This is our First winter with our 2000 Sahara. It's the 4.0 with a 3 speed Automatic. I've Noticed that when it's cold and I start the jeep and let it idle for a minute or so it's extremely sluggish to get it to move. I hit the gas, and it just crawls forward for 20-50 feet or so and then it seems to get better. After about 100 yards it then feels like its runs fine. When we bought the rig, we had the frame repaired, Suspension replaced, the rear Diff was serviced, a full tune up with 10W40 oil. The only thing that wasn't touched was the transmission fluid. I'm just Curious if anyone else in here that live in the cold area of the States (Pennsylvania here) who have a Wrangler with an Automatic ever dealt with this and if so, what was the cause. My fear in flushing the transmission fluid is that I don't know if it was ever done, and I have always read that if the fluid wasn't changed at the vehicle is older that its best to just let it be. Our Jeep has 170K on it.
Automatic is very sluggish when cold
- Thread starter diesel266
- Start date
Welcome!
It's normal in extremely cold temps for the trans to be sluggish to engage at first, but it should begin functioning normally within a couple of minutes.
First, check the color and level of the ATF. Follow the manual to determine the actual level. If it's really low, that could be causing the issue. Add fluid and see if that changes things.
If the fluid is very dark, I would drop the pan. Inspect the intake screen and pan, paying special attention to the amount and type of particles (rubber vs metal). If you like, share some snaps of what you see so we can weigh in on the next steps.
It's normal in extremely cold temps for the trans to be sluggish to engage at first, but it should begin functioning normally within a couple of minutes.
First, check the color and level of the ATF. Follow the manual to determine the actual level. If it's really low, that could be causing the issue. Add fluid and see if that changes things.
If the fluid is very dark, I would drop the pan. Inspect the intake screen and pan, paying special attention to the amount and type of particles (rubber vs metal). If you like, share some snaps of what you see so we can weigh in on the next steps.
Hey Man, Thanks. I'll check that out. Am i correct that I need to check the fluid level while it's in Neutral and not park?
Here's a how-to guide for that. I would also grab your year's FSM at the second link and keep it on your phone/tablet so you always have it with you.
I usually find that's an indication you're low on fluid and/or the vehicle has been sitting for a while.
I also have the 32rh and live in cold climate. I find it helpful to have my trans in neutral while letting my Jeep warm up.
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