Jeep Transmission Issues 96 Grand Cherokee

I have a 96 Grand Cherokee 4.0L 6cyl. with an automatic transmission. The engine runs great but I believe that there are issues with the trans. When accelerating at higher RPM's doesn't seem to be as noticable, but when accelerating at a slow rate (i.e. between red lights) the transmission seems to have a problem shifting from 2nd into 3rd gear, and sometimes from 1st to 2nd. I have checked the transmission fluid and it seems to be ok but I was wandering if anyone can help me? What does the trans fluid look and smell like? Does it look and smell burnt or is it red? This is a common complaint in these transmissions. There was a defect in the front clutch drum. When the front (Direct) clutch drum was being machined, the groove in the drum which the inner lip seal sits was cut too deep. As your transmission gets some miles on it and the piston seals harden with age, the seal actually shrinks deeper into this groove. This lessens the pressure that the outer part or the "Lip" part of the seal places against the inside part of the clutch piston. The result is the direct clutch apply oil leaking past the seal. The symptoms: Delayed 2-3 shift and as it gets worse, a delayed reverse engagement. (The direct clutch is also engaged in reverse) The cure is opening the transmission and rebuilding both front and rear clutch assys. All the rebuild kits for this transmission have a new updated lip seal which is wider and will cure this problem. While this is a very common problem in these transmissions, you could still be having other issues which could be causing the delay. It could very well be an electronic problem. The first thing I would do if I were working on it is to put a scanner on it and monitor it. I would make sure that the computer is commanding the shifts at the proper time. This transmission is an RE model which means that the shifts are controlled electronically. I would take it to a trans shop or dealer for a diagnosis.
Another thing you can do, which I did myself on my transmission (I have a 95 Ram P/U with the same front drum defect) is to pour a can of Berrymans Chemtool in the trans. It will soften up those hard seals. Of course I ended up rebuilding my transmission, but the Berrymans made it work for several months until I had the time to rebuild it. Go to Wal-Mart, Pep Boys or Auto Zone. You are looking for a 16oz, red, white, and blue metal can with a white screw on cap. It says on it, Berrymans B-12 Chemtool, in the gas, in the oil. Pour 1 can of this in the trans with the engine running and the gear selector in "N" Run the gear selector through all ranges then drive it. See if it makes it any better.


Let us know what happens.


transman First of all the trans. fluid is red and does not seem too dark or burnt. And thank you transman. This gives me a starting point. I am new to trans problems and I have never had to work on them. I will take your advise and let you know. Thanks again.

I may have left something out that will help with determining if it is electrical or not. When I said that it would hesitate going from 2nd to 3rd. I should have been more specific. When it starts to shift into 3rd it will actually surge and hesitate and almost go back to 2nd gear a couple of times before it actually goes into 3rd gear. I appologize for not being as specific the first time. Let me know what you think and I will try that berrymans product. Thanks again. Well coincidentally my catalytic converter was rattling before my pseudo transmission problems. I took the jeep to get the catalytic converter replaced because it was still under warranty after only 30k miles. Well after talking with the mechanic at the muffler shop he said that the thought to be transmission problems are being caused by the catalytic converter because the fiberglass or whatever they use in the converter had broken apart and was actually plugging the exhaust and causing an interuption of air flow. So needless to say my original diagnosis was totally wrong but it did save me a bunch of money. Thanks again Transman for your advise... at least I will know how to repair the transmission if and when it does go. I've 96 with V8 haivng same issues as described by rrwalker. After test drive with dealership tech the verdict was faulty seals. This is the second time in 30K. The dealership rebuilt the trany to the tune of $1600. So, you can imagine my growing disdane for the OEM and replacement Chyrsler product.

So, I'm interested in a bomb proof solution, if there is one. I've no intention of funding the dealership holiday party. Any ideas?