Hard Shift in Transmission

[berb]

Has anyone experienced a hard shift when they first start rolling out of their driveway or a parking space? I just crossed into the 30K mileage range and I am experiencing a hard shift, almost like the transmission is catching 2nd gear, when I first start to drive. Any thoughts before I take it in to the dealership[p before my warranty expires? Thanks.

Sponsored

 

[WILDHOBO]

Has anyone experienced a hard shift when they first start rolling out of their driveway or a parking space? I just crossed into the 30K mileage range and I am experiencing a hard shift, almost like the transmission is catching 2nd gear, when I first start to drive. Any thoughts before I take it in to the dealership[p before my warranty expires? Thanks.

I have as well, a few times. I’m at 29k.

 

[Gvsukids]

Has anyone experienced a hard shift when they first start rolling out of their driveway or a parking space? I just crossed into the 30K mileage range and I am experiencing a hard shift, almost like the transmission is catching 2nd gear, when I first start to drive. Any thoughts before I take it in to the dealership[p before my warranty expires? Thanks.

I'd probably take it in. Have you looked in https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/forums/issues-repairs-warranty-tsb-recalls.30/

 

[ATL_Rubi]

I have 1500 miles and it does it every morning.

 

[Wrangiator]

Mine was shifting hard from Park to drive or reverse. I decided to check the transmission fluid level. It was about a quart low from the factory. After adding, the trans shifts smoothly now.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Mine was shifting hard from Park to drive or reverse. I decided to check the transmission fluid level. It was about a quart low from the factory. After adding, the trans shifts smoothly now.

Probably a stupid question, and I’m not near it, but how did you check the fluid level? Thanks for answering my lazy question.

 

[JeepOfTheseus]

Probably a stupid question, and I’m not near it, but how did you check the fluid level? Thanks for answering my lazy question.

I thought trans was considered “lifetime” and not checkable in the normal sense. Or am I mixing that with something else?

 

[Mr._Bill]

I thought trans was considered “lifetime” and not checkable in the normal sense. Or am I mixing that with something else?

Jeep labels it as a 'lifetime' fill and does not provide a dip stick or fill spout for the transmission. It can be checked and filled, but not easily.

 

[Maximus Gladius]

This is how to check the level. Levelling the frame and waiting for the proper temp takes more time than actually checking and adding any fluid or letting it dribble out. Super easy.

There is no rush when performing the steps needed. When setting the fluid level within the “temperature window” (watch video, take notes) set it closer to the cooler side than the hot side of that “window”.

 

[Wrangiator]

Probably a stupid question, and I’m not near it, but how did you check the fluid level? Thanks for answering my lazy question.

There is a fill port on the driver side toward the rear of the transmission when you get underneath the vehicle. You have to have the transmission somewhat level, the trans fluid between a range of like 86-122 degrees and the engine. You can find some youtube videos about the ZF transmission in the Gladiators. The quart low really made a difference.

 

[Wrangiator]

I thought trans was considered “lifetime” and not checkable in the normal sense. Or am I mixing that with something else?

I thought so till I did some research. I was getting annoyed with the hard shifting from park and I only have 27K on it. It had been doing this for a long time and thought it was normal until I decided to do some digging. That 1 quart of fluid changed it. It shifts into gears smoothly now from park, especially when I start it in the morning to leave for work now.

Sponsored