42RLE issue

[SilverBullet]

I have a 2004 rubicon with the 42RLE auto trans. I’m having issues with the trans in REVERSE after this passed weekends ride. I checked fluid atf fluid level and it was a bit low, thinking that would solve the issue but no success. I was running an extra quart of ATF after changing the fluid and filter years ago to help with steep inclines. The jeep struggles to engage in drive but not nearly as bad as reverse, it just revs without much engagement. Thinking the torque converter is shot? By no means a trans guy, but it just seems odd that it moves forward when in drive but not so much in reverse. Any ideas or tips? Gonna drop the pan and take a look at the fluid and filter for starters and then go from there.

 

[Chris]

I have a 2004 rubicon with the 42RLE auto trans. I’m having issues with the trans in REVERSE after this passed weekends ride. I checked fluid atf fluid level and it was a bit low, thinking that would solve the issue but no success. I was running an extra quart of ATF after changing the fluid and filter years ago to help with steep inclines. The jeep struggles to engage in drive but not nearly as bad as reverse, it just revs without much engagement. Thinking the torque converter is shot? By no means a trans guy, but it just seems odd that it moves forward when in drive but not so much in reverse. Any ideas or tips? Gonna drop the pan and take a look at the fluid and filter for starters and then go from there.

Since you mentioned it struggles in reverse more than in drive, it could indicate a problem with the reverse clutches or even a possible issue with the valve body. If the clutches are worn or the seals are leaking, that could definitely explain the lack of engagement in reverse.

I'd also be mindful of the fluid condition: if it’s burnt or has a lot of metal shavings, it could point to internal damage.

Before assuming the torque converter is at fault, you might want to rule out these other potential issues first. If everything looks good after you drop the pan, you may want to consult with a transmission specialist. Good luck, and keep us posted on what you find!

 

[D's Jeep Wrld]

Since you mentioned it struggles in reverse more than in drive, it could indicate a problem with the reverse clutches or even a possible issue with the valve body. If the clutches are worn or the seals are leaking, that could definitely explain the lack of engagement in reverse.

I'd also be mindful of the fluid condition: if it’s burnt or has a lot of metal shavings, it could point to internal damage.

Before assuming the torque converter is at fault, you might want to rule out these other potential issues first. If everything looks good after you drop the pan, you may want to consult with a transmission specialist. Good luck, and keep us posted on what you find!

Yup, that's about what i was gonna say.....not really but i was gonna say "This doesn't seem like a TC problem, It Could be a bad shift solenoid all the way up to the clutches in reverse being bad!

 

[Chris]

Yup, that's about what i was gonna say.....not really but i was gonna say "This doesn't seem like a TC problem, It Could be a bad shift solenoid all the way up to the clutches in reverse being bad!

I'm thinking the same thing!

 

[D's Jeep Wrld]

I'm thinking the same thing!

And at that point i'd be questioning how the rest of the trans is doing if reverse is being an issue!

 

[Bigfoot-NM]

My transmission went out anbout 1-1/2 years ago. First sign of any trouble was reverse starting going out. Not sure if it was clutches or an internal pressure problem…..but soon after the transmission started getting hot with just normal driving. Then about two weeks later it would barely move forward.

 

[hear]

Typically reverse takes like 3x the pressure that forward gears need, so that it works in drive but not reverse could be just a pressure problem. I'm not a 42RLE expert by any means though.

 

[Chopper289]

Can you post what the issue was? My reverse also is out.