98 Grand Cherokee Transmission Problem

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AGVP - 31 Dec 2004 02:09 GMT

I have a 98 Grand Cherokee 5.2L V8. While driving today the transmission
just gave out with no warning. The jeep has 58,000 miles on it and has been
well taken care of. When I finally pulled over I noticed smoke coming from
under the vehicle. I have no forward or reverse.

What would cause the transmission to go with no warning on a vehicle with
only 58K miles? I am going to have it towed in tomorrow to have it fixed,
what should I expect to pay for this repair. Thanks in advance for and
information, advice or suggestions.

-Aaron

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Drifter - 31 Dec 2004 04:04 GMT

>I have a 98 Grand Cherokee 5.2L V8. While driving today the transmission
>just gave out with no warning. The jeep has 58,000 miles on it and has been
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
>-Aaron

At a guess the most likely culprits are either the transmission or the
transfer case.

-Transmission. how did the fluid look? Was it low? Has it ever been
changed?
-Transfer case. how did the fluid look? Was it low? Has it ever
been changed? (a frightening number of people ignore the poor transfer
case until it's too late).

The transmission could be easy or hard to fix, either way it'll most
likely cost you some bigger bills. If you burned up the transfer case
then you are looking at a replacement in the order of $1500 or so
'cause rebuilding a burnt up unit just isn't worth it even if someone
offers.

Of course it could be something else entirely because you really don't
give much in the way of details. Regardless, that really sucks and I
hope it can be fixed for you.

Drifter
"I've been here, I've been there..."

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AGVP - 31 Dec 2004 04:34 GMT

Additional details on the Jeeps upkeep. The transfer case fluid was changed
(first time) during the summer with the front and rear differentials.
(second or third time since I bought the car new) I also had the
transmission fluid changed about 3 months ago (first time). I did notice
after I got the Jeep towed back home that there was no transmission fluid on
the dip stick. It also looked like there may have been transmission fluid
splattered all over the transmission pan, like a hose broke or something. It
was getting dark when I got back home so it was a little difficult to see
what had happed. However, I thought it was odd that there was no
transmission fluid on the stick. I did have it running when I checked. I
will take another look before I have the Jeep picked up.

-Aaron

>>I have a 98 Grand Cherokee 5.2L V8. While driving today the transmission
>>just gave out with no warning. The jeep has 58,000 miles on it and has
[quoted text clipped - 30 lines]
> Drifter
> "I've been here, I've been there..."

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Drifter - 31 Dec 2004 12:05 GMT

>Additional details on the Jeeps upkeep. The transfer case fluid was changed
>(first time) during the summer with the front and rear differentials.
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
>-Aaron

Well, it could be as simple as a cracked transmission cooler line. In
that case it would have dumped all the fluid (possibly splattering on
the exhaust pipe and creating smoke) and then you stop moving. The
good news in that case is that it usually does no damage and all you
do is fix or replace the broken line, refill the transmission, and you
are back in business.

I had something similar with an old trans-am and the only way I found
the leak (it was right next to the radiator) was to fill the tranny
back up and keep moving the car back and forth in the driveway until I
saw a puddle forming, then start looking for the dripping fluid under
the car. Sometimes the source is easier to see than others.

Drifter
"I've been here, I've been there..."

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AGVP - 31 Dec 2004 14:03 GMT

Drifter,

I went back out to look at the Jeep this morning and it looks like the
transmission line came off. I am going to take a look to see why it came
off. This should be an easy fix. Thanks for the help.

-Aaron

>>Additional details on the Jeeps upkeep. The transfer case fluid was
>>changed
[quoted text clipped - 28 lines]
> Drifter
> "I've been here, I've been there..."

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Drifter - 31 Dec 2004 16:41 GMT

>Drifter,
>
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
>-Aaron

---snip----

Glad to help and happy for you if it's a simple fix!
You know the old Jeep saying...
Fix it, Drive it, Break it, repeat.
<grin>.

Drifter
"I've been here, I've been there..."

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