Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ. Manual - part 457
pressure. As the air pressure is released, the clutch
should also release.
CONVERTER HOUSING FLUID LEAK
DIAGNOSIS
When diagnosing converter housing fluid leaks,
two items must be established before repair.
(1) Verify that a leak condition actually exists.
(2) Determined the true source of the leak.
Some suspected converter housing fluid leaks may
not be leaks at all. They may only be the result of
residual fluid in the converter housing, or excess
fluid spilled during factory fill or fill after repair.
Converter
housing
leaks
have
several
potential
sources. Through careful observation, a leak source
can be identified before removing the transmission
for repair. Pump seal leaks tend to move along the
drive hub and onto the rear of the converter. Pump
cover O-ring leaks follow the same path as a seal
leak.
TORQUE CONVERTER LEAK POINTS
Possible sources of converter leaks are:
(1) Leaks at the weld joint around the outside
diameter weld (Fig. 36).
(2) Leaks at the converter hub weld (Fig. 36).
SERVICE PROCEDURES
FLUID LEVEL CHECK
Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions
because it allows the pump to take in air along with
the fluid. As in any hydraulic system, air bubbles
make the fluid spongy, therefore, pressures will be
low and build up slowly.
Improper filling can also raise the fluid level too
high. When the transmssion has too much fluid, the
geartrain churns up foam and cause the same condi-
tions which occur with a low fluid level.
In either case, air bubbles can cause overheating
and/or fluid oxidation, and varnishing. This can
interfere with normal valve, clutch, and accumulator
operation. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping
from the transmission vent where it may be mis-
taken for a leak.
Along with fluid level, it is important to check the
condition of the fluid. When the fluid smells burned,
and is contaminated with metal or friction material
particles, a complete transmission recondition is
needed. Be sure to examine the fluid on the dipstick
closely. If there is any doubt about its condition,
drain out a sample for a double check.
After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick
fully to seal out water and dirt.
The transmission fluid level should be inspected at
least every six months.
FLUID LEVEL CHECK PROCEDURE
The transmission has a dipstick to check oil level.
It is located on the right side of the engine. Be sure
to wipe all dirt from dipstick handle before removing.
The torque converter fills in both the P Park and N
Neutral positions. Place the selector lever in P Park
to be sure that the fluid level check is accurate. The
engine should be running at idle speed for at
least one minute, with the vehicle on level
ground. At normal operating temperature (approxi-
mately 82° C or 180° F), the fluid level is correct if it
is in the HOT region (cross-hatched area) on the oil
level indicator. The fluid level will be approximately
at the upper COLD hole of the dipstick at 70° F fluid
temperature.
NOTE: Engine and Transmission should be at nor-
mal operating temperature before performing this
procedure.
(1) Start engine and apply parking brake.
(2) Shift the transmission into Drive for approxi-
mately 2 seconds.
(3) Shift the transmission into Reverse for approx-
imately 2 seconds.
(4) Shift the transmission into Park.
(5) Hook up DRB III scan tool and select transmis-
sion.
(6) Select sensors.
(7) Read the transmission temperature value.
(8) Compare the fluid temperature value with the
chart.
(9) Adjust transmission fluid level shown on the
dipstick according to the chart.
Fig. 36 Converter Leak Points—Typical
1 – OUTSIDE DIAMETER WELD
2 – TORQUE CONVERTER HUB WELD
3 – STARTER RING GEAR
4 – LUG
21 - 210
45RFE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WJ
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)