DIAGNOSIS CHARTS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
HARSH
ENGAGEMENT
(FROM NEUTRAL TO
DRIVE OR REVERSE)1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add Fluid
2. Throttle Linkage Mis-adjusted. 2. Adjust linkage - setting may be too long.
3. Mount and Driveline Bolts
Loose.3. Check engine mount, transmission mount,
propeller shaft, rear spring to body bolts, rear
control arms, crossmember and axle bolt torque.
Tighten loose bolts and replace missing bolts.
4. U-Joint Worn/Broken. 4. Remove propeller shaft and replace U-Joint.
5. Axle Backlash Incorrect. 5. Check per Service Manual. Correct as needed.
6. Hydraulic Pressure Incorrect. 6. Check pressure. Remove, overhaul or adjust
valve body as needed.
7. Band Mis-adjusted. 7. Adjust rear band.
8. Valve Body Check Balls Missing. 8. Inspect valve body for proper check ball
installation.
9. Axle Pinion Flange Loose. 9. Replace nut and check pinion threads before
installing new nut. Replace pinion gear if threads
are damaged.
10. Clutch, band or planetary
component damaged.10. Remove, disassemble and repair transmission
as necessary.
11. Converter Clutch Faulty. 11. Replace converter and flush cooler and line
before installing new converter.
DELAYED
ENGAGEMENT
(FROM NEUTRAL TO
DRIVE OR REVERSE)1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Correct level and check for leaks.
2. Filter Clogged. 2. Change filter.
3. Gearshift Linkage Mis-adjusted. 3. Adjust linkage and repair linkage if worn or
damaged.
4. Torque Converter Drain Back
(Oil drains from torque converter
into transmission sump).4. If vehicle moves normally after 5 seconds after
shifting into gear, no repair is necessary. If longer,
inspect pump bushing for wear. Replace pump
house.
5. Rear Band Mis-adjusted. 5. Adjust band.
6. Valve Body Filter Plugged. 6. Replace fluid and filter. If oil pan and old fluid
were full of clutch disc material and/or metal
particles, overhaul will be necessary.
7. Oil Pump Gears Worn/Damaged. 7. Remove transmission and replace oil pump.
8. Governor Circuit and Solenoid
Valve Electrical Fault.8. Test with DRBTscan tool and repair as
required.
9. Hydraulic Pressure Incorrect. 9. Perform pressure test, remove transmission
and repair as needed.
10. Reaction Shaft Seal Rings
Worn/Broken.10. Remove transmission, remove oil pump and
replace seal rings.
11. Rear Clutch/Input Shaft, Rear
Clutch Seal Rings Damaged.11. Remove and disassemble transmission and
repair as necessary.
12. Regulator Valve Stuck. 12. Clean.
13. Cooler Plugged. 13. Transfer case failure can plug cooler.
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 17
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE (Continued)
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO DRIVE RANGE
(REVERSE OK)1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks if drive is
restored.
2. Gearshift Linkage/Cable
Loose/Misadjusted.2. Repair or replace linkage components.
3. Rear Clutch Burnt. 3. Remove and disassemble transmission and
rear clutch and seals. Repair/replace worn or
damaged parts as needed.
4. Valve Body Malfunction. 4. Remove and disassemble valve body. Replace
assembly if any valves or bores are damaged.
5. Transmission Overrunning
Clutch Broken.5. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Replace overrunning clutch.
6. Input Shaft Seal Rings
Worn/Damaged.6. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Replace seal rings and any other worn or
damaged parts.
7. Front Planetary Failed Broken. 7. Remove and repair.
NO DRIVE OR
REVERSE (VEHICLE
WILL NOT MOVE)1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks if drive is
restored.
2. Gearshift Linkage/Cable
Loose/Misadjusted.2. Inspect, adjust and reassemble linkage as
needed. Replace worn/damaged parts.
3. U-Joint/Axle/Transfer Case
Broken.3. Perform preliminary inspection procedure for
vehicle that will not move. Refer to procedure in
diagnosis section.
4. Filter Plugged. 4. Remove and disassemble transmission. Repair
or replace failed components as needed. Replace
filter. If filter and fluid contained clutch material or
metal particles, an overhaul may be necessary.
Perform lube flow test. Flush oil. Replace cooler
as necessary.
5. Oil Pump Damaged. 5. Perform pressure test to confirm low pressure.
Replace pump body assembly if necessary.
6. Valve Body Malfunctioned. 6. Check and inspect valve body. Replace valve
body (as assembly) if any valve or bore is
damaged. Clean and reassemble correctly if all
parts are in good condition.
7. Transmission Internal
Component Damaged.7. Remove and disassemble transmission. Repair
or replace failed components as needed.
8. Park Sprag not Releasing -
Check Stall Speed, Worn/
Damaged/Stuck.8. Remove, disassemble, repair.
9. Torque Converter Damage. 9. Inspect and replace as required.
21 - 18 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE (Continued)
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
SHIFTS DELAYED OR
ERRATIC (SHIFTS
ALSO HARSH AT
TIMES)1. Fluid Level Low/High. 1. Correct fluid level and check for leaks if low.
2. Fluid Filter Clogged. 2. Replace filter. If filter and fluid contained clutch
material or metal particles, an overhaul may be
necessary. Perform lube flow test.
3. Throttle Linkage Mis-adjusted. 3. Adjust linkage as described in service section.
4. Throttle Linkage Binding. 4. Check cable for binding. Check for return to
closed throttle at transmission.
5. Gearshift Linkage/Cable
Mis-adjusted.5. Adjust linkage/cable as described in service
section.
6. Clutch or Servo Failure. 6. Remove valve body and air test clutch, and
band servo operation. Disassemble and repair
transmission as needed.
7. Governor Circuit Electrical Fault. 7. Test using DRBTscan tool and repair as
required.
8. Front Band Mis-adjusted. 8. Adjust band.
9. Pump Suction Passage Leak. 9. Check for excessive foam on dipstick after
normal driving. Check for loose pump bolts,
defective gasket. Replace pump assembly if
needed.
NO REVERSE (D
RANGES OK)1. Gearshift Linkage/Cable
Mis-adjusted/Damaged.1. Repair or replace linkage parts as needed.
2. Park Sprag Sticking. 2. Replace overdrive annulus gear.
3. Rear Band Mis-adjusted/Worn. 3. Adjust band; replace.
4. Valve Body Malfunction. 4. Remove and service valve body. Replace valve
body if any valves or valve bores are worn or
damaged.
5. Rear Servo Malfunction. 5. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Replace worn/damaged servo parts as necessary.
6. Direct Clutch in Overdrive Worn. 6. Disassemble overdrive. Replace worn or
damaged parts.
7. Front Clutch Burnt. 7. Remove and disassemble transmission.
Replace worn, damaged clutch parts as required.
HAS FIRST/REVERSE
ONLY (NO 1-2 OR 2-3
UPSHIFT)1. Governor Circuit Electrical Fault. 1. Test using DRBTscan tool and repair as
required.
2. Valve Body Malfunction. 2. Repair stuck 1-2 shift valve or governor plug.
3. Front Servo/Kickdown Band
Damaged/Burned.3. Repair/replace.
MOVES IN 2ND OR
3RD GEAR,
ABRUPTLY
DOWNSHIFTS TO
LOW1. Valve Body Malfunction. 1. Remove, clean and inspect. Look for stuck 1-2
valve or governor plug.
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 19
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE (Continued)
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO LOW GEAR
(MOVES IN 2ND OR
3RD GEAR ONLY)1. Governor Circuit Electrical Fault. 1. Test with DRBTscan tool and repair as
required.
2. Valve Body Malfunction. 2. Remove, clean and inspect. Look for sticking
1-2 shift valve, 2-3 shift valve, governor plug or
broken springs.
3. Front Servo Piston Cocked in
Bore.3. Inspect servo and repair as required.
4. Front Band Linkage Malfunction 4. Inspect linkage and look for bind in linkage.
NO KICKDOWN OR
NORMAL
DOWNSHIFT1. Throttle Linkage Mis-adjusted. 1. Adjust linkage.
2. Accelerator Pedal Travel
Restricted.2. Verify floor mat is not under pedal, repair worn
accelerator cable or bent brackets.
3. Valve Body Hydraulic Pressures
Too High or Too Low Due to Valve
Body Malfunction or Incorrect
Hydraulic Control Pressure
Adjustments.3. Perform hydraulic pressure tests to determine
cause and repair as required. Correct valve body
pressure adjustments as required.
4. Governor Circuit Electrical Fault. 4. Test with DRBTscan tool and repair as
required.
5. Valve Body Malfunction. 5. Perform hydraulic pressure tests to determine
cause and repair as required. Correct valve body
pressure adjustments as required.
6. TPS Malfunction. 6. Replace sensor, check with DRBTscan tool.
7. PCM Malfunction. 7. Check with DRBTscan tool and replace if
required.
8. Valve Body Malfunction. 8. Repair sticking 1-2, 2-3 shift valves, governor
plugs, 3-4 solenoid, 3-4 shift valve, 3-4 timing
valve.
STUCK IN LOW
GEAR (WILL NOT
UPSHIFT)1. Throttle Linkage Mis-adjusted/
Stuck.1. Adjust linkage and repair linkage if worn or
damaged. Check for binding cable or missing
return spring.
2. Gearshift Linkage Mis-adjusted. 2. Adjust linkage and repair linkage if worn or
damaged.
3. Governor Component Electrical
Fault.3. Check operating pressures and test with DRBT
scan tool, repair faulty component.
4. Front Band Out of Adjustment. 4. Adjust Band.
5. Clutch or Servo Malfunction. 5. Air pressure check operation of clutches and
bands. Repair faulty component.
CREEPS IN
NEUTRAL1. Gearshift Linkage Mis-adjusted. 1. Adjust linkage.
2. Rear Clutch Dragging/Warped. 2. Disassemble and repair.
3. Valve Body Malfunction. 3. Perform hydraulic pressure test to determine
cause and repair as required.
21 - 20 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE (Continued)
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
BUZZING NOISE 1. Fluid Level Low 1. Add fluid and check for leaks.
2. Shift Cable Mis-assembled. 2. Route cable away from engine and bell
housing.
3. Valve Body Mis-assembled. 3. Remove, disassemble, inspect valve body.
Reassemble correctly if necessary. Replace
assembly if valves or springs are damaged.
Check for loose bolts or screws.
4. Pump Passages Leaking. 4. Check pump for porous casting, scores on
mating surfaces and excess rotor clearance.
Repair as required. Loose pump bolts.
5. Cooling System Cooler Plugged. 5. Flow check cooler circuit. Repair as needed.
6. Overrunning Clutch Damaged. 6. Replace clutch.
SLIPS IN REVERSE
ONLY1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks.
2. Gearshift Linkage Mis-adjusted. 2. Adjust linkage.
3. Rear Band Mis-adjusted. 3. Adjust band.
4. Rear Band Worn. 4. Replace as required.
5. Overdrive Direct Clutch Worn. 5. Disassemble overdrive. Repair as needed.
6. Hydraulic Pressure Too Low. 6. Perform hydraulic pressure tests to determine
cause.
7. Rear Servo Leaking. 7. Air pressure check clutch-servo operation and
repair as required.
8. Band Linkage Binding. 8. Inspect and repair as required.
SLIPS IN FORWARD
DRIVE RANGES1. Fluid Level Low. 1. Add fluid and check for leaks.
2. Fluid Foaming. 2. Check for high oil level, bad pump gasket or
seals, dirt between pump halves and loose pump
bolts. Replace pump if necessary.
3. Throttle Linkage Mis-adjusted. 3. Adjust linkage.
4. Gearshift Linkage Mis-adjusted. 4. Adjust linkage.
5. Rear Clutch Worn. 5. Inspect and replace as needed.
6. Low Hydraulic Pressure Due to
Worn Pump, Incorrect Control
Pressure Adjustments, Valve Body
Warpage or Malfunction, Sticking,
Leaking Seal Rings, Clutch Seals
Leaking, Servo Leaks, Clogged
Filter or Cooler Lines.6. Perform hydraulic and air pressure tests to
determine cause.
7. Rear Clutch Malfunction,
Leaking Seals or Worn Plates.7. Air pressure check clutch-servo operation and
repair as required.
8. Overrunning Clutch Worn, Not
Holding (Slips in 1 Only).8. Replace Clutch.
SLIPS IN LOW GEAR
9D9ONLY, BUT NOT
IN MANUAL 1
POSITIONOverrunning Clutch Faulty. Replace overrunning clutch.
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 21
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE (Continued)
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO START IN PARK
OR NEUTRAL1. Gearshift Linkage/Cable
Mis-adjusted.1. Adjust linkage/cable.
2. Neutral Sense Wire Open/Cut. 2. Check continuity with test lamp. Repair as
required.
3. Park/Neutral Switch, or
Transmission Range Sensor Faulty.3. Refer to service section for test and
replacement procedure.
4. Park/Neutral Switch, or
Transmission Range Sensor
Connection Faulty.4. Connectors spread open. Repair.
5. Valve Body Manual Lever
Assembly Bent/Worn/Broken.5. Inspect lever assembly and replace if damaged.
NO REVERSE (OR
SLIPS IN REVERSE)1. Direct Clutch Pack (front clutch)
Worn.1. Disassemble unit and rebuild clutch pack.
2. Rear Band Mis-adjusted. 2. Adjust band.
3. Front Clutch Malfunctioned/
Burned.3. Air-pressure test clutch operation. Remove and
rebuild if necessary.
4. Overdrive Thrust Bearing
Failure.4. Disassemble geartrain and replace bearings.
5. Direct Clutch Spring Collapsed/
Broken.5. Remove and disassemble unit. Check clutch
position and replace spring.
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 25
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE (Continued)
REMOVAL
The overdrive unit can be removed and serviced
separately. It is not necessary to remove the entire
transmission assembly to perform overdrive unit
repairs.
If only the overdrive unit requires service, refer to
Overdrive Removal for proper procedures.
CAUTION: The transmission and torque converter
must be removed as an assembly to avoid compo-
nent damage. The converter driveplate, pump bush-
ing, or oil seal can be damaged if the converter is
left attached to the driveplate during removal. Be
sure to remove the transmission and converter as
an assembly.
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) Disconnect and lower or remove necessary
exhaust components.
(3) Disconnect fluid cooler lines at transmission.
(4) Remove starter motor. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - REMOVAL)
(5) Disconnect and remove crankshaft position sen-
sor. (Refer to 14 - FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJEC-
TION/CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR -
REMOVAL) Retain sensor attaching bolts.
CAUTION: The crankshaft position sensor will be
damaged if the transmission is removed, or
installed, while the sensor is still bolted to the
engine block, or transmission (4.0L only). To avoid
damage, be sure to remove the sensor before
removing the transmission.
(6) Remove the bolts holding the bell housing
brace to the transmission.
(7) Remove nut holding the bell housing brace to
the engine to transmission bending brace.
(8) Remove the bell housing brace from the trans-
mission (Fig. 13).
(9) Remove the bolt holding the torque converter
cover to the transmission.
(10) Remove the torque converter cover from the
transmission.
(11) If transmission is being removed for overhaul,
remove transmission oil pan, drain fluid and reinstall
pan.
(12) Remove fill tube bracket bolts and pull tube
out of transmission. Retain fill tube seal. On4x4
models, it will also be necessary to remove bolt
attaching transfer case vent tube to converter hous-
ing.
(13) Rotate crankshaft in clockwise direction until
converter bolts are accessible. Then remove bolts one
at a time. Rotate crankshaft with socket wrench on
dampener bolt.(14) Mark propeller shaft and axle yokes for
assembly alignment. Then disconnect and remove
propeller shaft. On4x4models, remove both propel-
ler shafts.
(15) Disconnect wires from park/neutral position
switch and transmission solenoid.
(16) Disconnect gearshift cable from transmission
manual valve lever (Fig. 14).
Fig. 13 Bell Housing Brace and Converter Cover
1 - Transmission
2 - Torque Converter Cover
3 - Bellhousing Brace
Fig. 14 Transmission Shift Cable
1 - SHIFT CABLE
2 - MANUAL LEVER
3 - MANUAL LEVER
WJAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE 21 - 27
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE (Continued)
(11) Move transmission forward. Then raise, lower
or tilt transmission to align converter housing with
engine block dowels.
(12) Carefully work transmission forward and over
engine block dowels until converter hub is seated in
crankshaft.
(13) Install two bolts to attach converter housing
to engine.
(14) Install the upper transmission bending braces
to the torque converter housing and the overdrive
unit. Tighten the bolts to 41 N´m (30 ft.lbs.).
(15) Install remaining torque converter housing to
engine bolts. Tighten to 68 N´m (50 ft.lbs.).
(16) Install rear transmission crossmember.
Tighten crossmember to frame bolts to 68 N´m (50
ft.lbs.).
(17) Install rear support to transmission. Tighten
bolts to 47 N´m (35 ft.lbs.).
(18) Lower transmission onto crossmember and
install bolts attaching transmission mount to cross-
member. Tighten clevis bracket to crossmember bolts
to 47 N´m (35 ft.lbs.). Tighten the clevis bracket to
rear support bolt to 68 N´m (50 ft.lbs.).
(19) Remove engine support fixture.
(20) Install crankshaft position sensor. (Refer to 14
- FUEL SYSTEM/FUEL INJECTION/CRANKSHAFT
POSITION SENSOR - INSTALLATION)
(21) Install new plastic retainer grommet on any
shift cable that was disconnected. Grommets should
not be reused. Use pry tool to remove rod from grom-
met and cut away old grommet. Use pliers to snap
new grommet into cable and to snap grommet onto
lever.
(22) Connect gearshift and throttle valve cable to
transmission.
(23) Connect wires to park/neutral position switch
and transmission solenoid connector. Be sure trans-
mission harnesses are properly routed.CAUTION: It is essential that correct length bolts be
used to attach the converter to the driveplate. Bolts
that are too long will damage the clutch surface
inside the converter.
(24) Install all torque converter-to-driveplate bolts
by hand.
(25) Verify that the torque converter is pulled
flush to the driveplate. Tighten bolts to 31 N´m (270
in. lbs.).
(26) Install converter housing access cover. Tighten
bolt to 23 N´m (200 in.lbs.).
(27) Install the bell housing brace to the torque
converter cover and the engine to transmission bend-
ing brace. Tighten the bolts and nut to 41 N´m (30
ft.lbs.).
(28) Install starter motor (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - INSTALLA-
TION) and cooler line bracket.
(29) Connect cooler lines to transmission.
(30) Install transmission fill tube. Install new seal
on tube before installation.
(31) Install exhaust components.
(32) Install transfer case. Tighten transfer case
nuts to 35 N´m (26 ft.lbs.).
(33) Install the transfer case shift cable to the
cable support bracket and the transfer case shift
lever.
(34) Align and connect propeller shaft(s).
(35) Adjust gearshift linkage and throttle valve
cable if necessary.
(36) Lower vehicle.
(37) Fill transmission with MopartATF +4, type
9602, fluid.
21 - 42 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42REWJ
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - 42RE (Continued)