Need some help gang... I will set the stage first...

Went wheeling two or three weeks about 10 to 12" of snow... I was breaking the trail most of the day... No problems. Then on about the 4th real hill climb I get an audible bing/bell, but nothing lights up in my instrument panel. The fan turns on.

Okay, then back home, it seems that i am getting really bad gas mileage, okay worse than normal. Seems the jeep is shifting funny (automatic transmission). Seems off, but I can not describe it much better.

Then we go wheeling yesterday. Same deal... On one of the hill climbs we hear the bing/bell, no warning lights, the fan comes on. In fact the fan stayed on for the rest of the time on the trail until we stopped to head home.

I remember reading somewhere here that said some have heard this when they felt their transmission was overheating? Do you think this is what I am experiencing?

I was going to take it in and have my fluid changed to see if there is any issue that can be identified from that (ie. burnt fluid)... Good plan?

Thoughts?

 

Check your codes. Turn the ignition all the way off and then to accessories on three times and a code might show on the dash. A list of codes is on the stock forum on the top. Your trans probably got hot.

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/stock-jk-tech-12/jk-computer-diagnostic-codes-21769/

 

Okay, so I tried this and it did nothing... Three time to acces. position and all it did was flash the gears three times. I have tried this before when I know I had codes and it did not work.

Any other thoughts?

 

The "ding" and the fan coming on could indicate your transmission went into overheat mode. Very easy to do wheeling in sand and snow.
Check your fluid on the dipstick for quantity, color, and smell.
Some codes will not appear on generic code readers, including the self read feature using the instrument cluster. Only the dealer StarScan can display all codes.

 

Use the search function and put in "mystery ding" there are several threads that come up look through them and you'll find some pretty useful info...

I've had it several times before, added a transmission cooler and never had the mystery ding again...

 

Great input... Thank you much.

 

Don't forget the option of adding a cooler for the tranny.

 

And don't forget that adding a cooler for the tranny can void your trans warranty.

 

Perhaps, but the factory service manual actually recommends it, if needed, as an improvement to transmission life.

 

That ding was almost definately your auto tranny overheating. Same thing happened to me driving on the beach, and resulted in needing a transmission rebuild. The fact it was shifting odd would be of concern. Check your tranny fluid, is if it at all dark or has any chunks in it, you will want to get it to a dealership as you will more then likely need some tranny work. Mine was covered 100% under warranty, but find yourself a mod/offroad friendly dealer!