Wildman
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It's off the trailer and in the garage again...
Wildman's TJ is getting a face lift
- Thread starter Wildman
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Instead of talking about what broke on the shakedown #2 run, let's talk about how the rig performed when it was running. Are you liking the tire size/grip? How about the suspension and overall feel on the trail? How did the Hemi perform as far as power?
You have done so many changes that I think it's a good idea to see how each change performed individually to check each mod as good. There will be plenty of time to go over fixing shit. Even when things don't break, there are always things to address.
You have done so many changes that I think it's a good idea to see how each change performed individually to check each mod as good. There will be plenty of time to go over fixing shit. Even when things don't break, there are always things to address.
Love this! What went right Rick, or exceeded your expectations? With everything you've heavily modified on this rig, it's natural some unexpected problem areas will surface. You've clearly shown your focus to work through whatever needs to be addressed!
...and the most important question: How did those awesome cool Spyder Locks work for you???
I think you hit the nail on the head for the tranny heating issue. It sounds like your fluid is not circulating properly for some reason. You'll get it.
Best news of all is that you've got the first big trip on the new build in the books. Despite the issues, did you have a good time?
I think you hit the nail on the head for the tranny heating issue. It sounds like your fluid is not circulating properly for some reason. You'll get it.
Best news of all is that you've got the first big trip on the new build in the books. Despite the issues, did you have a good time?
Wildman
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First 4 hours out on the trails were GREAT... I was really happy with how the Hemi ran. Plenty of power from bottom end to the top. Even with the transmission getting hot it was working good too. I'd have to blip the throttle sometimes to get it to shift out of low.
And YES I have done so much that it's hard to figure out one thing or another as being better than the next...
For the hill climbs that I did I'd say at this point IMO the midarm works... Now these aren't Rimrock hill climbs but until I get over there and try them it's all I got.
The M/T' Baja Pro XS tires are amazing... I think I might have slipped once... Now I can't comment on what anyone else did but I never turned on a front or rear locker all day... I'd say that was due to a mix of the suspension & the tires.
I've also got a height sensor that started acting up so I've got to check the wiring and then possibly swap out the sensor.
...and the most important question: How did those awesome cool Spyder Locks work for you???
What? You mean those broke in rims I got? So I didn't cry when I scratched them? They worked great... I was running 8.5 PSI & think I should have gone down to 6 PSI.
I hope so.... I really do. It's been years since I'd done my auto class but I'm 95% positive if I didn't have flow the transmission wouldn't work.
I honestly was having a BALL until the shifter cable broke. The YJ in the pictures belongs to Roger who is a club member and he'd come up to run the trail with us Friday.
Jeep overall was working great. I had/have a clunk in the front I can't find and the passenger air spring is now rubbing on the swaybar bracket... Why it didn't during the thousands of times I'd cycled the suspension I'll never know.
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Wildman
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Also ask @macleanflood about throttle response and power of the Hemi. He about drove the Jeep off the front of the trailer when we were loading.
Edit: He's of course used to the awesome power of the tractor 4.0.... They are good but not known for making a huge amount of power.
Edit: He's of course used to the awesome power of the tractor 4.0.... They are good but not known for making a huge amount of power.
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Wildman
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Guess I should of warned ya that it had a little more power...
Wildman
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Here's what AI says about my symptoms:
If your 545RFE transmission is overheating in 5th gear but cooling down in 2nd, this points to a specific issue with the cooling system or fluid pressure regulation within the transmission at higher gears.
Here's a breakdown of potential causes and what to investigate:
Potential causes
Now to add to all this.... When I was trying to install the new tune from FRP right before I'd gone on the run I was having issues getting the computer to connect to the TCM. So that points me to look at one other thing also. And the Check Engine light had come on but I'd guessed it was related to the transmission overheating. I'll pull the DTC later.
If your 545RFE transmission is overheating in 5th gear but cooling down in 2nd, this points to a specific issue with the cooling system or fluid pressure regulation within the transmission at higher gears.
Here's a breakdown of potential causes and what to investigate:
Potential causes
- Fluid Level and Condition: Low or degraded transmission fluid is a common cause of overheating. The fluid helps cool and lubricate the transmission's internal components. In higher gears like 5th, the transmission works harder and can generate more heat, making low or poor-quality fluid more problematic.
- Transmission Cooler Issues:
- Blocked Cooler: The transmission cooler is responsible for dissipating heat from the fluid. A clogged cooler can restrict fluid flow and hinder cooling, leading to overheating, particularly during extended use or at higher speeds/gears.
- Faulty Cooler or Lines: Leaks in the cooler or its lines can cause fluid loss, leading to overheating. A damaged cooler itself may not efficiently transfer heat.
- Pressure Regulator Valve/Low Cooler Flow: The pressure regulator valve in the 545RFE can cause low cooler flow, especially at idle or lower speeds, leading to overheating and torque converter-related complaints.
- Clutch Slippage: In 5th gear, if the overdrive clutch is slipping, it can generate excessive heat and cause overheating.
- Heavy Loads/Driving Conditions: Driving in hot weather, carrying heavy loads, or towing can strain the transmission and increase its operating temperature, especially in higher gears.
- Electrical Issues: Problems with the Transmission Control Module (TCM), sensors, or wiring can affect the transmission's shifting patterns and cooling system operation, potentially leading to overheating.
- Check Transmission Fluid:
- Check the fluid level according to the owner's manual's procedure, ideally when the transmission is warm and the vehicle is level.
- Inspect the fluid for color and smell. Healthy fluid should be red and clear; burnt-smelling or dark fluid needs to be changed.
- Inspect Cooler and Lines:
- Look for leaks around the transmission cooler and lines.
- Ensure the cooler is free of debris that could be obstructing airflow. Consider flushing the cooler if it appears dirty or if flow is suspected to be restricted.
- Scan for Trouble Codes: A diagnostic scan tool can help identify transmission-related trouble codes, which could pinpoint sensor, solenoid, or electrical issues affecting the cooling system.
- Professional Diagnosis: Due to the complexity of transmission systems, especially with symptoms specific to higher gears, it's highly recommended to consult a qualified transmission specialist. They can diagnose specific issues with the pressure regulator valve, clutch packs, sensors, or other internal components that might be causing overheating in 5th gear and affecting the cooling in 2nd.
Now to add to all this.... When I was trying to install the new tune from FRP right before I'd gone on the run I was having issues getting the computer to connect to the TCM. So that points me to look at one other thing also. And the Check Engine light had come on but I'd guessed it was related to the transmission overheating. I'll pull the DTC later.
Wildman
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OK here's what my code scanner says..
TCM
PCM
Then Live Data from PCM, You can see the 2/1 O2 sensor voltage is higher than what it's looking for. So I'll be checking wiring first and then if that's not it swap out the sensor.
TCM
PCM
Then Live Data from PCM, You can see the 2/1 O2 sensor voltage is higher than what it's looking for. So I'll be checking wiring first and then if that's not it swap out the sensor.
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Wildman
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Figure I'll start with the easy stuff tomorrow...
1) Drain the ATF...
2) Drop the valve body out. I'm just going to have a look at things to see if I can see anything wrong.
3) Check wiring in the 2/1 O2 sensor. This is the first time I've had an issue with the O2 sensors reading wrong
4) Disconnect cooler lines and check each one with air to find out if it's clogged somewhere.
5) If none are clogged then check the radiator cooler & then each aux cooler with air for flow
Now to the not so FUN stuff
6) Disassemble the GR center console so I can get the shifter cable out.
7) Figure out where the cable broke & then try to figure out why.....
I had the shifter cable covered with heat shielding in places where it was close to the exhaust so I'm still surprised that it broke.
Hopefully will have it all back together NLT next weekend...
Won't reuse the LubeLocker on the pan this time but Right Stuff instead.
While I have it apart I'll change the cooler & transmission filter.
1) Drain the ATF...
2) Drop the valve body out. I'm just going to have a look at things to see if I can see anything wrong.
3) Check wiring in the 2/1 O2 sensor. This is the first time I've had an issue with the O2 sensors reading wrong
4) Disconnect cooler lines and check each one with air to find out if it's clogged somewhere.
5) If none are clogged then check the radiator cooler & then each aux cooler with air for flow
Now to the not so FUN stuff
6) Disassemble the GR center console so I can get the shifter cable out.
7) Figure out where the cable broke & then try to figure out why.....
I had the shifter cable covered with heat shielding in places where it was close to the exhaust so I'm still surprised that it broke.
Hopefully will have it all back together NLT next weekend...
Won't reuse the LubeLocker on the pan this time but Right Stuff instead.
While I have it apart I'll change the cooler & transmission filter.
I'd love some short snips of video of you finding the break in the transmission cable for the video I make. Letterbox 1080p 30 fps...or in simple language for the luddites hold your phone sideways Miami Vice style and hit record.
-Mac
-Mac
Wildman
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I'll see what I can do. I've got a tri-pod in the motorhome that has a holder for the phone.
Remember a short while ago I'd commented about how rarely my power goes out?
Well DAMN IT but it's out again.
So before all the generator comments start.... even if I had one it'd be used to power my house. Important things like refrigerator you know.
My garage is detached. On its own 200 amp service too.
At this point no working on the Jeep today
. Wednesday and Friday I've got appointments with the VA for another foot study.
I'll see what I can do. I've got a tri-pod in the motorhome that has a holder for the phone.
Remember a short while ago I'd commented about how rarely my power goes out?
Well DAMN IT but it's out again.
So before all the generator comments start.... even if I had one it'd be used to power my house. Important things like refrigerator you know.
My garage is detached. On its own 200 amp service too.
At this point no working on the Jeep today
Wednesday and Friday I've got appointments with the VA for another foot study.
Generator comment no. 1:
We had a big snow storm around 9-10 years ago that knocked our power out for a week and many others around here longer. We did a whole house propane generator with a 500 gal tank after that. A lot of work and expensive but worth while for us as we have increasingly frequent outages (generally much shorter). Really a buy once, cry once situation if you plan on staying in the same place.
Wildman
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Yes if I was planning on staying here for another 15+ years I could see the possibility of adding a generator. But as I said it'd be for the house and not the garage if I was doing this. But since I plan on selling and moving in the next 5 years it isn't something I can see doing.
Like we talked about on the trail, if worst comes to worst I'll go stay in the motorhome until the power comes back on...
I saw those but didn't want to embarrass you by asking! lol that was my biggest fear walking away from mine on the beach Saturday with so many people around!
Wildman
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OK,
New shifter cable should be here Wednesday from what tracking says....
New transmission accumulator pistons will be here Friday... If I'm pulling the valve body out this was a simple mod I'd wanted to do before and just hadn't.
Since the last heat shielding didn't seem to work I ordered some Heatshielding Lava Tube
Was thinking about maybe trying to wrap the shifter cable in the header wrap first?
I'd have been just fine.... I found it funny but since I was at a 4WD event also wasn't surprised... Just glad it wasn't the larger rubber ducks on my dash type thing.
Well he'll have a few more then...
New shifter cable should be here Wednesday from what tracking says....
New transmission accumulator pistons will be here Friday... If I'm pulling the valve body out this was a simple mod I'd wanted to do before and just hadn't.
Since the last heat shielding didn't seem to work I ordered some Heatshielding Lava Tube
Was thinking about maybe trying to wrap the shifter cable in the header wrap first?
I'd have been just fine.... I found it funny but since I was at a 4WD event also wasn't surprised... Just glad it wasn't the larger rubber ducks on my dash type thing.
Well he'll have a few more then...
