2006 42RLE Transmission Exposed?

[rymiller]

Hello TJ Experts (and Tranny experts):
I hope this isn't a doozy.... In the picture I'm showing my 42RLE on my 2006 LJ. To get your bearings, you can see the Oil Pan and the Trans Oil Pan. The part I'm concerned about is what looks like the gears of the transmission completely exposed. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this so that's why I'm verifying with the experts in the forum.

If I'm missing a cover or something I'm totally amazed. 3 weeks ago I had my transmission fluid changed by a Valvoline shop. They showed me my dipstick level before leaving. What I can't believe is how the shop didn't have fluid running right through when they filled it up. Is this something the shop could've done?

Please chime in and if you have a picture of what your trans looks like between the pans I would appreciate it!

THanks!

 

[JKP]

That's the flex plate and the starter ring gear. So, no, not the inside of the trans.

You are missing a dust cover.

 

[rymiller]

That's the flex plate and the starter ring gear. So, no, not the inside of the trans.

You are missing a dust cover.

I'm taking your answer as this is not a worst-case scenario.... am i correct? Do I just need to get a new dust cover? And, do you think that is simple?

There is evidence of a leak and I'm assuming it tranny fluid since it's low and my oil is not low. There's grime on my skids too. I noticed this when I went down to look in prepping for replacing the pan and gasket and then noticed this was exposed.

 

[JKP]

Mine's a MT, but it appears the starter would have had to have been out to remove the dust cover. Hopefully the upper piece is in there.

Won't hurt anything, but I wouldn't go mudding with it missing.

Some AT folks should be able to help you out.

 

[rymiller]

Mine's a MT, but it appears the starter would have had to have been out to remove the dust cover. Hopefully the upper piece is in there.

Won't hurt anything, but I wouldn't go mudding with it missing.

Some AT folks should be able to help you out.

View attachment 606311

Thanks JKP. You made my day. Feeling much better!

 

[LONGJP2]

Thanks JKP. You made my day. Feeling much better!

Also called an inspection cover.

 

[OldBuzzard]

Apparently, $42 - $46 is the going rate: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1356705684...pid=5337789113&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

The one for the '05-'06 manual tranny looks like this:

And the one for the '03-'06 auto tranny looks like this:

 

[rymiller]

Thanks for all the quick replies. Parts are ordered. I'm feeling better. Looking forward to enjoying my LJ all summer.

 

[KennethS]

Looking forward to enjoying my LJ all summer.

Isn’t it summer year round there?

 

[hear]

Where is the leak? If its a drip on the bottom of the bellhousing, it's most likely the pump seal. The seal is very easy to replace. Everything you have to do to get to that point is a real pain.

 

[macleanflood]

Many many years ago I had a 78 280 Z. Paid Jiffy Lube to flush the transmission fluid. Three weeks later I was buying a transmission. Fill plug was seized. Most likely the shop drained the fluid and couldn't put any back in.

Never trusted anyone with fluids in my vehicles since.

-Mac

 

[KennethS]

Never trusted anyone with my vehicles since.

I learned I am as good of or a better mechanic than the people I was paying, and I am more invested in ensuring the job is done properly since it’s my vehicle. So I learned to do everything myself.

 

[rymiller]

Isn’t it summer year round there?

Good point..... it's a question of taking the full top off and the doors off, too.

 

[rymiller]

Where is the leak? If its a drip on the bottom of the bellhousing, it's most likely the pump seal. The seal is very easy to replace. Everything you have to do to get to that point is a real pain.

Trying to narrow down the leak. There was a bead of fluid on the lowest part shown in the picture i posted earlier (it's not there now because I wiped everything down). I think that's what I'll do is wipe it all down, get rid of all the gunk everywhere and see if I can find the source. It's almost as if the fluid comes out while driving and the wind blows it everywhere therefore making it hard to find the source.