Awful noise from 42RLE on really cold start

[Buckz6319]

I would like to know..what part of the transmission is this noise coming from and what is the cause of this noise.
Went to start up the 2004- TJ- 4.0- Automatic- 152k- early this morning- temps in the very low teens here in GA. This noise I recorded this early morning appears to be coming from my transmission with a vibration…seems to lessen as the engine starts to come up to normal operating temps. There are no codes of FF codes triggered while making this noise. I can drive the jeep and it shifts through all gears..but not sounding perfect to my ears..but no slipping.
I do a have been having a grinding feeling and slight vibration when slowly moving forward or in reverse..feels like I’m driving over marbles with some that have imperfections….im wondering if this could also be transmission or T-Case issue. When I put in 4H I do hear a noise either in the transmission or T-case..



My video from earlier this morning

 

[Chris]

I would like to know..what part of the transmission is this noise coming from and what is the cause of this noise.
Went to start up the 2004- TJ- 4.0- Automatic- 152k- early this morning- temps in the very low teens here in GA. This noise I recorded this early morning appears to be coming from my transmission with a vibration…seems to lessen as the engine starts to come up to normal operating temps. There are no codes of FF codes triggered while making this noise. I can drive the jeep and it shifts through all gears..but not sounding perfect to my ears..but no slipping.
I do a have been having a grinding feeling and slight vibration when slowly moving forward or in reverse..feels like I’m driving over marbles with some that have imperfections….im wondering if this could also be transmission or T-Case issue. When I put in 4H I do hear a noise either in the transmission or T-case..



My video from earlier this morning

In colder temperatures, transmission fluid can thicken, leading to delayed lubrication. This can cause noises during cold starts that may go away as the fluid warms up and flows more freely.

If the noise seems to be coming from the front of the transmission, it could be related to the torque converter, especially if you’re noticing vibrations during initial movement. If the converter isn't engaging properly at low temperatures, it might cause that grinding sensation and noise.

Since you mentioned hearing noise when in 4H, the transfer case could be part of the issue. It might be worth checking the fluid level and condition, as low or old fluid could lead to noise and vibration.

The grinding feeling you describe could be linked to other drivetrain components, such as the U-joints in the driveshafts or the differentials. You should inspect those for wear or damage, as they can also transmit vibrations that feel like they're coming from the transmission.

Since you have no codes showing, it likely isn't a serious internal transmission failure, but it’s important to stay on top of it. Keep an eye (and ear) on it as it warms up. If the problem persists or worsens, it may be worth having a professional take a look.

 

[Buckz6319]

In colder temperatures, transmission fluid can thicken, leading to delayed lubrication. This can cause noises during cold starts that may go away as the fluid warms up and flows more freely.

If the noise seems to be coming from the front of the transmission, it could be related to the torque converter, especially if you’re noticing vibrations during initial movement. If the converter isn't engaging properly at low temperatures, it might cause that grinding sensation and noise.

Since you mentioned hearing noise when in 4H, the transfer case could be part of the issue. It might be worth checking the fluid level and condition, as low or old fluid could lead to noise and vibration.

The grinding feeling you describe could be linked to other drivetrain components, such as the U-joints in the driveshafts or the differentials. You should inspect those for wear or damage, as they can also transmit vibrations that feel like they're coming from the transmission.

Since you have no codes showing, it likely isn't a serious internal transmission failure, but it’s important to stay on top of it. Keep an eye (and ear) on it as it warms up. If the problem persists or worsens, it may be worth having a professional take a look.

Thank you for taking your time to read my post and add comments. I appreciate it.
My mechanic did check the T-Case fluid when he did a 100% internal rear differential rebuild ( he’s 74 and been in the Jeep and 4 wheel drive repair shop for more than 50 years..what a wealth of knowledge he has and a kind and generous heart ).

I may need to take the jeep back to his shop to put t on his drive on lift that will use another lift to put the jeep all 4 wheels in the air to allow the driveline and wheels to operate..and hear and see what is possibly going on.

 

[Chris]

I may need to take the jeep back to his shop to put t on his drive on lift that will use another lift to put the jeep all 4 wheels in the air to allow the driveline and wheels to operate..and hear and see what is possibly going on.

Sounds like a good idea.

The cold weather can muck up a lot of things, that's for sure. I went out to start my F150 today in the -29 degree cold and it probably took a good 40 minutes of idling before my transmission was up to temperature. I never take it out when it's cold until the transmission is fully warmed up.

 

[Gilaguy23]

Flex plate coming loose or cracked maybe? had that happen to on of my dodge trucks. I dont recall a bunch of noise but you could really feel it in the floor board. Still drove fine till it was R&R'ed.