Determining an IssueWhether the transmission is automatic or manual makes a difference. For example, in a manual Jeep, you might feel resistance when shifting from gear to gear, whereas in an automatic, the tachometer might rev up to 4,000 or 4,500 RPM before shifting. Although these are indicative of the same issue, the way the issue is represented in the vehicle feels totally different. Transmission troubles can be roughly summed up in two ways: either the car won't shift, or it won't shift without resistance. The two most common problems, and often the easiest to diagnose and repair, are issues with the transmission fluid and the filter. Checking for leaks is simple. Determine whether the transmission fluid (which is red) is leaking. The filter base, the drainage hole, near the engine, by the transmission cooler or radiator, and at the selector shaft or speed sensor are virtually the only places the transmission may leak. Replacing the filter if you have not done so also takes the guesswork out of remedying an issue, and can save valuable time and money. Persistent ProblemsSome problems, like a transmission refusing to shift between gears, or running the Jeep's tachometer to unreasonable highs before doing so, won't be cleared up by a once-over of the filter and fluid delivery systems. When a gear won't engage---or takes too long to engage---and all other systems have been absolved of responsibility, one must look elsewhere. Shifting problems, especially in a manual vehicle, can indicate some serious issues. Difficulty shifting can indicate transaxle issues, especially in higher gears, and often the only solution is a full rebuild of the transaxle (not exactly a DIY job). Repairs to a worn shift lever or shift linkage, commonly associated with such problems, can be attempted at home if you know definitively that these issues are causing the problem. Tansmission RebuildsMost transmission problems are not do-it-yourself fixes. A transmission is a complicated and intricate piece of machinery, with many parts that must all be working in harmony for the Jeep to keep running. If these simple fixes with transmission don't take care of the issue, it is very likely that the car will need to be taken to a licensed Jeep mechanic. For instance, in Jeeps, a complex mechanism called the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) is often at fault for transmission issues, and repairs to the TPS cannot and should not be attempted at home by an unlicensed professional. TPS issues cannot be remedied by replacing transmission fluid, checking for leaks or replacing the filter---the job is simply too difficult to attempt on one's own. The sad fact about transmissions is that, after a while, they have the tendency to weaken and finally fall apart (if unchecked). Simple troubleshooting along with educating yourself on basic transmission issues is a surefire way to prevent overpaying for repairs; but remember, there's no way around having that transmission rebuilt if there's no alternative.
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