42RLE groaning / buzzing noise going from park to neutral and neutral to drive

psrivats

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I have 2005 TJR with 64k miles. Recently started noticing a buzzing/groaning noise (almost sounds electrical) whenever I change the transmission lever positions. Pretty distinct sound, almost sounds like a solenoid coming on. I searched for this issue and I see older posts on other forums where people say this is normal or they have always had it, but I'm not sure this is harmless since it seems to be a recent development in mine. The noise seems to be coming directly from near the pan area. I also hear it when I slow down for a stop sign.

I don't have any issues at the moment in terms of shifting and I checked to make sure I have the right amount of transmission fluid. No codes of any kind as well.

Do any of the 42RLE owners here have this issue? Any idea if this indicative of issues in the shift solenoids or valve body? I'll try and take a video next time I'm in the Jeep.
 
It is normal for the solenoids to make noise as they move to redirect fluid. I haven't heard mine since I replaced my exhaust but I'm sure they're still making the same noise and I have a lot more miles on my 42RLE.

I wouldn't be concerned about it unless the transmission fluid has never been changed. The normal service interval for the 42RLE is 60,000 miles. Severe service is 30,000 miles. I suppose it's possible for the valves in the solenoid to get gummed up and no longer move as freely or as quickly.
 
It is normal for the solenoids to make noise as they move to redirect fluid. I haven't heard mine since I replaced my exhaust but I'm sure they're still making the same noise and I have a lot more miles on my 42RLE.

I wouldn't be concerned about it unless the transmission fluid has never been changed. The normal service interval for the 42RLE is 60,000 miles. Severe service is 30,000 miles. I suppose it's possible for the valves in the solenoid to get gummed up and no longer move as freely or as quickly.

The fluids in mine were replaced just in November. And before that, about 10k miles ago. I think fluids are fine. This noise is relatively new, I would not have missed it before.
 
Is it extremely cold there right now? If so , does it do it at all temps?

That isn't normal.
 
Coming from the trans huh? Likely just solenoids activating. I've never heard them that loud but it's not abnormal I don't think.
 
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Get the pan pulled. It's likely obstructed with a piece of filter element or something.

i bet you are like me...i cant believe i love something that has treated me so badly. My 03 was a job to dial in.
 
Coming from the trans huh? Likely just solenoids activating. I've never heard them that loud but it's not abnormal I don't think.

Yes sir, it's from the trans. Most likely the solenoids, I can't help but wonder if there is some issue in the valve body.
 
Is the ATF level all the way up to the full/hot mark when you check it while the engine is running? Never check the ATF level without the engine running.
 
Mine has made a buzzing noise when shifting since I got it 20k miles ago. I too did research and was told it's normal. Haven't had any trans issues yet either.
 
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Mine has made a buzzing noise when shifting since I got it 20k miles ago. I too did research and was told it's normal. Haven't had any trans issues yet either.

Good to know you've had no issues so far. I've read similar on old forum posts and even couple from JK owners. I'm just doing my research to see if this is something that is just annoying or going to cost me in the future if left unchecked. What bothers me that I did not have this issue before.

I have a XJ with AW4 (212k miles) and that thing still shifts pretty good with no noises like this.
 
I have what sounds like the same issue in the 3 + years I have owned mine. All my investigated work has come up with nothing. Fluid and filter fresh. Filled correctly. Does it hot or cold and doesn’t matter what the weather is like. To be honest up until this thread I forgot about it.
 
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I have 2005 TJR with 64k miles. Recently started noticing a buzzing/groaning noise (almost sounds electrical) whenever I change the transmission lever positions.
Somewhat related. My '04 WJ transmission (545RFE) makes a weird sound when shifting from park to drive. Guess I would call it buzzing/clicking. I don't always hear it, but when I do I tend to wait till it stops before I take my foot off the brake. Just seems like the right thing to do.
 
It's very faint. It sounds like my motorized front door lock to my house but softer.

Not at all faint in my Jeep, that's why I started this thread. It's quite loud, you can hear it outside with the vehicle running.

Your description is pretty apt though.

@Mr. Bills do you have this in your jeep? @mrblaine do you by any chance have any knowledge to share on this topic?
 
Not at all faint in my Jeep, that's why I started this thread. It's quite loud, you can hear it outside with the vehicle running.

Your description is pretty apt though.

@Mr. Bills do you have this in your jeep? @mrblaine do you by any chance have any knowledge to share on this topic?
Hmmm. Yeah, you can only hear mine inside the cab and you have to be listening for it. Sounds like a servo almost.

Edit: IIRC it only happens when shifting into reverse. I will verify when I drive it again.
 
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I know exactly what you're talking about - mine didn't do it, I got a new Jasper put in and then it suddenly began doing it. Hasn't affected anything but I got it to stop once by accidentally overfilling the fluid in the tranny.. once I got the overfilled fluid out it started doing the noise again.
 
I know exactly what you're talking about - mine didn't do it, I got a new Jasper put in and then it suddenly began doing it. Hasn't affected anything but I got it to stop once by accidentally overfilling the fluid in the tranny.. once I got the overfilled fluid out it started doing the noise again.
It's better for an automatic transmission to be slightly overfilled than slightly underfilled. My 42RLE stays overfilled by something like at least a half-quart which stops its ATF pickup from sucking in air when climbing on really steep terrain.

They're not like engines that can't be overfilled since engines have spinning crankshafts just above the oil pan that would churn the oil up like whipped cream.