If your Jeep Grand Cherokee says transmission over temp, you may be wondering about the cause of the problem and how to fix it. Luckily, we have done the legwork for you, and here is what we found.
Low transmission fluid, a bad thermostat, a faulty solenoid, excessive weight, and a defective radiator are possible reasons why your Jeep Grand Cherokee says transmission over temp.
The following are things you do to fix the problem:
- Check the transmission fluid level
- Use an extra cooler
- Shift the transmission
- Inspect the cooling system
- Replace the transmission fluid
Whenever you notice this problem, make sure to deal with it as soon as possible. Keep reading to get detailed information on what to do if your Jeep Grand Cherokee says transmission over temp.
Why Does My Jeep Grand Cherokee Says Transmission Over Temp?
Your Jeep Grand Cherokee is likely to develop over temp issues due to the following:
Low Transmission Fluid
The work of transmission fluid reduces friction since it lubricates the vehicle's parts. When the fluid in a car is low, there is a high chance that friction will increase. If the friction gets worse, the temperature may not be able to cool the transmission as it should.
Also, a car with low transmission fluid may not function well. This lack of fluid can lead to over temperature problems.
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Bad Thermostat
This is another cause of transmission over temperature issues. The thermostat helps to control how hot or cool the fluid in a car is. In a situation whereby the thermostat is malfunctioning, it could make the fluid too hot. This can also cause the transmission to slip.
Faulty Solenoid
Solenoid plays a crucial role in making a car function well. Its job is to control the transmission pressure so it can do the same with shifts in the car.
When the solenoid goes bad, the car might not be able to circulate fluid. As a result, the transmission system will not receive any fluid, and this can lead to a temperature increase.
Excessive Weight
Too much weight can cause Jeep Grand Cherokee to have transmission over temp issues. When the vehicle is made to carry a lot of weight, it is forced to do extra work.
When the stress becomes too much, the car will start producing more heat. You may be required to stop-start often, especially when in heavy traffic places. This puts more stress on the transmission.
Defective Radiator
The radiator helps in making the car's anti-freeze and transmission fluid cooler. If the radiator starts developing problems, it may not cool the fluid as it should. This can result in overheating.
At times the problem might be that the radiator is clogged, which can also lead to transmission over-temperature issues in Jeep Grand Cherokee. A bad radiator can make the transmission slip or go into the neutral or reverse phase.
What To Do If Jeep Grand Cherokee Says Transmission Over Temp?
If you notice that your Jeep Grand Cherokee has transmission over-temperature issues, do these to fix the problem:
Check The Transmission Fluid Level
This is the first thing to do if your Jeep Grand Cherokee says transmission over temp. Also, checking the level of your transmission fluid monthly is recommended. When this is done, you can easily know if your car needs more fluid. You can also detect other issues and tackle them as soon as possible.
Checking the level of your transmission fluid is an easy task. To do this, your car should be on a level surface. After parking the car well, try finding the transmission dipstick.
However, if you cannot locate yours, consult the user manual. After finding the dipstick, remove its tube to carry on with the process. Next, get a clean cloth and wipe the tube before returning it to the transmission. You can now remove it again for inspection.
Take a good look at the dipstick to determine the fuel level. The level is supposed to be between min and max, not lower. If yours is not up to both, your car needs more fluid.
It is advisable to use the fluid level the manufacturer recommends, so consult the user manual for it. After checking the fuel level, consider examining beneath the car for leakage. If you notice any, make sure to repair it as soon as possible.
Use An Extra Cooler
If your Jeep Grand Cherokee has transmission over-temperature issues, you can use an additional transmission cooler tool. An external cooler is a good option if you want to clear rough surfaces easily.
With more load, you can still move through hilly roads without the radiators overheating. It is okay to use extra coolant for your car's transmission.
Shift The Transmission
Shifting transmission is another remedy for transmission over temperature issues in Jeep Grand Cherokee. Whenever it becomes hard to park your car, use the opportunity to shift the transmission to another phase [neutral].
Also, it is advisable to cool down your transmission. If you get stuck in traffic for long, use the opportunity to do this.
Inspect The Cooling System
You should often inspect and maintain your car's transmission because it is one of the most essential parts. You can contact a professional for this task. But it is still fine to do it on your own if you can.
This maintenance involves changing the fluid after two years. With this, the temperature of the transmission system reduces very well.
Replace The Transmission Fluid
Changing your transmission fluid is another way of solving transmission over temp problems. Consider replacing the transmission fluid when you have driven your car for 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
Doing this every 12 to 18 months is also acceptable. But this is not the same for those living in hot areas or carrying excessive loads. If you fall into this category, replace yours more frequently.
After some time, the organic compounds in the fluid make it change into darker color. The fluid gets thinner when old and cannot draw as much heat from active parts as the new fluid.
If you cannot change the fluid alone, don't hesitate to call a professional for help.
How Much Will I Spend To Change A Transmission Fluid?
The cost of changing a transmission fluid can be affected by many factors. They include the place you are doing it and the make and model of your vehicle. This also affects the type of fluid needed, and their prices differ.
You can find transmission fluids that cost $8-$20 per quart. But most cars require 5-15 quarts which cost about $40-$300.
You should also consider replacing the filter and pan when changing your fluid. Filters and pan gaskets cost anywhere from $15-$30 and $75-$150, respectively.
When all are summed up, it arrives at $130-$480, and the average should be between $80 to $250. If you go to a mechanic shop, the chances are that you will spend lower.
A dealer may charge more than a service center or mechanic shop. However, if you can do the job without a professional's help, you may spend between $50-$100.
What Should Be The Transmission Temperature In Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission has more temperature than the cooling system. Generally, the car's transmission temperature is supposed to be below 93 degrees Celsius. It is also okay if the transmission is between 210 and 220.
The temperature of your transmission may vary based on your model. If you want to reduce the temperature, do so with an external transmission cooler.
Whenever the light illuminates, it means that the fluid temperature is not below 250 degrees. This can make the fluid start breaking down, and the gearbox gets affected as a result.
Can I Drive With The Transmission Temp Light On?
No, driving with the transmission temp light is not recommended. Doing this can damage your transmission, leading to engine problems.
If you don't stop your car, the temperature will continue to increase and can be dangerous when it exceeds 270 degrees.
At this point, the fluid breaks down, and the transmission becomes faulty. Additionally, driving with an active transmission temperature light can cause an accident.
To Wrap Up
If your Jeep Grand Cherokee says transmission over temp, this could result from low transmission fluid, a bad thermostat, a faulty solenoid, excessive weight, and a defective radiator.
To fix the issue, you must check the transmission fluid level, use an extra cooler, shift the transmission, and inspect the cooling system.
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