Hey guys, kina new here but I just wanted to be sure that my Tj is ok, I have to disable my od anytime I drive at lower speeds. Basically I have to turn it off until I hit the highway. If I don't I get a brief RPM spike between 2nd and 3rd. I did a lot of reading this and from what I can tell this might be normal but I want to be sure. Some details: I'm running and automatic 2003 Rubicon with 30 inch tires. Seems odd that I have to constantly monitor the od. Oh and its been around 8 degrees here for the past week in case temp has anything to do with it.
42RLE overdrive question
- Thread starter Hooser
- Start date
The 42RLE transmission you and I share is notorious for shifting into Overdrive at too low of a speed and at too low of an rpm.
This is 100% normal. Mine does it as well. The correct gear ratio can definitely help to alleviate it to some degree.
My 04 42RLE, if I’m easy on the gas it really lags 40-55 and once it goes OD I got nothing. My O/D off button is my mosted used button. If I get on the gas good and moderately it shifts fine all the way to 55 mph then I goose it. In the mountains the OD stays off on up hill climbs
Fantastic thanks guys, good to know nothing bad is happening 
I can breath a little easier!
I can breath a little easier!
Fantastic thanks guys, good to know nothing bad is happening
I’m no speed freak but I do usually get on it a little from a stop and getting up to speed on a flat road.
rgoinbroke
New Member
i have a 2002 Wrangler, 33” tires, 3” lift. I am pulling a small 1500lbs trailer, 6x12 enclosed. I added a transmission oil cooler, but I have no OD cut off switch in my dash, am I over looking it?
rgoinbroke
New Member
The 4-speed Overdrive automatic transmission didn't come out until 2003. Yours is the 3-speed without an Overdrive which is actually the more desirable and more reliable choice of the two.
Last edited:
rgoinbroke
New Member
Evidently someone replaced my 3 speed with the newer 4 speed overdrive transmission. Am I correct to assume there is a way to install a override switch to disable it when pulling my trailer?
I agree, does your TJ shift 1st, 2nd, 3rd, plus 4th? And whats the shifter look like, add some pics.
If yes, an OD defeat switch would be an easy add on. With all factory parts.
That's an odd thing to do, and not a small job. They don't just bolt up and work, the wireing and computers are totally different.
—
There must have been a time
when we could have said no.
Nope it's the 3-speed. What you're mistaking for a 4th gear is actually the torque converter locking up at cruising speed which drops the rpms 150 or so depending on the speed being driven.
That torque converter locking up once you reach cruising speed fools a lot of people into thinking it's shifting gears again... it's not.
Last edited:
rgoinbroke
New Member
rgoinbroke
New Member
I am glad I found this site. One more question for now, LOL, so does the torque converter “unlock” before down shifts? Another fake feeling shift?
rgoinbroke
New Member
rgoinbroke
New Member