2000 Automatic Transmission Fluid Flush

[buschbeast]

I recently joined the forum after getting a 2000 Sahara with 96,000 miles. It runs excellently except for one issue.

When it is cold out and sometimes when the Jeep has been sitting a couple days, it shifts into drive but revs up instead of engaging. Today it shifted into drive fine but at my first stop light, it revved then engaged.

Reading other forums it sounds like it could be my transmission fluid and filter, but I also read that new fluid/a flush could crap out the transmission in entirety.

What are the suggestions on what to do? I'd most likely take it to a shop because I live at a condo with very limited space to work on it.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

It's probably simply low on ATF. Check its ATF level while the engine is running and the transmission in Neutral. The engine MUST be running and the transmission MUST be in Neutral while checking it ATF level to get an accurate level indication. Add enough ATF+4 via a small funnel inserted into the dipstick tube to bring its level all the way up to the full mark. It's better for it to be slightly overfilled than slightly underfilled.

And your symptoms do sound like the ATF level is just a little low which happens.

 

[buschbeast]

It's probably simply low on ATF. Check its ATF level while the engine is running and the transmission in Neutral. The engine MUST be running and the transmission MUST be in Neutral while checking it ATF level to get an accurate level indication. Add enough ATF+4 via a small funnel inserted into the dipstick tube to bring its level all the way up to the full mark. It's better for it to be slightly overfilled than slightly underfilled.

And your symptoms do sound like the ATF level is just a little low which happens.

Jerry, thank you so much. It appeared a little low, so I put almost a full quart in today and hopefully that will take care of the problem.

Since I'm new here, do you know if this could be causing lower gas mileage. I have the 4.0 L and am getting around 11.5-12 mpg when people seem to say they get about 16. Is 16 realistic? Mine is not lifted and I've changed air filter, idler pulley and belt, and the plugs and haven't seen any increase.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Mpg depends a lot on your tire size and axle ratio being appropriate for your tire size. What is your tire size and axle ratio?

And when you checked your transmission's ATF level the engine was running and the transmission was in Neutral right?

 

[buschbeast]

Mpg depends a lot on your tire size and axle ratio being appropriate for your tire size. What is your tire size and axle ratio?

And when you checked your transmission's ATF level the engine was running and the transmission was in Neutral right?

My tires are 30.5 by 9.5 and the gear ratio should be stock. 3.73?

I did check it in neutral. The oil level was a little hard to read but appeared to full within the good range. It has not had the issue after adding the ATF.

 

[buschbeast]

My tires are 30.5 by 9.5 and the gear ratio should be stock. 3.73?

I did check it in neutral. The oil level was a little hard to read but appeared to full within the good range. It has not had the issue after adding the ATF.

I did get up to 16 mpg once on all highway coming back from the mountains. Cruise control on at about 70 mph and 2400ish rpms

 

[Jerry Bransford]

My tires are 30.5 by 9.5 and the gear ratio should be stock. 3.73?

I did check it in neutral. The oil level was a little hard to read but appeared to full within the good range. It has not had the issue after adding the ATF.

Your rpms are indicating it has the 3.73. TJs also came with the abysmal 3.07 ratio.

 

[buschbeast]

Your rpms are indicating it has the 3.73. TJs also came with the abysmal 3.07 ratio.

Thank you! Yeah I just cannot figure out why my essentially stock TJ is getting such low mpg. I do live in Atlanta and do mostly city driving which may be causing it. I would just be super happy to bump my average to 13-14 vs 11-12 mpg.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Mostly city driving can account for that mpg.