2014+ Jeep Cherokee Forums banner

Transmission finally gave out

6K views 23 replies 11 participants last post by  ua_who 
#1 ·
Longtime member here but haven't posted in a while. Have a 2014 FWD Limited I purchased in February of 2014. Been through 4 or 5 Transmission related TSB's and was pretty satisfied with the last one done about a year and half ago. The transmission wasn't perfect but it became pretty predictable (as far as shift points and the like). So after all the TSB's I found it fairly easy to drive how I wanted. I also knew going in that there would be a period of time I'd have to put up with poor performance while they got the software right via TSB updates. Have to admit after about a year or so, just before the third or fourth update, I had my doubts as to if they were ever going to get this right! Fortunately I never had any serious issues that warranted any more than trying the latest software. Up until a couple of months ago that is. Long story short the transmission got more and more sluggish for upshifts/downshifts and the downshifts also got more and more harsh. I thought I could smell a bit of transmission fluid from time to time as well. So I thought at worst I may be having a slight leak and be a bit low in fluid. Had a leak previously and the dealer was able to repair it. So I took it in to the dealer yesterday and got a call a couple of hours later that it was leaking "around the case" and I would be getting a new transmission since they do not service this type of issue for these transmissions. Have to admit I was happy to hear that since most everyone that has had a transmission replaced reports being better off.

For those that have gone thought this recently, and especially those with early 2014 builds, is there anything I should/could do to ensure I get the best version of this transmission for my build? Should I get a case started with "Jeep Cares"? Although I was told, when I asked my service advisor, that they only use the latest and greatest parts/versions of the part being replaced, I know that a few folks don't think this is necessarily the case. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
 
See less See more
#6 ·
2X on that newer hardware equipped transmission. It will do you right. I have a 12/13 build and the transmission has been perfect except for the missing 2nd.
I have had only 1 update + that transmission cable recall update. All I remember is my conversation about this issue with my dealer 2 years ago he just said any change in transmission operation bring the Cherokee in. I guess that's the warning that I will heed.
 
  • Like
Reactions: madchemist24
#8 ·
my ADII is a Dec 13 build as well and up til they snuck a flash on the tranny when I took it in for a O2 sensor, I had no problems. Sluggish pig now with 2nd gear missing. 2 weeks after they flashed it, the rear diff and PSU blew out. Left me going about 20mph top speed with some serious clanking.

Seems good now, but still no 2nd gear. Picked up the Lifetime Max Care so I'm in it for the long haul and hope she sticks around cus I love this Jeep.

Feel bad for everyone who has had trans issues and hope them all a speedy recovery.
 
#7 ·
Yes - I would second that advise. You learn to live with - or at least I did - all the quirks of this transmission. But in my case, at a certain point it became clear that this was beyond just a quirk. The transmission was now very clearly operating outside it's "normal" and rather wide range of quirkiness. I had no doubt something was clearly off and needed to be addressed.
 
#10 · (Edited)
UPDATE

Got the Cherokee back a couple of days ago. Looks like it was fitted with a rebuilt tranny ("R8314481AA Trans Kit - With Torque Converter"). I'm ok with that as long as it works well and is covered by the warranty - which it does and is. Btw - since I was outside of the 3/36 bumper-to-bumper coverage, this was covered under the 5/60 Powertrain warranty.

As far as how it feels and performs - it's super smooth and seems to be shifting at just the right moments - although the majority of the time I can't feel it shifting at all! The 1-2 and 2-3 shifts are extremely smooth so it’s pretty obvious there had to be some hardware improvement on the replacement tranny. It also does downshift smoothly into 2 when needed. Although I have to admit I didn't really miss 2 before. I suppose I just got so used to compensating by applying a bit more throttle when in third gear when I needed it. On the highway it very smoothly transitions from 6-7-8 and back when needed.

Post the last software update I had done about a year and half ago and before the latest issues, I was actually ok with the "old" trannys' performance. However, with this new unit in place, it's made me realize how harshly the prior tranny performed - in a number of ways. From harsh shifting/downshifting to clunky "garage shifting" (shifting from D to R for example) to just an overall rougher ride - even when applying the brakes (where the tranny releases from whatever gear it's in).

As for the new tranny, best way I can explain it is the Cherokee drives normally now - like a modern automobile with an auto tranny should drive and I suppose like it should have driven from the very beginning. So I'm quite pleased now - both with the new tranny and with how FCA has stepped up and made this right finally.
 
#11 ·
That part # seems fairly new to Google with less than 2 pages of hits, most if not all of them pointing to online parts resellers. At $2500, it's less expensive than I would have imagined.

After all the trouble FCA has had with old hardware reconditionned units, I'm sure they've tweaked the product by now, meaning they've taken care of the major weakness(es). It does sound like you have tranny behavior that is *new hardware* and that is great news.

Someone on this site once said (over a year ago IIRC) that in situations like this one, it is often better to go with a reconditionned transmission rather than a brand new one, because the specs for rebuilding are so tight and it kinda takes out any bad unit. This wasn't the case with the early recond. ZF9s... but it could be now. Fingers crossed for all those who will get these units.

Let us know how she does over time and especially after that initial learn (a few thousand miles should do it).
 
#13 ·
Not to hijack the thread... but I figured I'd save another new thread: The dealer is now swapping out my transmission. :(

It never threw any codes. Never left me stranded. Took me through the roughest offroad trails.
And then started a rough (hard) downshift from 6 to 5, when under load. (i.e. when going uphill at freeway speeds and it had to downshift to maintain speed)

So I took it in. Figuring it was a minor thing. It drove fine and shifted fine in all other circumstances. We even drove it for another week after we first felt that.
Almost didn't take it in at all.....
and now...

replace entire transmission with new one.
41,000 miles. 2013 build date, bought in Dec 2013.


In some ways I guess it's nice, that it will be new and fixed for certain.
But now my wife is driving a rental 2017 2WD Limited Cherokee. And she's liking the new stuff we don't have.
Keyless start. Auto headlights. Better sound system. (she also says it's easier to get in and out of - no lift, no rock rails, etc. But that's a bad thing if you ask me)
And it's quicker too! Our TH and the rental are both 2.4l motors. But the extra weight of the TH makes a big difference when you're just scooting around for short trips to the grocery store.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Duke2015
#14 ·
Well... I see this as a positive (the tranny replacement). Sounds like a dog clutch, could very well be the snap ring... though I don't remember how all that works, but 6-5 (and 5-6) I'm pretty sure use a dog clutch.

Yes it's unfortunate to have such major work done, but on the other hand... you should be getting new hardware tranny with much improved shifting, with smoothness, and probably better longevity. Not sure how this can impact resale value, but I'm thinking it can't hurt.

Let us know how it drives with the new tranny !

Yeah the TH's extra wind resistance and extra weight do put more strain on the 2.4 for sure...
 
#22 ·
Update:
After almost 3 weeks in the shop, I think we will get our TH back today.
It took almost a week and a half just to get the transmission delivered.
Then schedule the tech... ugh.


One slightly good note, they will fix a broken motor mount while they are at it. No labor cost (since everything was already taken out)
I had a slight vibration on occasion that didn't really bother me, but the motor mount explains it perfectly.


Over a month now without driving on the trails... I'm getting a bit itchy for adventure!
Maybe the worst though is that my wife (who is driving the rental 2017 Limited Cherokee) is liking some of the things on that vehicle that our TH doesn't have.
For the first time ever, she is pushing me to look at a new vehicle. This transmission swap might end up costing me a lot more than just a few weeks in the shop!
 
#24 ·
BTW - got it back and have been driving all over last night and today. Short, local trips on surface streets.
And all I can say is: Wow. Our TH has never been so smooth.

Two thumbs up to the techs for doing a good job, and to Jeep (knock on wood) for figuring out what was wrong with the old tranny versions.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top