Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission over temp is a common problem that many jeep owners face. This can be very dangerous if not addressed quickly. But, the Problems aren’t always easy to diagnose.
So, in this blog post, you’ll learn what causes this transmission over temp problems in Jeeps, how to spot them early on, and what to do if you notice one.
What should transmission temperature be in a Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The transmission of jeep grand Cherokee runs slightly higher temperature compared to cooling system temperature. So, It’ll be a little bit higher than you expected.
The transmission temperature in the Jeep Grand Cherokee should be under 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
But, according to Robert Tomashek, an experienced automotive mechanic, if you find that your transmission runs between 210 and 220, there is no need for concern.
Also, the transmission temp depends on which year model you are using. You can reduce the temperature by using an external transmission cooler, which isn’t necessary.
Do you know what an expert like Johnny Bravo said about the warning, “Ignore it.”
What does it mean when a Jeep Cherokee says transmission over temp?
Transmission over temp is a warning light on your dashboard that will illuminate when the transmission fluid temperature reaches an unsafe level.
A transmission over temp error message indicates that the transmission is not getting enough coolant to run smoothly.
This warning light will stay illuminated until you stop driving and allow the transmission to cool down. So, if you face such a situation, you need to let the vehicle cool down before driving again.
This can be caused by plenty of reasons. In order to prevent this from happening in the future, make sure to keep a close eye on your car’s oil and fluid levels.
Common symptoms and causes of jeep grand Cherokee transmission over temp
Overheating is the most common transmission problem in Grand Cherokee. But, if you know the lead cause of the issue and why the problems occur, you can solve the problem very easily without any potential damage.
Here are a few common signs of the issue and why the problems appear:
Causes:
Transmission fluid: The transmission over temp issue occurs most of the time under normal operation due to bad fluid or low fluid levels.
Transmission fluids are used to reduce friction by lubrication parts. When your car’s fluid level decreases from the normal level, the amount of friction will increase.
For this, it needs to work more than normal, and fluid will overheat. Eventually, your car loses the ability to cool the transmission quickly.
A defective solenoid: solenoids regulate transmission pressure to control shifts. They also help fluid get into the transmission.
If there is any defect with a solenoid, it prevents the flow of fluid and stops getting into the system, leading to the overheating issue.
Cooling issue: The automatic transmission fluid is cooled by the same radiator that cools the antifreeze. Any issue with the radiator will reduce the ability to cool the fluid, and you’ll witness the overheating problem.
Climates: If your area’s temperature is high, you might face transmission over temperature issues.
Due to outer over temp, fluid will heat up more than normal conditions, which causes fluid to break down faster. Always use the car’s recommended fluid to avoid the issue.
Over temp indicators: Transmission over temp message will show the various reasons. If the message pops up, it means there is an issue with your transmission temperature sensor circuit.
Sometimes you will get false results. Because the transmission temp measurement and neutral safety switch function are located on the same wire.
Therefore, if your circuit has bad connections, you’ll receive a false message. Also, the lousy adapter or radiator will be the cause of this issue.
Overweight or Heavy use: The transmission works harder when you tow or haul with a jeep grand Cherokee. It’ll produce extra stress, which causes more heat.
If you are driving through a heavy traffic area, you need to stop-start frequently, forcing the transmission work over.
Symptoms
- A common sign of a Jeep Grand Cherokee over-temperature issue is that the vehicle will check engine light.
- You’ll smell some unpleasant and harsh fumes from your car. This happens because you don’t change your car fluid for a long time, which now starts to burn and turn black. This is a vital sign of a fluid issue, which causes the overheating problem.
- You’ll experience noticeable delays when shifting gears.
- The transmission will begin to slip.
How do you fix an over temp transmission in Grand Cherokee?
Most of the time, the over temp issue occurs due to bad fluid or a low level of fluid. So, The first task should be to check the fluid level on your car transmission. If the fluid turns black or burns, then change it. Or, add fluid for the low level.
Also, you should change your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 though you don’t find any problems.
If you want to check or change your jeep grand Cherokee transmission fluid, then check out the below videos:
Check Transmission fluid level: https://youtu.be/pxgA29deryo
Change Transmission fluid: https://youtu.be/1dzEOL9H91k
If you find similar problems after changing the fluid, then you need to diagnose your car by professional mechanics to find out the exact issues.
How do you cool down transmission fast?
There isn’t any easy way to cool down transmission fast without inspection by a professional mechanic.
First, you need to park your car in a safer place when the jeep indicates the warning sign. Now, turn off your car ignition switch and wait to cool it down. It’ll take up to 2 hours.
At that moment, you can also take some notes if you notice any signs like strange noises. It’ll help to diagnose the problem easily.
Also, don’t override after you notice the warning sign. Safely drive it and take it to a service center to solve the issue.
What happens if my grand Cherokee transmission temp is too high?
If your vehicle’s transmission temperature is too high, it could be a sign of a problem with the fluid or filter.
When the transmission temperature is too high, you can experience several transmission problems, such as failed bearings, cracked gears, ruptured seals, slipping transmission bands, inoperable solenoids, and delayed clutch engagement.
Also, it can cause damage to the engine and other parts of the car. If your transmission temperature is higher than this, you should consider bringing your car in for service immediately.
How much does a transmission fluid change cost?
The cost of a grand Cherokee transmission fluid change depends on the type of transmission fluid being used.
If you want to change your jeep grand Cherokee transmission fluid, you need to spend around $246 to $290. The parts cost will be about $111 – $131, and the labor cost will be $135 – $159.
Final Words
The overheating transmission issue is a problem that can occur in any Jeep Grand Cherokee.
So, It is better to properly maintain your vehicle before you face the problems. Also, you need to know why the problems appear and what you should do.
If you find the above problems, you need to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic. I hope the article might help you in this regard.
Related Posts:
Leave a comment