Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Hot Transmission?

Rustee

Member
Original poster
Joined
Nov 21, 2025
Messages
79
Location
Mauldin, SC
I have a 2000 TJ 4.0 that I've had for only a few weeks. It came from the mountains in NC. The PO just mentioned to me that it felt to him like the tranny would get hot when going up hills. He said he would just notice the heat on his knee area more than normal coming from that area. I'm about to swap the motor out and would like to address this at the same time if needed. Has anyone else experienced this or know what might be going on? Is there a way to check this out? It's a manual
 
Last edited:
Not only is heat common, it’s the number one destroyer of automatic transmissions. That’s why it’s highly recommended to run an aftermarket transmission cooler.

Mine is a manual. Does that make a difference as far as heating up and getting destroyed? The jeep isn't in the mountains anymore although there are some "hills". I'm about to swap the motor and don't want to have to go through the process again so I'm hoping to get some insight on this trannmission before the swap in case I need to replace it as well.
 
He said he would just notice the heat on his knee so it must have been coming from that area.
sometimes a torn/ disintegrated inner boot can let heat in

1000025636.jpg


Having said that the transmission tunnel gets hot to the touch even when everything is up to par. Additionally you can check/change the fluid.
 
Mine is a manual. Does that make a difference as far as heating up and getting destroyed? The jeep isn't in the mountains anymore although there are some "hills". I'm about to swap the motor and don't want to have to go through the process again so I'm hoping to get some insight on this trannmission before the swap in case I need to replace it as well.

Heat is normal in that case, see @L J comment.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rustee
I figured you had the 32RH - my bad.

Mine cooks too. It's not the transmission. It's the cats and the exhaust. Ceramic coatings and/or exhaust wrap. And DEI sound and heat shield on the floor.

-Mac
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rustee
pull the carpet and console and check the condition of the boot - repair/ replace if damaged

add some heat barrier material

I will be doing this and scanning that check engine light that I haven't gotten to yet. I'm curious about that cat now with all the blow-back it's been having.
 
How big of a job is this? Sounds easy but I feel like I know better lol

You don’t need a temp gauge and sensor on a manual transmission. If you remove the console and look at the lower shift boot it may be torn. That’s the number one way excess heat enters from that area. Replace the boot and add any additional heat blocking insulation and it will lower the in cab temps.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rustee
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts