Well, my girlfriend drives a 88 Jeep Cherokee and is having problems with her automatic transmission. I jokingly told her she should get a toyota because they "last forever." Well she came back later and said that her jeep has a toyota tranny. I guess her mechanic told her that jeep used both chrysler and toyota trannies in the jeeps.

So if this is true, what could be the culprit for the transmission not shifting into higher gears until it has really warmed up? It likes to stay in first gear and will only shift up if she romps on it for a while. Also, on down shifting it is very jerky. The mechanic quoted her at $2000 for a rebuild but ended up charging her something like $300 to change out some seals, and valves within the tranny. Its topped off with enough fluid, so otherwise I don't know what could be the problem. Any of you guys know? Thanks!

 

Toyota parts in a jeep? sounds like bullhonkey (man i havent heard that one in a while )

 

That's what I thought too. But she swears it. I haven't had the oppurtunity to crawl under it and look for a stamping though.

 

I remember something along the lines of Jeep using mazda or mitzubishi trannies - I don't think it was toyota though.

 

Chrysler used Mitsubishi engines and trannys in there Mini Vans.

 

If it has a Japaneese tranny it would be an Aisin one not a Toyota one. They make the auto for Toyota.

 

Ok cool. I felt awkward posting the question cuz I really didn't believe her either. I will look into it more when I see her tomorrow. Maybe it was a mitsu tranny, or maybe she wanted to hear toyota transmission I would if I owned a heep

 

The tranny is probably the AX5 which is an aisin made trans. Essenstially the same as the A340 series but for the bellhousing and final ratio i think. Which means it won't shift untill proper temp has been reached. The #1 shift solenoids also tend to hang it up around 200,000km's or 130,000 miles. They do last forever or something close to it. I would look the rest of the solenoids before rebuilding it. There are four, 1,2,3 and lock up solenoid. Sometimes the cooling system is the culprit rather than the trans. It could also be a TPS problem as that controls most of what happens with the engine. Try pulling a code at Pep boys or one of those type of places as the trans does have it's own diagnostics.

 

The auto tranny is the venerable AW4. Made by Aisin.


For more help in diagnosing your gf's Cherokee tranny problems,
try posting at http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums

Mr. T

 

Thanks guys, I will go ahead and pass that on!

 

ANYTHING attached to a Jeep is likely to fail due to the close association...

 

Just Empty Every Pocket
or
JEEP

 

Gadget says the 4runner/tacoma trannies are the same as the Jeeps: http://www.gadgetonline.com/TransFlush.htm