Yes you heard right. Leaving class today I get in the Jeep (which I got yesterday), let it warm up, and start cruising. I drive for about a mile or two and as I'm approaching a 3-way stop I notice some fluid in the air behind me. My first thought is that it's another car doing this. Wrong. Before I know it, the Jeep starts feeling like I'm putting it in neutral (I have the auto). It's not going into gear, and I'm lucky enough just to pull over on to the shoulder of the road. No error lights on the dash are lit, the Jeep seems to be running fine engine wise. I try messing with the gears a little bit to no avail. It will "grip" and move a little at very low RPMs, but after that it just revs up like I'm in neutral again. Finally the malfunction light comes on and I shut it off.

Long story short, a tube that runs from the tranny to the radiator was loose and just popped right off. This evidently wasn't connected right at the factory and just released all the fluid. Jeep called the tow truck, and luckily he was really close so I didn't have to wait too long. I got to steer the Jeep as he wenched it up onto the truck - I didn't think my first offroad hill climb adventure in my JK would be like that.

They fixed the problem when it got to the dealership, and I got them to clean up the Jeep too where the fluid had hit the back of the Jeep (from air suction). Anyway, it wasn't too great of a day, but the good thing is that it wasn't too serious and I have it back in my possession. I absolutely love this Jeep.

Anyone know if any damage to the tranny could have occurred from what happened? I only attempted to drive it a minute or two after it happened, and it shifts like a champ now that they fixed it.

Thanks,

Tanner

 

You did the right thing by shutting it down. If there was any real damage to the trany, you wouldn't be driving it right now. But one thing I would do if I were you, is to recheck the fluid level in the trany just to make sure it got filled back up to the proper level, and to also make sure that they didn't overfill it either.

Check the trany fluid level after you have driven the vehicle and the engine is up to full operating temp.
While the engine is still running, check the fluid level on the trany dipstick. if it's too low or too high, you'll see it.
If you have a problem, refer to your owners manual.

Good luck.

 

Thanks a lot Chopper - I definitely will do that.

 

Anything ever goes wrong with that tranny , remind them of this episode.....

 

i would have asked for a new tranny. My dads old dodge ram was over filled by the dealer and blew a seal on the way home from the dealership. We insisted they replace the tranny. better safe than sorry.

 

I would agree definitely make sure you have signed paper documents stating the problem that happened.

 

Definately hold onto the paperwork. I'm sure if something ever does go wrong they will cover it under warranty without the paperwork, but you never know.

Sorry to hear about your escapade. At least it will make a good story for the grandkids someday.

 

Thanks guys for your input. I've been running it a good bit to make sure everything is up to par. I haven't noticed a single issue, but this didn't mean I'm going to forget about it. It's definitely well-documented so if anything arises because of this we'll be sure to have them deal with it!