While I was away for the week, my roommate went to move my 4door out of the driveway. He says that there was a grinding sound and that the engine just revved and revved and then lurched and then nothing (this is why I don't let friends borrow my car).

I got home, hoping that in all my JK glory I would be able to see an obvious problem, fix it, and get on with my life. Unfortunately, the car wouldn't even start because the battery terminals were so corroded you could have eaten the foam with a spoon. So, today, new battery, the car starts fine. Here's the problem though,

When I shift into any gear, nothing happens. The engine revs, belts spin, etc. but the car does not move. Interestingly, with the engine on, I cannot push the car when it's in Neutral. I have to kill the engine and then push it. Any and all suggestions that do not involve a hacksaw are welcome and will be tried.

Car info:
2008 4dr 4wd JK wrangler
45K miles
Only mods are a front light bar, aux lights, and a subwoofer (all installed and wired by me)
I run 34" tires on it. Never had any issues with them other than rubbing at full wheel lock.
It did get new 34" tires right before I left (Falkens) but it drove fine with them

I'm thinking of trying these solutions:

Resetting the ECU (pump the brake pedal 4 times with only electrics on yes?)
Turning off and on the ESP
Checking the fuses (never hurts)
Checking fluid levels
I already tried rolling it in N but that didn't help

Many thanks for your help

 

Your transmission is in neutral but what of the transfer case?

 

Clutch plates?

 

Sounds like your transfer case

 

This is probably not your problem with the newer transmission, but I had a parking pawl rod break inside an older Ford C4 automatic years ago and it acted the same way. it was just a simple broken rod that wouldn't let the transmission out of park no matter what I did with the shifter.

 

If it was the parking pawl, he would not be able to push it at all, even with the engine off.

 

Just thought I would let you all know:

The tech at the dealership said that with a stethoscope the inside of the transmission sounded like a bunch of marbles. After tearing the whole thing down, they ended up deciding to just replace the entire transmission (it turns out I had the lifetime powertrain warranty after all) .

When I asked what the initial problem was they told me that there was a "planetary failure" or that the "planetary" failed (can't remember exactly). I don't know too much about automatics, but they said that when it failed, it took out about half of the transmission with it.

I never abused this jeep, only took it to Moab once, and I don't know how this happened. I'm sure it's a fluke thing but at least this thread can serve someone looking for help with this in the future. Thanks for all your help.

 

Was wondering what happened. Glad it was covered.