[Miggles]

The other day I was out wheeling on some power line road and got stuck pretty good. I was by myself and my normal 4wd buddies couldn't get to me for a while, so my Jeep sat like this for a good two hours.

I drove it like a dumb*** for a bit until I realized my transmission was having some problems (wouldn't kick down to first even if I shifted it. one day it even started in third at a light). I checked the tranny fluid, not only was the fluid a nice brownish color but there was white shit on the stick. Put it back in and the car sat for a week.
I know there's water in it but my dad is convinced that I'm making a bigger deal out of it. He believes that it's an electrical problem or some BS like that, so my question is, is it possible that there is no water in my tranny, but there is some kind of other issue?
Thanks

 

[Hexiled Razz]

When was your last fluid change? White on the stick obviously isn't good. Did you drop the pan to see what's in it? I found my 32RH(3 speed auto) was extremely finicky until i did a complete fluid flush. Ran smooth after that in all temperatures.

I'm no transmission expert, but that water honestly doesn't look deep enough to me to drown out the transmission. If i recall correctly, there's a vent on the top of the transmission itself, and a breather hole at the top of the bell housing. That water doesn't look nearly deep enough to reach either.

 

[3X4X4]

The other day I was out wheeling on some power line road and got stuck pretty good. I was by myself and my normal 4wd buddies couldn't get to me for a while, so my Jeep sat like this for a good two hours.

I drove it like a dumb*** for a bit until I realized my transmission was having some problems (wouldn't kick down to first even if I shifted it. one day it even started in third at a light). I checked the tranny fluid, not only was the fluid a nice brownish color but there was white shit on the stick. Put it back in and the car sat for a week.
I know there's water in it but my dad is convinced that I'm making a bigger deal out of it. He believes that it's an electrical problem or some BS like that, so my question is, is it possible that there is no water in my tranny, but there is some kind of other issue?
Thanks

Me, I think it is deep enough and I would dump the fluid now if it is not already to late and see if there is in fact water in it. It sound like there is. Can you say tranny rebuild?

Why, just asking, would you purposely drive your Jeep into that water and ruin it? Looks to me like you could have easily gone around it? Good luck, hope it works out and does not cost too much.

 

[Shark_13]

Hurry up and drop the pan, flush everything and replace the filter....

Don't understand why you are waiting to do this...?....

 

[slomaro]

3x4x4: "Why, just asking, would you purposely drive your Jeep into that water..."

Seriously? go join the barbie forum... sounds like something a girl would say. you call yourself a jeeper?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Water in an automatic transmission can kill it faster than nearly anything. It's maybe already too late since water can dissolve the glue that holds the transmission's various friction surfaces in place.

At the very least I would do an IMMEDIATE total flush of the transmission and refill it with fresh ATF+4. Not just draining the pan, I mean a complete (!) flush which includes the pan, transmission, torque converter, and transmission cooler which is part of the radiator. I don't mean to flush it next week, several days ago would have been better. Seriously. Time is the enemy once water gets into an automatic transmission.

Also what model year is your TJ?

Finally, the advice not to drive a TJ into water deep enough to damage the transmission, not all of which are sealed against water, was right on. There are several model transmissions that aren't sealed against water and it'd be a pretty dumb to do if you knew that. Unfortunately not many know what water depths are appropriate for various drive train components. It's not about being afraid of being a girl or a barbie, it's about not being stupid.

 

[Klutz]

There's really nothing to lose by draining your fluid. If you wanted to, you could put it back in. I agree, I would highly recommend that if your transmission is having trouble, to start with the fluid. It's the cheapest/easiest/quickest thing you can do before having to get more technical. After changing, if it's still having trouble, then move on to the next suspicion, one at a time. Hope you figure it out before it's too late! Best of luck to ya.

 

[3X4X4]

3x4x4: "Why, just asking, would you purposely drive your Jeep into that water..."

Seriously? go join the barbie forum... sounds like something a girl would say. you call yourself a jeeper?

Well, first, smart is acting smart like learning to go around obstacles or even not to tackle one if one can not afford the consequences.:mooning:

Second, Barbie is not the one sitting on top of his Jeep needing a new transmission.

I have had my fill of mud, then I grew up:

Barbie on his Bultaco Pursang MX 125cc circa 1972. I won. I still have it and it runs good too. Cemoto.

J