

Any input on this would help...it isn't throwing codes.

thakmfb

are you sure your fluid is full? it should be checked while running and hot

jeep98cherokee

Positive, had to patch a leak and filled her up and topped her off with lucas

excess650

What did you use to seal the pan?

What fluid did you use, and how much?

Firestorm500

This is why I am scared to mess with my transmission. But I guess you had no choice.

Did you use Dextron III? The Lucas may be the problem.

I don't think a slipping transmission would set a code anyway.

jeep98cherokee

I welded the drain bolt because the threads broke and it would spin, I didn't feel like ruining my pan in the process of pulling it out.

I used dextron III/mercron(sp?), the recommended fluids in the owners manual at the recommended amount.

jeep98cherokee

Yeah it was leaking and I had to fix it, it was tearing up the driveway. Yes I used dextron III/mercron(sp?). The thing is that I used to have Lucas in it before and it ran great. But pretty much the only time it slips is when I'm manually changing gears.

excess650

What was the condition of the fluid that you drained out?

Did you do your welding with the pan OFF of the Jeep and empty of fluid?

jeep98cherokee

The fluid was good since I changed it sometime ago when I changed the gasket.

And yes I did pull it all the way off with no fluid left in, cleaned it before and after the welding.

jeep98cherokee

I believe I may have found the answer to my problem after talking to a mechanic at Merchant. He asked about an o-ring that apparently a lot of people don't notice or forget about when changing the filter and I don't recall seeing an o-ring...so I am going to have to pull it off AGAIN and check that out, he said it would cause the symptoms that she is having.

excess650

Be sure to let us know if this solves your issue. You might want to D&T your pan or get another so that future changes can be as simple as drain and refill.

I know that there are folks who are hesitant to change their fluid, but the transmission is what gets your Jeep down the road. BOTH the engine and transmission need servicing as they are the heart and lungs.

My '96 Sport has had the trans fluid changed at least 5 times in 160K miles. The '96 SE was reputed to have the fluid changed some 30K miles prior to me buying it. It looked darker than I cared for, so I changed it soon after I got it. Trans fluid may cost a little more than conventional motor oil for the engine, but it lasts longer.

The recommendation in the '96 owner's manual was to change the trans and transfer case fluid every 2 years or 30K miles. Note to self: change the transfer case and diff fluids.