Shifting Issues

[Flyguy]

Hey guys I'm hoping you could give me some insight on where to start with my recently purchased my 04' TJ 5 speed. Although Ive been driving stick for 20 years, the last 10 have been with a Honda CRZ (6-Speed sport Hybrid Geared very low), So needless to say it took a bit of adjusting to my first Jeep. As soon as I bought the Jeep I had all of the fluids changed including the transmission fluid.

So, here's the Problem: when shifting from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd in order not to grind I have to shift into neutral, pause for a second, then shift into the higher gear. It alsmost feels like there's a delay in the clutch engaging. Also, Reverse is very hard to "Find", especially when the engines cold, and sometimes pops out of gear.

So tell me please how badly I'm Screwed and how much it's going to cost me

 

[JustDandee]

Do you know by chance what “transmission fluid was used? Did it have a problem before the oil change? I wondering if the change coincided with the fluid change and a GL5 lube vs the proper GL4 fluid was put in….and what your experiencing is the synchros not moving as freely as they need to be.

 

[Flyguy]

Do you know by chance what “transmission fluid was used?

Of course the receipt just says 'Drain and Fill' it was $160, though does that help at all?

I wondering if the change coincided with the fluid change

I got the fluids changed the day after I bought it not knowing what the maintenance schedule was from the previous owner. I *think* it was doing it before the change.

 

[JustDandee]

Another possibility is low fluid With the hydraulic clutch- not getting enough “throw” to fully disengage the clutch. Another idea -Maybe a weaken pressure plate not fully disengaging.

Its possible the transmission maybe Okay- I would look at the clutch fluid for a leak then try another fluid change? If you have your vehicle serviced by a shop find a good transmission shop that can give you a honest assessment While they change the fluid.

 

[Gollywomper]

Of course the receipt just says 'Drain and Fill' it was $160, though does that help at all?



I got the fluids changed the day after I bought it not knowing what the maintenance schedule was from the previous owner. I *think* it was doing it before the change.

Not sure which trans you have, however the ax trans have a synchro issue when the incorrect oil is used. Most recommend Red Line MT90. Cost a bit more but meets the needs of soft metal synchros.

 

[C.J. Roberts]

You say "5 speed". Presuming you have a NV3550, change the fluid to Redline MTL. Many of us here have had shifting problems and that has helped to fix them.

 

[Flyguy]

Do you know by chance what “transmission fluid was used?

Ok so I called them and they said that they used "Mopar synthetic +4" is that good?

 

[Flyguy]

Presuming you have a NV3550

Honestly Im not sure what its got or what the PO changed. is there an easy way to find out?

 

[Gollywomper]

Ok so I called them and they said that they used "Mopar synthetic +4" is that good?

I hope not. That most likely is an ATF

 

[Gollywomper]

Order some MT90. Change it yourself or supply someone with the oil to change.
Find a new shop.

 

[Flyguy]

I hope not. That most likely is an ATF

Can you explain it to me like I'm 5 😆, what does that mean and why is it a bad thing?

 

[Gollywomper]

Can you explain it to me like I'm 5 😆, what does that mean and why is it a bad thing?

The +4 indicates a fluid made For an automatic transmission. It could possibly mean a GL4 which would be OK. I’m not sure if Mopar has a GL 4 gear oil or not. The only way to be sure of what oil is in. It is to do it yourself or supply the oil to the shop.

 

[Flyguy]

The +4 indicates a fluid made For an automatic transmission. It could possibly mean a GL4 which would be OK. I’m not sure if Mopar has a GL 4 gear oil or not. The only way to be sure of what oil is in. It is to do it yourself or supply the oil to the shop.

would swapping the oil out be an easy DIY for a noob or nah?

 

[Gollywomper]

would swapping the oil out be an easy DIY for a noob or nah?

Yes. We can help you.

 

[Flyguy]

Yes. We can help you.

so Im watching some YT vids and it does seem pretty straight forward..... I think i might do that today.

 

[97' 4 Popper]

You got charged 160, and had the wrong fluid put in? If I was you I would be so pissed I would go down there and demand a refund.

 

[JKP]

MOPAR ATF+4 is for automatics and while it probably won't damage the trans, it may be causing the shifting issues with the synchros.

I would go back there and have them put the correct fluid in. You can download the FSM for it from the resources section here if they can't figure out the fluid.

Yes, you can do it yourself, it's just a drain plug and a fill plug. If you do it yourself, take out the fill plug first to be sure they didn't over torque it. You don't want to drain it and not be able to refill it.

 

[C.J. Roberts]

Yes, you can do it yourself, it's just a drain plug and a fill plug. If you do it yourself, take out the fill plug first to be sure they didn't over torque it. You don't want to drain it and not be able to refill it.

Be aware that it takes a special tool. However, a 10mm coupling nut fits perfectly. About a dollar at Ace Hardware.

 

[JKP]

It's just a 10 mm hex key, or bit.

 

[JKP]

I think some of them are 17mm as well?