Torque converter replacement cost
 

So I bought a 2008 JK Sahara automatic 4 door last month with 42k miles on it. Less than 500 miles later, and I am getting the transmission "shudder" that has been discussed often on this forum. When going up hillsat low rpm's, it feels like the transmission wants to shift but just can't quite figure it out. It feels like I am driving over rumble strips.

My Jeep obviously doesn't have the lifetime warranty, so I was wondering - How much is this going to cost me to correct? Has anybody on here paid for this repair?

Thanks in advance.

Sometimes the torque converter shudder can be fixed with a software update. Have you looked into that?

The dealership told me that the software upgrade TSB only applies to 2007's. I see that you have an 08 auto as well - have you experienced otherwise?

I have not had torque converter shudder. I know the tsb covers '07, but that doesn't mean an '08 may not need an update.

Mine got an overall update in 2010 when I brought it in for the trans temp warning recall.
Do you know if yours has had that recall?

Unfortunately, they won't look to see if you need an update upon your request. It's usually done when it's brought in for a problem and they are in the computer anyway.

You may indeed have a bad torque converter. I'm just pointing out it may be a software issue.

Another thing to consider: What is the condition of the fluid and filter? Burned or contaminated fluid can cause similar problems.

I don't think mine was included in that recall.

I suggested the update to my dealer, and they said they would do it but could not guarantee any results. I guess it could be worth a shot?

My transmission fluid looks fine, but I have not checked the filter. I will add that to my list of things to do, hopefully it isn't too difficult!

Bump one last time to see if anybody knows the cost of this repair. :thumbsup:

If I wanted to know the cost of replacing my torque converter, I would call the dealer, and a local transmission shop, and ask what the parts and labor costs would be.

Without a warranty don't go to the dealer to replace the torque converter. The dealer will likely charge $500-$750 for the converter. Go to a local tranny shop and have them do the work. They can either get a rebuilt converter or have yours rebuilt. Every bit as good as new and possibly better if you opt for upgrades. The rebuilt converter should be $250ish. The big cost is in the labor. Transmission has to come out.

Thanks, Silver! This is exactly the type of info I was hoping to get.

Beware of just replacing the converter there could be under lying problems. A good trans shop can drive your jeep and see what the trans is doing. Seeing if the converter is actually shuddering or if there is a line pressure problem. Most shop will not just replace the converter and give any kind of warranty they'll want to rebuild the trans to.

Did you ever get this resolved? I'm having the same problem.

Thread revival, nice!

I had same issues with 08 after 101K miles so I got good use out of my tranny wheeling often and pretty hard. I had my transmission rebuilt with new torque converter and trans pump rebuild and it was $1500 and its running great at 110K. I tried the update and the filter and oil change and finally just bit the bullet. Its just one of those things that we need to deal with in the older model years if we don't have the lifetime warranty like first owner 2008's had. Sadly I was a second owner but hopefully I can report back at 200K to let you know how she is holding up. :thumbsup:

I would certainly hope that I wouldn't need anything other than the torque converter rebuilt. A full trans rebuild at 70,000 miles would really be frustrating, especially since early on I added the mopar auxiliary cooler and changed the fluid/filter around 40,000 miles. Other than the shudder it works totally fine

I started with just the torque converter replacement and ended up just rebuilding the trans once they tore it down. Start with the converter and hopefully that will do the trick.