Issue: Transmission popping out of gear when wheeling

[Underground Graphics]

An ongoing issue that seems to be getting worse. I first noticed this (or last recall this), when wheeling in Moab back in 2023. I'm not one to "send it", or give a good bump when wheeling, but sometimes it just happens. This is usually when the transmission pops out of gear and shows flashing "M" and screen says put back in P then D. It works again. However, sometimes it can even kill the engine. I've also had this happen (twice, back to back single day occurance) just driving down a very bumpy street. On a recent trip to Jeep Jamboree, another Gladiator was having a similar issue and recommended wheleing in 2nd gear (we both have 60's and 5:38 gears). Better, but still happened. For the most part, it hasn't caused me any hardship, but it did give me quite a scare when climbing a steep wall (see pic) and it popped out. Fortunately, I had quick brake reactions and caught it immediately. So now it wasn't even a bump, and it happened just prior on another obstacle when just sitting and the axle hanging (see pic). I'm at a loss. With the research i've done, i've seen everything from software updates to engine mounts.
To note, I have en extensive mod list. I'm concerned it could be a number of anything electrical that's tied into the ECU (Tazer, Stinger Heigh10). I've also replaced the transmission and transfer case due to this. I'm guessing Jeep would just laugh or charge me thousands to diagnose, only to say it's my fault do to mods.

Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Any recommendations or tips are welcomed!

Greg

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[leaffan1988]

I've only ever driven manuals where you can hold the stick in gear so can't help... Is it possible this is a failsafe program for towing... the jeep thinks it's being towed so switches to N?

Also, would love to see 60's on 5.38 lol

 

[Trailman]

The transmission itself pops out of gear, or the transfer case pops out of 4-Lo? I've had the latter happen a few times but usually only when I first shift in and don't get it really slammed in. I've never had it happen after moving consistently for awhile.

 

[Underground Graphics]

I've only ever driven manuals where you can hold the stick in gear so can't help... Is it possible this is a failsafe program for towing... the jeep thinks it's being towed so switches to N?

Also, would love to see 60's on 5.38 lol

60's is referring to the axles.

 

[Underground Graphics]

The transmission itself pops out of gear, or the transfer case pops out of 4-Lo? I've had the latter happen a few times but usually only when I first shift in and don't get it really slammed in. I've never had it happen after moving consistently for awhile.

Transmission. Transfer case stays in 4-Lo.

 

[Stan H]

This is a safety protocol, my guess is gears are so low that it senses being towed and goes into neutral. Bet it dont do it in 3rd and 4th

 

[Underground Graphics]

This is a safety protocol, my guess is gears are so low that it senses being towed and goes into neutral. Bet it dont do it in 3rd and 4th

It did this with the 5:13's as well. If this is the case, wouldn't this be happening alot more?

 

[Stan H]

It did this with the 5:13's as well. If this is the case, wouldn't this be happening alot more?

Second guess is it is electrical TCM problem

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Have you checked the fluid level?

When you said it happenned on a hill climb, my first thought was fluid starvation. But that doesn't explain it happening in other situations.

 

[Underground Graphics]

Have you checked the fluid level?

When you said it happenned on a hill climb, my first thought was fluid starvation. But that doesn't explain it happening in other situations.

yes, and we even replaced the transmission, and sensors and fluids.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

yes, and we even replaced the transmission, and sensors and fluids.

That's right, you did say that. Sorry.

I hope you get it figured out!

 

[Stan H]

Got another suggestion as these transmissions are drive by wire, have the shift selector checked out it may be faulty . It tells the transmission what gear to be in. Could be that it is changing on its own. Again this sounds electrical.

 

[Free2roam]

I've had mine pop out when in a very articulated state. But it said something like basically keep driving. Or some stupid message.

 

[Stan H]

yes, and we even replaced the transmission, and sensors and fluids.

You replaced the transmission? Or the fluid ?
If you replaced the transmission then again I am going with the shift selector

 

[Underground Graphics]

You replaced the transmission? Or the fluid ?
If you replaced the transmission then again I am going with the shift selector

Yes, I replaced the entire transmission!

So, tell me more about the shift selector? Was this an issue at some point?

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