Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

05 LJ 42RLE issues (squeal / hard shifts)

LJcooljay

New Member
Original poster
Joined
Sep 17, 2022
Messages
7
Location
Tampa
Hello

Over the past 6 months, I've been dealing with some off & on issues with my LJ. Seems to be all centered around the transmission or the PCM.
What all started this was some weird automatic shifting & a squeal when I would come to a stop—seemed to be a relatively "common" issue(from what I read) having the squeal coming to a stop with the 42rle...but it bugs me.
I dropped the pan, changed the filter & flushed the transmission. The squeal went away for a few months but was soon followed by an 02 sensor code P0153 & hard shifting from 2 into 3rd until the engine warmed up.
The hard shifting would fix itself if I unplugged the battery and "restarted" the Jeep for a day or two.

I was about to order a new PCM from WranglerFix but figured I would change the 02 sensors out first. Crazy how the new downstream 02 sensors resolved the hard shifting (for a few weeks now) but honestly It doesn't feel 100% like it was...maybe I'm imagining it not sure.
Regardless with 4 new 02 sensors I still have the P0153 and recently the squeal has come back.

It does seem like I need a new PCM regardless, some type of electrical issue is going on with the trans but also wondering if anyone has any pointers for the squeal.
(Its not the brakes I promise)

ALSO If anyone has any pointers on any electrical connections outside the trans that may be damaged or shorted that would also be greatly appreciated!
 
Yes to getting a @Wranglerfix PCM stat.

How full is your transmission? I believe current forum advice is a quart over full.

How did the fluid look when you flushed the transmission?

Are you running a second transmission cooler and do you have a temperature gauge?

-Mac
 
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@Wranglerfix The man,
Thank you!
Yes to getting a @Wranglerfix PCM stat.

How full is your transmission? I believe current forum advice is a quart over full.

How did the fluid look when you flushed the transmission?

Are you running a second transmission cooler and do you have a temperature gauge?

-Mac

Thank you,

I'll contact him!

-In Neutral & hot I'm getting slightly above the mark. I'll pour a quarter quart in & go up from there.

-The fluid was honestly better than I expected when I changed it though I noticed there was no O ring on the filter( I hope its not somewhere in the trans haha)
I had the dealership change it last time...

-To be honest after checking the trasn & shifting through all the gears 4 or 5 times things honestly seem to be working better. I wonder if shifting through everything broke some gunk loose? Maybe I should do a proper flush not just drop the pan soon.

Also no I am not running a second transmission cooler, Ive generally kept everything stock. Is a trans cooler really recommended for the LJ?
Curious your thoughts or a thread.

I live in FL & its been my daily driver for 10 years.
 
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Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts