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Transmission thoughts

7K views 26 replies 20 participants last post by  MikeyJCL 
#1 ·
This is my first post on this forum. My wife and I have owned our TH for about three weeks now. We both absolutely love this vehicle... However the tranny issues, real or imagined, is a recurring discussion between us. We both spent a lot of time reading this forum and doing research before purchasing. The tranny issues concerned us both but we took a leap of faith and ordered our jeep in early Feb. We took delivery Mar 13 and we now have 500 miles on the TH.

I feel like the tranny has been fine thus far and try not to get too concerned when I feel the slightly harder shift between 1-2 gear or the slight hesitation in acceleration from a stop when you depress the throttle. My thought is that this is just part of the "personality" of this jeep. My wife however is very concerned with this and wants the dealer to check it out. We are both probably hypersensitive to this issue because of the many posts about this topic. I will say that the tranny seems to become a little smoother the more that we drive it. I don't know if it's because it really is smoother or the fact the we are just getting used to it. Or is the tranny really learning our driving styles.

This ATC (adaptive transmission control), where the tranny learns your style and adapts to your driving I think is just way too much over engineering. Our jeep has multiple drivers with multiple styles so I think " learning" by this transmission will be confusing and create issues. Wouldn't it be easier if the jeep cherokee transmission was set the same way in every vehicle sold and the individual driver would have to adapt to the style of the transmission? That just makes more sense to me.
 
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#2 ·
Preventative fretting? I think you two may be over-thinking things. You said your tranny has been fine thus far so why make a problem when there is none? You'll become totally neurotic doing that. If something is actually wrong then that's the time to stress about it.

I've had three cars so far with adaptive computers that both my wife and I drive and the transition between two different driving styles (she like MeeMaw and I like Mario) was not a big deal. You get on the gas hard a few times and the car gets the idea.
 
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#3 ·
Wouldn't it be easier if the jeep cherokee transmission was set the same way in every vehicle sold and the individual driver would have to adapt to the style of the transmission? That just makes more sense to me.
Isn't that exactly what is happening? The computer tries to learn you while you are learning the Jeep....

I'm not really sure what to say. On one hand you love it and it is working fine. On the other, you perceive it should be different because of something you read on the internet.

If it was really a problem I think you'd know. It doesn't seem to be according to 3/4 of your post so just enjoy the Jeep.
 
#4 ·
If you have a post 12/16/13 build you are fine.
That software update resolved the issues of the pre 12/16 built Cherokees.
If your shifting was "normal" out of the gate then you are good to go. Maybe a bit of adaptive learn to go.
If your concerns are not alleviated by 800 to 1000 miles then by all means consult the dealer.

Mine was pre12/16 build and adaptive learn was a bit rough but done by 600 miles which included 300 miles of highway coming back from the dealer.
I did have some major hesitation, 4/5 times on start up( between gears 1/2) but that went away along with the shifting issues.
Mine at times does give a very slight hesitation when shifting from like between 1/2. Normal who knows, but its not a safety issue as the initial hesitation was during adaptive learn.
Basically my shifting is so good I can't tell its shifting, especially when warmed up.
If I can feel any shift its between 1/2.
I will update to the 12/16/13 software just to avoid any potential issues.

One thing you both need to keep in perspective is that forum problems tend to magnify the actual problem/issue. Had the both of you and myself not read about these issues we would be driving happily down the road.
For myself it is allowing me to be aware of the issue and a software update I can have the dealer do.
Enjoy Your Cherokee.

Limited 4x4
V6 w/AD2
Tech
Luxury
Tow
Nav.
 
#6 ·
I cannot tell you what you should/shouldn't worry about, but I have over 6000 miles on mine, pre-12/15/13 build date, and I tow with it... and it has been fine. It shifted rough for the first 1000 miles while it was figuring out what it needed to do, but has been fine ever since.

Fuzzy-logic (adaptive programming) is pretty much the way of the world these days, and it does increase efficiency and (in general) overall lifespan of mechanical systems. I deal with this stuff every day in my industry, and while it can be frustrating to break new ground, ultimately it makes for a better product.

Look at it this way; you have 5 years or 100,000 miles to figure out if you really like it or not without paying for any repairs it might need. Might as well enjoy it.
 
#7 ·
Mine has a September 2013 build date. I feel like there is some weird shifting that goes on in the low range for me, particularly staying in a gear too long, and sort of straining and then suddenly tumbling into the next gear. Sometimes. Other times, it seems perfectly smooth.

I wish I had never read about these transmission issues on this board, because then I would either know that I feel like there is a problem, or that I wouldn't notice. As it is, I wonder if there is a problem, or if I am being a vehicular hypochondriac.

My service department manager told me to wait until my first scheduled oil change (~5000 mi) and reassess then, and that 'odd' shifting was normal at this point in my car's life - 1500 mi at the time.

It frustrates me that I don't know whether to demand the TSBs be performed because of how odd the shifting feels sometimes, or to let it go because "odd" shifting isn't exactly to be unexpected in a 9 speed with an expanded low range.
 
#25 ·
Mine has a September 2013 build date. I feel like there is some weird shifting that goes on in the low range for me, particularly staying in a gear too long, and sort of straining and then suddenly tumbling into the next gear. Sometimes. Other times, it seems perfectly smooth.

I wish I had never read about these transmission issues on this board, because then I would either know that I feel like there is a problem, or that I wouldn't notice. As it is, I wonder if there is a problem, or if I am being a vehicular hypochondriac.

My service department manager told me to wait until my first scheduled oil change (~5000 mi) and reassess then, and that 'odd' shifting was normal at this point in my car's life - 1500 mi at the time.

It frustrates me that I don't know whether to demand the TSBs be performed because of how odd the shifting feels sometimes, or to let it go because "odd" shifting isn't exactly to be unexpected in a 9 speed with an expanded low range.
I would schedule to get them done, especially that you are having a few issues.
That is why the TSBs were issued. 1,000 miles is the max that AL should take, not 5,000.
Once again the issue is that they are done correctly, especially 21-14-13.
Get copies of the two and read and discuss them with the dealer.
My dealer has no issue with updating mine even though its shifting fine right now.
You should have the latest software because its still under warranty.
 
#8 ·
@Debacle

I've had my TH for three weeks as well (200 miles only) and I encountered some of the shift issues with mine that you mention. However, last night when I was running some errands, I noticed that the transmission started shifting so much smoother than it had before. I believe that the transmission is breaking in and learning my driving style.

I too have been a little over sensitive due to the many transmission issues that have been reported, so I am more cognizant of how the trans shifts. This morning I was greeted to the same smoothness that I felt last night, so hopefully, it will get better the more I drive it.
 
#9 ·
This ATC (adaptive transmission control), where the tranny learns your style and adapts to your driving I think is just way too much over engineering. Our jeep has multiple drivers with multiple styles so I think " learning" by this transmission will be confusing and create issues. Wouldn't it be easier if the jeep cherokee transmission was set the same way in every vehicle sold and the individual driver would have to adapt to the style of the transmission? That just makes more sense to me.
Sorry guy this has been out on lots of cars, for a very long time, my BMW with Steptronic Transmission had this. that was a 2001, so this is not new by any means just making it into the mainstream, like antilock break. still not every car has them but there getting there. :wink:

There will also be fixes and Software revisions for the Transmission as this is the first 9 speed out but I would say you will start to see other companies pick it up soon, or design there own. More on the sporty car end that will need the higher gears for cruising speeds.
 
#11 · (Edited)
Sorry guy this has been out on lots of cars, for a very long time, my BMW with Steptronic Transmission had this. that was a 2001, so this is not new by any means just making it into the mainstream, like antilock break. still not every car has them but there getting there. :wink:
That is completely different from what he is talking about.

I kind of agree debacle...seems adaptive learning is a bit of an unnecessary complication.
 
#10 ·
I have also been hyper aware since reading on this forum. Although I think just the idea of buying a car with the first ever anything (9 speed trans in this case) would cause you to over analyze how it works.

I have been very pleased with my jeep that I got a week ago today (just hit 300 miles). On the highway and most of the time in town by now it shifts great, super smooth. The first little bit it was a bit rough, but not in a bad way just a little sensitive.

The only thing I am still noticing is the delay when shifting from reverse to drive, sometimes it takes a good 2 seconds to engage back in drive, but I have been learning to place less pressure on the gas until I feel it kick into drive. hopefully this will work itself out. It is strange because the delay seems to be quicker when going from park to either reverse or drive. Hopefully it will resolve it self or I will just get used to it...we'll see. This may also just be that someone else posted about it so now I'm thinking about it...same issue! lol
 
#12 ·
So during the adaptive learning, is the transmission learning how we drive? Or is it learning how IT drives. Gathering data for smoother range changes, and how long to do throttle cut, dog clutch shifts etc???
Most transmissions that learn your driving style seem to start holding gears longer after 2 or 3 full throttle starts. Shouldn't take 500 miles for it to learn how we drive.
 
#14 ·
Not sure thats ever been addressed, but I assumed its how we drive
 
#13 ·
I can DEFINITELY feel the 1/2 shift, especially when the engine/tranny is cold or i've just gotten off the highway. Maybe even the 2/3 shift. Other than that it's smooth as silk and I hardly notice. It does shift a lot on the highway between 7/8, lots of ups and downs here in Southern AZ. But I rarely notice the actual shift, just a sudden increase in RPM's. I have about 500 miles so i'm expecting some more improvement within the next 500. If i'm over 1000 and still have the jerky 1/2, or 2/3, I may have it looked at.

Build date was 02/24/2014.
 
#15 ·
I'm a lot more attuned to the transmission than I would normally be, because of researching in this forum. However, I think when the transmission has an issue, it will be in-your-face obvious and you will definitely KNOW there is a problem. Chances are if you did not know about the transmission issues in the first place, you might not notice or think anything about it. I'm at 800 miles and the only thing that's gotten my attention is occasionally it seems like the transmission hangs in the low gears and does not want to shift. But then, my old Ford Escape does the same thing and I notice it then too.

Long story short - don't fret yourself over something that may never happen. (And this is a wife here talking). : )
 
#18 ·
I have never had a vehicle that did not have little nuances with the Transmission that you learned and adapted to. Whether it was a slight let off the gas at certain RPMs to get a smooth shift or a second wait for it to engage or other little things. I expect that with my TH as well.

My '87 Mercedes SL is so nuanced, I won't let any one else drive it. lol
 
#19 ·
I think we're all a little paranoid and hypersensitive to the transmission since we've all read the tranny posts on here. I know that I have to remind myself how the tranny works sometimes so I don't get worked up about a rough **** when I put my foot in it at a stoplight. If you have no actual problems, just have fun with your Cherokee before you drive yourself nuts and start hating it.
 
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#21 ·
I agree with everyone else. Don't create a problem where there isn't one. Mine shifts same as everyone else's, it sounds like. 1-2 is "hard" but smooth as silk after that. You have to figure, on a 9-speed transmission the ratio between 1 and 2 is going to be smaller and it will shift harder into 2nd because you're giving it more gas to pull away from a stop and it's jumping through the gears quickly. I am surprised they didn't set it up to skip a gear here or there if needed. I think 2nd is almost unnecessary, or maybe 1st is.

And, I think it's more a matter of us adapting to the transmission than the other way around. Either way, I like it a lot. I also like the Fuel Economy HUD option. I've increased my average up 2.3mpg so far just by watching the gauge when I drive. It's like playing a video game, my goal is to get it over 20mpg in the city. :)
 
#22 ·
If there is a learning process as many of you think, then explain to me one thing. My front end wobble's 98% of the time when the temp goes over 149degrees, none of the time below 149degrees. The front end shakes 99.9% of the time regardless of tranny temp when going up a hill. I have just turned 2100miles as of today and according to many of you the tranny is in a learning mode. That also the possibility of two driver's may have an effect on it's learning capabilities. My wife refuses to drive it making me the only driver. Thus wouldn't this lead you to believe that one of two thing's are possible. There is either something wrong with the tranny or it is a very slow learner and need's to go back to school! Just my opinion and you know what they say about opinion's!!
 
#24 ·
I think your issue is completely unrelated
 
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