04 TJ Transmission Whine

[jap248]

Been having an issue where my transmission will whine in low gear almost identically matching the rpm. Has also been falling into nuetral while in drive, wont go back into drive unless i pull over, put it in park and restart it. Wondering if anyone has had this issue before, it started about 2 days ago and i stopped driving it yesterday. It starts fine, goes into drive fine at first and will run fine until i make my first complete stop, then it will struggle to get back into gear. Unsure if it is related to the transmission not having enough fluid or a deeper. Would post a video but the exhaust on it out does the whine. 04 TJ 162k miles

 

[jap248]

Should clarify its 4.0 I6

 

[Mr. Bills]

Have you checked your ATF level? Sounds like it could be low.

Unlike the earlier 32RH 3-speed automatic that can be checked with the transmission in Neutral, the 42RLE must be checked with the transmission in Park.

Use the Chrysler specified ATF+4. Any brand is fine.

From your owner's manual:

Fluid Level Check — 42RLE

This fluid level should be checked when the engine is
fully warmed up and the fluid in the transmission is
heated to its normal operating temperature. Operation of
the transmission with an improper fluid level will greatly
reduce the life of the transmission and of the fluid.

To check the automatic transmission fluid level properly,
the following procedure must be used:

1. The vehicle must be on level ground.

2. The engine should be running at curb idle speed for a
minimum of 60 seconds.

3. Fully apply parking brake.

4. Apply the brakes and shift the transmission momentarily
into each gear position ending in P (Park).

5. The fluid MUST be checked with the transmission in
P (Park) to be sure that the fluid level is accurate.

6. Wipe the dipstick clean and reinsert until seated.
Remove dipstick and note reading.

At normal operating temperature (approximately 180° F
(82° C), the fluid level is correct if it is in the HOT region
(cross-hatched area) on the oil level indicator. The fluid
level indicator should be in the COLD region at 70° F (21°
C) fluid temperature.

If the fluid level is low, add sufficient fluid to bring to the
proper level. Refer to Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine
Parts for correct fluid type.

Fluid is added through the dipstick tube.

NOTE: To prevent dirt and water from entering the
transmission after checking or replenishing fluid, make
certain that the dipstick cap is properly reseated.

 

[SteveBarrus]

Change the transmission fluid.

 

[pagrey]

Unlike the earlier 32RH 3-speed automatic that can be checked with the transmission in Neutral, the 42RLE must be checked with the transmission in Park.

Unlike the 32RH which doesn't run the pump in park the 42RLE can be checked in neutral or park. I think that's what you meant?

 

[Mr. Bills]

Unlike the 32RH which doesn't run the pump in park the 42RLE can be checked in neutral or park. I think that's what you meant?

No, I said exactly what I meant and then quoted the applicable language in the owner's manual which specifies the following:

Fluid Level Check — 42RLE

. . . 5. The fluid MUST be checked with the transmission in
P (Park) to be sure that the fluid level is accurate. . . .

So, while you and I and many others may know something about automatic transmissions, and although we may be comfortable checking the ATF level in a 42RLE transmission in either Park or Neutral, OP's very basic question and his low post count suggests that the prudent course of action for him would be to follow the procedure set forth in his owner's manual.

 

[pagrey]

Unlike the earlier 32RH 3-speed automatic that can be checked with the transmission in Neutral, the 42RLE must be checked with the transmission in Park.

This statement is wrong.

You understand that part right?

 

[pagrey]

No, I said exactly what I meant and then quoted the applicable language in the owner's manual which specifies the following:



So, while you and I and many others may know something about automatic transmissions, and although we may be comfortable checking the ATF level in a 42RLE transmission in either Park or Neutral, OP's very basic question and his low post count suggests that the prudent course of action for him would be to follow the procedure set forth in his owner's manual.

Spreading misinformation isn't helping anybody regardless of their post count. If your intention was just to help some newb why mention the 32RH at all, it's the only one with the restriction. Just sounds like you're trying to justify a mistake.

 

[joshloudon]

Been having an issue where my transmission will whine in low gear almost identically matching the rpm. Has also been falling into nuetral while in drive, wont go back into drive unless i pull over, put it in park and restart it. Wondering if anyone has had this issue before, it started about 2 days ago and i stopped driving it yesterday. It starts fine, goes into drive fine at first and will run fine until i make my first complete stop, then it will struggle to get back into gear. Unsure if it is related to the transmission not having enough fluid or a deeper. Would post a video but the exhaust on it out does the whine. 04 TJ 162k miles

Did you ever figure out what the issue was? Mine is doing the same.

 

[AjRagno]

Did you ever figure out what the issue was? Mine is doing the same.

Assuming you also have a 2004 TJ with an automatic transmission, the source of the whine, if it is coming from the transmission, would be the pump. Typically it would whine if the fluid is low and it would sound very similar to power steering pump whining.