raceusa1

I just recently bought a 2004 Grand Cherokee. It has 120,000 miles and shifts a little hard just starting out. I believe I need to change the trans filter and fluid. Is it a hard job to do. Any comments welcome.

dave1123

It's not hard. Messy, but not hard. Make sure you don't tighten the pan bolts too tight. They will dimple the pan and cause leaks.

Bustedback

Go to the dealer and get the reusable pan gasket. It will be the best 20 bucks you'll ever spend.

bigbadon

My 04 with 101k shifts hard from 1st to 2nd. I don't know if that is normal but I will take that over a slippy-soft shift.

ET JEEP

You should check to see if your transmission has bands that need adjustment. During a filter and fluid change is best time to do the adjustment. One band is accessed when you remove the oil pan.

Some later year transmissions do not have bands. Not sure about the 2004.

coloradojeepxjowner

If you have the time, take the pan down to a welding shop and have them add a drain plug to the pan. You will still have to remove the pan to change the filters, but it make the job a hell of a lot faster and lot less messy.

ol"blue

Welcome to CF. This may be of help. >http://www.wjjeeps.com/service/transmission.htm#SERVICE