Ozzy Brower

My son has a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2wd 4.0 with a automatic. The Jeep will not shift out of first gear. I have been told I need change both the Governor pressure sensor and solenoid . But when I go to look up the parts I noticed that there is more than one model of transmission for this year. I realize I will have to get under the jeep to do the repairs. But as I am handicapped I would like to do this only once if possible. Is there anyway I can tell the model of trans I am dealing with, without crawling under it and checking the plug shape and/or wire count?

Thanks

dave1123

Welcome to CF!

As far as I know, all the 99-04 4.0 Grand Cherokees use the 42re transmission and the V8s use the 44re.

I just went thru this with my 2000 4.0 4wd with 230K miles on it, HOWEVER my mechanic buddy ordered the parts and when we got it apart, the supplier had sent the wrong parts! It sat on his lift for 3 hours until the shop sent the right parts!

So, I guess you can never really know until you get it apart. My ATSG manual for the 42re (A500SE) shows the governor pressure solenoid with a 2 prong plug and the sensor with a 3 prong plug, while the case plug has 8 pins. IDK how old this manual is because it's a reprint and includes the Grand Wagoneer! My build sheet says it's a 42re. When he ordered the parts, he had to send them the VIN.

rgr4475

V8's had the 45rfe or 545rfe, but I know you know that.

But yes the I6 came with the 42re trans.

dave1123

Never having dealt with a V8 jeep, I didn't know that. I don't pay much attention to V8 jeeps anyway. I kinda like the old dinosaur straight 6. The original owner put 125K miles on it in 12 years, then I put another 105K on it in 5 years. How can you beat that? BTW, the trans is original without a rebuild. Regular fluid and filter changes every 50K.

rgr4475

Yeah maintenance is definitely key. The lore of the internet says the 42re is weaker than the 45rfe. That may be true but with proper maintenance and not beating your tranny to death, it will last many miles.

dave1123

If there's one thing I've learned the hard way, don't beat on your DD! You may wind up walking to work! In my case it was standing out the the cold and rain to ride the BUS! Ugh!

That's when I bought a motorcycle.