[pat_smith1969]

This is kind of a spin off from another topic, I didn't want to hijack that thread so I started a new one.

I have been wheeling a total of once, had a blast and am counting the time until I can do it again.

When wheeling over rocks I was told to do a two foot technique (automatic trans) to have really fine control of how fast I move (ease up and then down a rock). This saved my under carriage but whenever I did this my fans would go full blast and it seemed to be overheating the engine. At one point I got a fast chime with a Hot Oil error. I pulled over and let it cool. I was then told to put it in 4Lo and didn't over heat after that but the fans would still kick in and run full blast in my engine.

Am I doing it wrong?
Do I need an oil cooler or a trans fluid cooler? Seems like more lines that could break and kill the jeep.

 

[IslandTJ]

I've been wheeling with a few 4 door JKs and have encountered this scenario a couple of times - all during long hill/mountain ascents. When I asked them what gear they were in, they would state either 4hi or 2hi. I recommended the shift to 4lo and soon thereafter, the hot oil issue did not reoccur. It has happened enough that I believe that the 4 door JK automatics would benefit from an aftermarket transmission cooler.

 

[Chris M]

Get your fluid changed ASAP.

I'm just taking a shot in the dark, but I'm guessing you are referring to my thread on the subject.

Don't want to blow the tranny. And yes, get a transmission cooler. My Jeep is headed to the shop in a bit. After the next payday I'll be adding the cooler.

 

[pat_smith1969]

Get your fluid changed ASAP.

I'm just taking a shot in the dark, but I'm guessing you are referring to my thread on the subject.

Don't want to blow the tranny. And yes, get a transmission cooler. My Jeep is headed to the shop in a bit. After the next payday I'll be adding the cooler.

I changed my oil right after the trip. Haven't thought about the tranny fluid.

What is the damage (cost) of a tranny cooler, installed?

 

[IslandTJ]

Interesting read:

http://www.wranglerforum.com/f5/keep-your-automatic-transmission-alive-review-installation-of-derale-tranny-cooler-110676.html

 

[Chris M]

The hot oil light you got was a warning on the transmission fluid getting hot. I got word yesterday mine wasn't torched but was getting there quick. Get that done ASAP so you don't have bigger problems.

 

[FRYBOTH]

As for the fans coming on I wouldn't sweat that too much. Crawling over rocks your engine is still doing a decent amount of work even at 1mph. Obviously there's no air moving so the fans kick on to compensate and pull air over the radiator.

 

[DM6156]

That's a "funny" error when you do the research.

I got that in my 08 JKU once (in 2 wheel drive while driving on mountain forest service dirt/gravel road after rain). Then I had it happen once more after installing a trans cooler (in 2 wheel drive while driving up gravel public road to a rental cabin outside of Cherokee NC).

Yep that's right, I had that "error" twice while in 2 wheel drive.

Several people on various forms had same issue. The solution is simple, lock out overdrive. Since locking out overdrive, I've never had the issue again.

Also, I believe there was a TSB where dealer changed the temp at which that warning light occurred. Not sure mine ever had that done. I got into the habit of locking out O/D anytime I'm driving low speeds for extended period of time (winding paved state roads or gravel forest service roads).

Transmission cooler will still help in the long run but lock out O/D and you shouldn't see it again.