Jeep Wrangler Forum banner

Alignment? Transmission problem?

2K views 11 replies 4 participants last post by  JaggaJatt 
#1 ·
Hey yall, I wanted your input on a little problem that I was having with my 2001 Automatic Jeep Wrangler TJ. I'm not sure if this is how all jeeps drive, but whenever I'm on a stoplight and press the gas it seems as if it lags. Also it does get moving it just takes it awhile to actually pick up speed and transition into the next gear. I drove my buddies manual wrangler and while driving his I noticed its more smoother and has a more response when you press the gas,not to mention it has a quick take off rate compared to mine. Not sure if that's the difference between manual and automatic. Also the steering wheel seems to be a tad bit off, there is a good 1'' or 2'' delay whenever you turn the steering wheel around. I just put penetrol on my hardtop and flares since they were faded and thought well what the hell, lets just fix everything now. If it indeed is the alignment, how much do they usually cost, considering you are getting them done from a 4x4 center.
 
#2 ·
If you have 1-2" of slack in your steering (meaning you can move the wheel 2" before a tire moves) then you need to stop driving it immediately. That should be like 1/4-1/2". If that is, in fact, what you're saying, then heed my warning. Something is about to let go and kill you. If that's not what you mean, explain.

As to your transmission issue, a stick will accelerate better than an automatic. It's hard telling what gears each Jeep has and all of that just based on what you said. The first thing to do is probably to check the fluid level if you suspect there is a problem. The second thing is to examine the condition of the fluid (bright cherry red? dark brown? Smell burned?), and the third thing to do is examine your service records to see when the last time it was serviced was.

Based on what you're saying, other than the steering, it's hard to say if that's a problem or not.
 
#7 ·
Hard to tell anything from that picture, but burned fluid wouldn't cause that much play unless the steering gear is REALLY hosed up. I'd get it on stands and start checking the steering over immediately. If you don't know what to look for then just take it in somewhere you trust. That's WAY too much slack to be safe if what you're telling us is accurate.

When I questioned the service history, I was talking about for your transmission service, not oil change.
 
#8 ·
Is there any way I can pm you brotha? So itll be much quicker if you don
t mind. I don't think its ever had a transmission service since we got it. And that thats not even a correct picture of the transmission fluid, im such a noob. The transmission dipstick shows good oil, but might as well change it just to be safe. I was thinking of my pops and I flushing the transmission fluid at home, and also changing the engine oil. It seems relatively simple, plus you get to know more about your jeep.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top