42RLE transmission wont engage in reverse

[Newjeepmom]

I have 06 wrangler 4.0. A little while back i lost 3rd&4th gear and threw a code for the solenoid pack. At the time I didn't have the time to replace and I didn't technically need those gears because I didn't have to go higher speeds in the jeep. I continued to drive and the other day I completely lost reverse while driving. Then I was forced to at least address solenoid pack. Looked like a straight forward enough job, so I did it. Put it back together and still no reverse and solenoid code was gone, but p0841 circuit "a" appeared. Inspected accumulator pistons, springs, and bores. The low/reverse piston does have a decent amount of scratches, but I'm not sure what "too scratched" looks like. Thinking I may just need to buy the sonnax accumulator piston and sleeve repair kit. But was wondering if anybody had any insight? Also was wondering what the likelihood that I would need to also do the sonnax oversized low reverse switch checkball sleeve kit? That one is going to require more work and tools than I completely feel comfortable with doing. Thoughts? Do I need both or just try the piston & sleeve kit?

 

[Chris]

I have 06 wrangler 4.0. A little while back i lost 3rd&4th gear and threw a code for the solenoid pack. At the time I didn't have the time to replace and I didn't technically need those gears because I didn't have to go higher speeds in the jeep. I continued to drive and the other day I completely lost reverse while driving. Then I was forced to at least address solenoid pack. Looked like a straight forward enough job, so I did it. Put it back together and still no reverse and solenoid code was gone, but p0841 circuit "a" appeared. Inspected accumulator pistons, springs, and bores. The low/reverse piston does have a decent amount of scratches, but I'm not sure what "too scratched" looks like. Thinking I may just need to buy the sonnax accumulator piston and sleeve repair kit. But was wondering if anybody had any insight? Also was wondering what the likelihood that I would need to also do the sonnax oversized low reverse switch checkball sleeve kit? That one is going to require more work and tools than I completely feel comfortable with doing. Thoughts? Do I need both or just try the piston & sleeve kit?

Start with the accumulator piston and sleeve repair kit since you've already inspected the components and found scratches on the low / reverse piston. Those scratches can definitely affect the sealing and function.

The P0841 code is often related to fluid pressure issues, and since you've replaced the solenoid pack, it’s likely that the issue might now be exacerbated by the condition of the pistons and possibly worn bores. The possibility of needing the oversized low reverse switch checkball sleeve kit ultimately depends on the extent of the wear. If you're noticing significant wear in the areas where the check ball operates, it could be prudent to replace both kits at once to address any underlying issues thoroughly.

Starting with the piston and sleeve kit is perfectly reasonable. If you still have problems after that, then you might consider taking it to a professional for a more in-depth evaluation and repair, especially if the oversized checkball sleeve kit is needed. Also, not sure what the mileage is on your TJ but you may potentially be in need of a new transmission / rebuild.

 

[Newjeepmom]

Start with the accumulator piston and sleeve repair kit since you've already inspected the components and found scratches on the low / reverse piston. Those scratches can definitely affect the sealing and function.

The P0841 code is often related to fluid pressure issues, and since you've replaced the solenoid pack, it’s likely that the issue might now be exacerbated by the condition of the pistons and possibly worn bores. The possibility of needing the oversized low reverse switch checkball sleeve kit ultimately depends on the extent of the wear. If you're noticing significant wear in the areas where the check ball operates, it could be prudent to replace both kits at once to address any underlying issues thoroughly.

Starting with the piston and sleeve kit is perfectly reasonable. If you still have problems after that, then you might consider taking it to a professional for a more in-depth evaluation and repair, especially if the oversized checkball sleeve kit is needed. Also, not sure what the mileage is on your TJ but you may potentially be in need of a new transmission / rebuild.

Thanks for the reply, the Ole gal does have a decent amount miles on her, pushing 200, but I'm trying and praying to push off the rebuild as long as possible for multiple reasons, of course cost being one, but time is the other. I use her daily for work, and her being out of commission is a big pain in the butt. I have ordered the piston & sleeve kit, and I'm sending prayers up that that works! I've dropped the valve body twice in last few days and I really don't want to have to it again! But I am a little proud of myself, before this jeep my mechanical knowledge pretty much stopped at an oil change, but here I am now dropping valve bodies among many others problems that I've had to chase down on her! Thanks again! Also just out curiosity, is there any tell tale signs that you NEED a rebuild? That you would see/notice without ripping into the gears? Prior to this, I didn't have any shift issues, no hard or delayed shifts ever, except when I needed a new pcm a couple years ago, and then once when I realized I needed to over fill the fluid a little and added an additional transmission fluid cooler on there. But other than those two times and then the these two issues (the solenoid pack, and the sudden loss of reverse), no shifting issues.

 

[Chris]

Thanks for the reply, the Ole gal does have a decent amount miles on her, pushing 200, but I'm trying and praying to push off the rebuild as long as possible for multiple reasons, of course cost being one, but time is the other. I use her daily for work, and her being out of commission is a big pain in the butt. I have ordered the piston & sleeve kit, and I'm sending prayers up that that works! I've dropped the valve body twice in last few days and I really don't want to have to it again! But I am a little proud of myself, before this jeep my mechanical knowledge pretty much stopped at an oil change, but here I am now dropping valve bodies among many others problems that I've had to chase down on her! Thanks again! Also just out curiosity, is there any tell tale signs that you NEED a rebuild? That you would see/notice without ripping into the gears? Prior to this, I didn't have any shift issues, no hard or delayed shifts ever, except when I needed a new pcm a couple years ago, and then once when I realized I needed to over fill the fluid a little and added an additional transmission fluid cooler on there. But other than those two times and then the these two issues (the solenoid pack, and the sudden loss of reverse), no shifting issues.

With 200k on it your transmission is almost certainly to the point of needing a rebuilt. That's about the life for a 42RLE unless it's been babied and had a good transmission cooler on it it's entire life.

I think all your signs and symptoms are pointing towards a rebuild actually. There was a member on here with 600k miles on his original 4.0 engine. He mentioned never having to do anything other than routine maintenance, the only kicker was that he had to have the 42RLE transmission rebuild every 200k miles (so three times total).

I hope that it works out for you and that this solves your problem. Just be aware that a rebuild is most definitely in the near future.

 

[Newjeepmom]

With 200k on it your transmission is almost certainly to the point of needing a rebuilt. That's about the life for a 42RLE unless it's been babied and had a good transmission cooler on it it's entire life.

I think all your signs and symptoms are pointing towards a rebuild actually. There was a member on here with 600k miles on his original 4.0 engine. He mentioned never having to do anything other than routine maintenance, the only kicker was that he had to have the 42RLE transmission rebuild every 200k miles (so three times total).

I hope that it works out for you and that this solves your problem. Just be aware that a rebuild is most definitely in the near future.

Ok thanks so much!

 

[Chris]

Ok thanks so much!

You're welcome!

 

[Chopper289]

Thanks for the reply, the Ole gal does have a decent amount miles on her, pushing 200, but I'm trying and praying to push off the rebuild as long as possible for multiple reasons, of course cost being one, but time is the other. I use her daily for work, and her being out of commission is a big pain in the butt. I have ordered the piston & sleeve kit, and I'm sending prayers up that that works! I've dropped the valve body twice in last few days and I really don't want to have to it again! But I am a little proud of myself, before this jeep my mechanical knowledge pretty much stopped at an oil change, but here I am now dropping valve bodies among many others problems that I've had to chase down on her! Thanks again! Also just out curiosity, is there any tell tale signs that you NEED a rebuild? That you would see/notice without ripping into the gears? Prior to this, I didn't have any shift issues, no hard or delayed shifts ever, except when I needed a new pcm a couple years ago, and then once when I realized I needed to over fill the fluid a little and added an additional transmission fluid cooler on there. But other than those two times and then the these two issues (the solenoid pack, and the sudden loss of reverse), no shifting issues.

Just curious, did the rebuild kit fix the issue? Working on a 2003 Jeep with no reverse as well.