Hello all,

I bought my 2013 Unlimited Sahara new in October of 12. Shortly there after I added a small 2.5 budget boost and 35 inch tires. I used a procal to adjust for the tire size and actually measured the tires with a tape measure. I only have 66k miles on it now and typically just drive it around town. It's never been off road. Everything has been great, but maybe a year to a year and a half ago, I took it on a road trip and got the "hot oil" light on the dash just as I pulled into a rest stop. The Jeep was driving fine and I was able to continue home after a small bathroom break. Around town the thing drives perfect, but if I have to jump on the highway, once I reach 55-65mph and need to accelerate I notice a huge lack of power, then it finally kicks in and accelerates. This usually trips a check engine light, which shows P0741. After about a day of in town driving the CEL turns off and everything seems fine.
I had the trans serviced at 62k miles (filter and fluid change) and they did not mention that the fluid looked or smelled bad. I know the code has to do with the torque converter, but am I better off looking for a new complete transmission or just repair the torque converter? I also bought a 10 year 100k extended warranty, but all the repair shops tell me once they see the lift and tires they will most likely not cover it, which is frustrating since more than half the Jeeps I see are lifted and running larger tires. I should note, I ordered the Jeep with the tow package and 3.73 gears and that's still what I am running. If I do need a new transmission or if I have mine rebuilt, is there anything I can do to make it stronger so this wont happen again within 50k miles.
I have searched the forums and noticed some others have had similar issues, but does anyone know if there are indeed Jeep Bulletins regarding known problems with 2013 auto transmissions that I can show the shop. Or if anyone knows of shops in the Chicagoland area (Northwest Suburbs) that are friendly to lifted and 35"s.

Thanks for any help.
Jason

 

I have a '13 auto and can't recall ever seeing anything about tranny problem outside of a recall for 1 transmission line leading to the cooler. I've never experienced any issues similar to yours. You are certain you have a proper level of tranny fluid in the pan? I know it should be correct due to recent service, but doesn't hurt to confirm. In regard to lifted vehicles and dealers, most dealers around my area are very friendly about being modified. They really should have to prove that your mods created the issue before denying a warranty. In this case the suspension has nothing to do with that, and although you have larger tires I wouldn't think they'd deny some torque converter repair. If they do you might try another dealer. I'd be fighting to get a warranty repair vs. any thought of replacing the whole transmission.