How long do 32RH automatic transmissions last?

[Tricky Dick]

Good morning,
anyone have any idea how long the automatic transmissions last in a TJ (32RH)?
1st into 2nd gear is a tough shift!
The Jeep dealership did a “Re learn“ procedure. Seemed great for about a week.....

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Likely nothing more than the TV (aka kickdown) cable has been adjusted too tightly.

Its length is correct when it is just barely taut when you're not stepping on the gas. Not pulling, no slack either. The cable should only pull when you're stepping on the gas. The TV (throttle valve) cable is the one that runs between the transmission and throttle lever attached to the throttle body.

Look at the bare section of the TV cable between the TB and cable mounting bracket to see if there is any slack, or if the cable is so tight that it is always pulling on the valve on the transmission. In your situation I expect it is too tight. The cable snaps over a small steel ball on the lever so you can unsnap it to see how tight it is. If it needs adjusting, that white clip is pulled out slightly to unlock the cable sleeve which will allow the cable housing to be moved in or out as needed.

 

[TJRick]

Its length is correct when it is just barely taut when you're not stepping on the gas. Not pulling, no slack either. The cable should only pull when you're stepping on the gas. The TV (throttle valve) cable is the one that runs between the transmission and throttle lever attached to the throttle body.

Are the TV cables prone to stretching and becoming loose? I suspect a loose cable would slip the clutches more and be worse for the transmission than having a tight cable that may shift harsh.

Do they ever need to be re-set? I couldn't find any information about this in my owner's manual.

 

[Moab]

@Jerry Bransford is right. Per usual. Look at his post count. It could very well be the TV cable.

I had this same issue with my Jeep. And after having 4 shops tell me I needed a new trans. Some kind souls on here referred me to an honest Jeep trans guy. He pulled out a tiny screwdriver from his shirt pocket. And adjusted the TV cable. And it was fixed. It was all of 5 minutes.

I was losing 2nd gear right after it shifted from 1st. Then 3rd gear would kick in real quick. So basically I had no 2nd gear. I went for a test drive. And he asked me if I was ok with when 2nd was kicking in. I laughed. I was just overjoyed that I didn't have to come up with three grand. That I did not have at the time. But 2nd shifts beautifully now.

 

[TJRick]

Are the TV cables prone to stretching and becoming loose? I suspect a loose cable would slip the clutches more and be worse for the transmission than having a tight cable that may shift harsh.

Do they ever need to be re-set? I couldn't find any information about this in my owner's manual.

I guess not.

 

[astjp2]

things just wear in the cables so they need to be adjusted once in a while

 

[TJ Ben]

My 32RH has 128,000 miles and it’s slipping going into 3rd.
@Moab can you recommend the honest trans shop for me since I’m in SoCal too?
I heard @Jerry Bransford recomend Westminster transmissions. I was going to call them.
Thanks in advance!

 

[Moab]

My 32RH has 128,000 miles and it’s slipping going into 3rd.
@Moab can you recommend the honest trans shop for me since I’m in SoCal too?
I heard @Jerry Bransford recomend Westminster transmissions. I was going to call them.
Thanks in advance!

That's the guy. I think the owner is John. But that's the place. Tell them Jerry or Blaine sent you. I know he knows Blaine.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Check the ATF level first. Start the engine and leave it running. Shift through the gears a couple times then leave it in Neutral. With the transmission in Neutral and the engine running make sure its ATF level is all the way up to the full line.

If the ATF is full call Joe at Westminster Transmission at (714) 898-0089.

 

[Moab]

Check the ATF level first. Start the engine and leave it running. Shift through the gears a couple times then leave it in Neutral. With the transmission in Neutral and the engine running make sure its ATF level is all the way up to the full line.

If the ATF is full call Joe at Westminster Transmission at (714) 898-0089.

This is of course your best advice.

 

[LJ Jesse]

My wifes 2001 TJ has 155000 miles on the original 32RH with good maintenance.

 

[TJ Ben]

Check the ATF level first. Start the engine and leave it running. Shift through the gears a couple times then leave it in Neutral. With the transmission in Neutral and the engine running make sure its ATF level is all the way up to the full line.

If the ATF is full call Joe at Westminster Transmission at (714) 898-0089.

I’ll be giving him a call soon.
thanks !

 

[2001slvrstntj]

170k with no issues here

 

[Moab]

My wifes 2001 TJ has 155000 miles on the original 32RH with good maintenance.

Mine has almost 150k and it's been treated like shit by the PO.

 

[TJRick]

Good morning,
anyone have any idea how long the automatic transmissions last in a TJ (32RH)?
1st into 2nd gear is a tough shift!
The Jeep dealership did a “Re learn“ procedure. Seemed great for about a week.....

"Re-learn procedure?" I thought that the 32RH was strictly a hydraulic transmission, and doesn't rely on electronics?

At any rate, it is one of the simplest transmisisons ever, so I don't think it would cost very much to rebuild.