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2017 Grand Cherokee Transmission Hesitation & Rough Shifts

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Mark S. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:28 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited

Hey everyone, I'm having some serious concerns about my 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with the 3.6L engine. Lately, the transmission has been acting really strange. It hesitates quite a bit when accelerating from a stop, and sometimes shifts very roughly, especially between 2nd and 3rd gear.

I've noticed it more when the engine is cold, but it's starting to happen even after driving for a while. It feels like the transmission is 'hunting' for the right gear. I'm worried this could be a major issue. Has anyone else experienced this with their Grand Cherokee of a similar year? What was the fix?

I'm trying to figure out if this is a known problem or if I should brace myself for an expensive repair. Any advice on what to check or if there are any TSBs related to this would be greatly appreciated before I take it to the dealer.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 3:28 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Transmission issues like hesitation and rough shifts in a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee are not uncommon and can stem from several causes. It's important to address this promptly to prevent further damage.

  1. Check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): A professional scan tool can often reveal specific transmission-related codes. Common codes might include P0730 (Incorrect Gear Ratio) or P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction). These codes point towards issues within the transmission or its control module.
  2. Software Updates: Many modern transmission issues are resolved with software updates to the Transmission Control Module (TCM). Jeep has released several TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) for transmission shifting concerns on various models, including the Grand Cherokee. A dealer can check if your vehicle's TCM has the latest calibration.
  3. Transmission Fluid Level and Condition: An incorrect fluid level (either too low or too high) or degraded transmission fluid can cause shifting problems. While many newer transmissions are 'sealed for life,' checking the fluid level and condition is still a critical diagnostic step. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, it indicates internal wear.
  4. Valve Body or Solenoid Issues: The valve body controls fluid flow to the various clutch packs, and solenoids regulate this flow. Malfunctioning solenoids or a faulty valve body can lead to erratic shifting. This often requires professional diagnosis and replacement.
  5. Mechanical Wear: In some cases, internal mechanical wear within the transmission (e.g., clutch packs, planetary gears) could be the culprit. This is typically a more severe and costly repair.

When to See a Shop:

YouGiven the symptoms, it is highly recommended to take your Grand Cherokee to a qualified Jeep dealership or an independent transmission specialist as soon as possible. They have the specialized diagnostic tools and knowledge to accurately pinpoint the cause. Driving with a malfunctioning transmission can exacerbate the problem and lead to more extensive and expensive repairs down the line. Mention any specific conditions under which the problem occurs (e.g., cold engine, specific gears) to help the technician.

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