Fixing Jeep Grand Cherokee Trans Over Temp: Quick Guide!

Embarking on an exciting journey in your Jeep Grand Cherokee is thrilling, yet encountering transmission over-temperature problems can quickly turn excitement into concern. As a devoted Jeep owner, it’s essential to have the know-how and solutions to address these issues promptly.

If your Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission over temp indicator is on, you should stop driving and let it get cool. In addition, you can change the fluid or check the radiator or solenoid of the vehicle, which can help to get out of such a problem.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll delve into the common triggers behind transmission over-temp problems in Jeep Grand Cherokees and provide you with actionable steps to fix them.

What is the Transmission Over Temp Problem in the Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The transmission over temp is a warning indicator placed on the dashboard. It illuminates if the transmission fluid temperature is higher than the threshold (200 degrees Fahrenheit).

The transmission problems in the jeep Grand Cherokee occur due to inadequate and low fluid levels. Sufficient fluid is required to reduce friction. Heat is increased due to higher friction when there is less liquid. 

The priority of the person facing this issue should be to park the vehicle and wait until it cools down. The vehicles get heated because they need to be provided with more coolant.

I have created the infographic below illustrating the transmission over-temp problem in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. (You are welcome to use and share, but please credit back if you do so.)

It is better to check the fluid level of the transmission. If the black fuel spreads odor and is burning, it is a sign to change it.

Keep An Eye on the Transmission Over Temp Indicator:

The error message in the transmission over temperature indicates that the transmission does not receive enough coolant required for a smooth run. 

The warning light still illuminates till the person does not stop driving and allows the transmission to cool properly.

Let the jeep cool down for smooth driving again. It is better to keep an eye on the fluid levels and oil of the vehicle. 

Primary Reasons for Transmission Over Temp:

Several different signs can cause the transmission to overheat, including:

• The driving habits of a person in which heavy loads and fast acceleration are included.
  
•  External factors, including heat, humidity, and stop-and-go traffic, are included. 
  
•  Low and excess transmission fluid
  
•  Old and burnt transmission 
  
•  Over-heating of engine 
  
•  Damage to internal transmission

Symptoms of Transmission Over Temp Problem:

Various factors can cause transmission over temperature problems in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, there are some symptoms associated with the vehicle that can help us to detect the issues. These symptoms are as follows:

• Engine light is a clear sign of overheating of transmission. You can check the engine light, which can act as a detection.
  
• The vehicle sometimes produces a foul odor. This odor indicates that the fuel in the vehicle has been kept unchanged for a long time. It can cause the transmission to overheat in the car. 
  
• Another symptom of transmission over temperature is that gear shifting consumes more time than usual.
  
• The transmission begins to slip.

Causes and Analysis of Transmission Over Temp Issue in Jeep Grand Cherokee:

Some of the major attributes that are the source of producing an issue of transmission over the temperature in Jeep Grand Cherokee are as follows:

1. Transmission Fluid of Vehicle:

The bad or lower fluid levels in the vehicle can cause a delay in the vehicle’s operation. In addition, it can cause transmission over temperature issues in vehicles.

Transmission fluids help to reduce friction with the help of lubrication. Friction increases when the fluid level is less in the car than the normal level. The lack of fluid increases the friction. The high friction increases the temperature evetually losing the ability to cool the transmission quickly.

2. Defect in Solenoid:

The solenoid is a part that helps in regulating the transmission pressure to control the shifts in the vehicle. It also helps the fluid for transmission.

The defective solenoid or issue with this part can prevent fluid flow in the car. When there is a lack of fluid in the transmission system, it will consequently increase the overall temperature.

3. The Issue with Radiator:

The radiator, responsible for cooling the anti-freeze in a vehicle, can also cool the automatic transmission fluid.

If there is some issue with the radiator, the ability to cool the fluid reduces, leading to the problem of overheating.

4. Climate Issues:

The high-temperature region can also create issues of transmission over temperature. Fluid in the vehicle heats up more than usual in this area.

It can cause the fluid to break down at a high rate. It is recommended to use the vehicle's instructed fluid level in order to handle this issue. 

5. Over temperature Indicators:

The message sometimes shows the issue of transmission over temperature. For example, the pop-up message indicates the issue with the transmission temperature sensor circuit.

When the transmission temperature measurement and neutral safety switch function are on the same wire, it can give false warning. The false message can also be due to a faulty radiator. 

6. Heavy Use:

The towing and hauling capacity associated with the Jeep Grand Cherokee makes the transmission work harder. In addition, it leads to the production of more stress that generates extra heat.

7. Clogged Radiator:

A clogged radiator in a vehicle is also a major cause of transmission over-temperature problems in the Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicle.

The radiator in the vehicle cools the transmission fluid. If the radiator is not working properly, it can cause the fluid to overheat, causing problems of transmission slipping or attaining the neutral or reverse phase.

8. A Fault in the Thermostat:

A faulty thermostat is responsible for creating the transmission over-temperature problem. The thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature of the transmission fluid.

If the thermostat does not work properly, it can cause the same issue of fluid overheating, leading to the problems of slipping of transmission to the reverse or neutral.

Transmission Temperature Vs. Mileage:

How to Fix the Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Over Temp Problems:

There are various ways of keeping the transmission cool. Unfortunately, the Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission sometimes overheats due to bad fuel. You can prevent this issue by changing the fuel. Some of the other fixes are as follows:

1. Regularly Changing the Transmission Fluid:

You can prevent the issue of transmission over temp by changing the fluid after every 30000-60000 miles. You can calculate their usage and pace of changing fluids within the 12-18 months time span. 

In summers and during days of hauling heavy loads, a rider can also reduce the timespan for changing the fluids.

It can cost around 300 bucks to change the fluid. An additional 250 dollars are also charged for exchanging the parts and expenses of labor. Still, this price for changing varies according to the vehicle’s model.

2. Maintaining the Cooling System of the Jeep:

Jeep transmission is one of the most crucial part of vehicle that requires maintenance on regular basis. It is better to keep an eye on its maintenance by seeking help from a professional.

To maintain it properly, it is recommended to change the fluid after every two years which can lower the temperature of transmission system in an effective way.

3. Installing the External Cooling System in Jeep:

Many prefer to add an extra transmission cooler tool in their vehicle. One can install an external cooler in their jeep to clear the hilly roads and big pathways conveniently.

You can drive on the rough surfaces having extra loads and still the radiators will remain cool. You can take help for the additional coolant provider for the jeep transmission.

4. Shifting the Transmission to Neutral Phase:

If you find it difficult to park the vehicle, you can utilize this time by shifting the transmission to neutral phase.

If you are stuck in traffic and have to stop for more than ten minutes, in this time duration you can cool down the transmission for easing the strain.

Transmission Light and Problems:

The transmission light in the Jeep Grand Cherokee acts like a thermometer. While the transmission works at a high temperature, the indicator is turned on. This moment indicates that the transmission fluid is running low.

The turning on of the light in vehicle indicates an associated problem with a vehicle that needs further diagnosis. A person should pay particular attention to changing the fluid in such a condition.

Can I Drive with the Transmission Over Temp Light On?

The “transmission over temp” light on your Jeep Grand Cherokee’s dash needs professional attention as soon as possible.

Driving with the indicator on can cause more damage to your transmission and may result in engine failure.

Cost of Changing the Transmission Fluid:

The cost of changing transmission fluid depends on the type of vehicle and how it is changed. The fluid can be changed at a price of $300-$400. The parts can cost around $120.

Changing the transmission fluids after covering a distance of 30,000 miles – 60,000 miles is recommended. You can also take help from a mechanic if there is an issue of slipping or shifting with the vehicle.

How Can You Cool Down the Transmission?

There are various ways in which a person can try to cool down the transmission.

• One methods is to park the vehicle in the shade.
  
• Another method is to turn the heater and fan inside the car. It will help to circulate the air in the vehicle and will keep the transmission cool.

After all these steps, if there is still an issue of overheating in the car, you can seek help from a mechanic and replace the transmission fluid, filter, or transmission, if required. It is better to fix such problems soon to avoid damage.

Detecting the Problem of Overeating of Jeep Transmission:

Different signs indicate the issue of overheating in the Jeep transmission. One of the problems is of light that is fixed on the dashboard.

The problem with light can cause slipping or shifting in the transmission. The sign of overheating transmission is also detected when the Jeep smells like burning oil.

Final Thought:

The overheating transmission problem can happen in any Jeep Grand Cherokee. To avoid the issue, you should take proper care of your car and know why it occurs and what to do when it does.

If your car’s transmission fluid gets too hot, it won’t be cooling the engine effectively or lubricating the gears. This can result in expensive damage to multiple parts. So don’t drive your car like this.

Ensure you use the proper care and maintenance to avoid transmission heating issues.

Also Read:

What Wheels Interchange with Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Jeep Grand Cherokee Power Liftgate Problems And Fix
How to Reset Jeep Grand Cherokee Warning Service?
8 Reasons Why Jeep Key Fob is Not Detected- 6 Tips to Fix
GPS Not Working on Jeep Grand Cherokee: How to Fix?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How can a person fix the temperature for a high transmission?

The high transmission temperature can be regularly fixed by using a transmission fluid additive. These additives have coolants that are designed in a way to reduce the temperature of the transmission. The reduction can be made when the vehicle is under pressure from stop-and-go traffic or is driven on steep roads.

What is the meaning when the Jeep says that the transmission is over temperature?

Overheated transmission means some internal damage or an issue with the transmission. The problems can be leaks, low fluid levels, or dirty fluid running throughout the system.

How can someone reduce the transmission temperature?

There are several ways of reducing the transmission temperature. Some of them are:

• Installing the external transmission coolers
  
•  Adopting the strategy of going neutral from time to time
  
•  Checking the transmission fluid

What are the reasons behind the transmission over temperature?

Several reasons cause the transmission over temperature. Some of them are the lower fluid levels that cause friction between the parts and cause the vehicle to overheat. The problem of fluid is one of the main reasons behind the overheating of transmission.

What can a person do when the transmission becomes hot?

The optimal temperature range for the transmission fluid is between 175 to 220 degrees.

Varnish starts to form at 240 degrees temperature, followed by the hardening of seals and slipping of plates. Finally, seals and clutches are burned out, followed by the formation of carbon, and transmission fails.

Is the clogged transmission filter a significant cause of overheating?

The clogged transmission filter means that the fluid responsible for lubricating and cooling the transmission is not working correctly. As a result, it causes the transmission to overhear and can damage its moving parts. This can lead to expensive repairs.