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The Daily Insight

What transmission is in my Jeep Wrangler?

Author

John Kim

Updated on April 24, 2026

Jeep Wrangler (JK)
Jeep Wrangler JK
Transmission 4-speed Ultradrive 42RLE automatic 5-speed Mercedes-Benz W5A580 automatic 5-speed Chrysler 545RFE automatic 6-speed Chrysler NSG370 manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2-door: 95.4 in (2,423 mm) 4-door: 116 in (2,946 mm)
Length 2-door: 164.3 in (4,173 mm) 4-door: 184.9 in (4,696 mm)

Likewise, how do I know what transmission is in my Jeep Wrangler?

Locate the plate.

  1. Lay on the ground on either side of the Jeep.
  2. Slide under the Jeep to the transmission which is bolted to the motor. Look for a metal plate attached to the transmission. The transmission number is located on the plate. It is the only number on the plate. EX. 42RE.

Beside above, do Jeep Wranglers come in automatic transmission? The simple answer is no! Jeep Wranglers have come with a manual transmission standard or automatic transmission option for a very long time, all the way back to the early 1990's. Additionally manual transmissions are less complicated and generally more reliable than automatic transmissions.

Likewise, what transmission does my Jeep TJ have?

The Jeep Wrangler has undergone three facelifts since the year 1987.

Which Transmissions Came in Which Wranglers?

Wrangler Gen/Year Engine Transmission
TJ 1997-2006 4.0 I-6 4-Spd 42RLE Auto (2003-2006)
5-Spd AX-15 Manual (1997-1999)
5-Spd NV3550 Manual (2000-2004)
6-Spd NSG370 Manual (2005-2006)

Do Jeep Wranglers have transmission problems?

The short answer is yes. We found various Jeep Wrangler owners who cited issues with their vehicle's transmission. The issues range from gas spillage to the transmission oil cooler pipes that had to be replaced.

Related Question Answers

Where is the transmission model number located?

Open the driver's side door and find the white card on the side of the door that is filled with small black lettering. This card contains specific details about the year the car was made, its transmission, engine specifications and other details. Underneath or beside the “TR” symbol will be a number code.

Can you tell transmission type from Vin?

Why can't I determine the transmission type for my VIN? Unfortunately, this is not required by the NHTSA VIN standard. Some OEMs still use the same 10-digit VIN patterns for automatic and manual transmission vehicles, meaning that VIN alone will not be enough to determine the vehicle's transmission type.

What vehicles have a 42rle transmission?

The 42RLE is a 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission. The 42RLE comes in 2003.5+ Jeep Liberty. The 45RFE is a 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission, with an alternative 2nd gear ratio for downshifting. The 45RFE was replaced in mid-April 2003 by the 42RLE in the 2003.5+ Liberty.

How do I know if I have a 42rle transmission?

Top-6 Common 42RLE Transmission Problems 1. Poor Shifting Problem
  1. Poor Shifting Problem. Low transmission fluid majorly the reason caused your gear not move.
  2. Limp Home Mode or Gear Stuck in 2nd Stage.
  3. Over Drive On or Check Engine Light On.
  4. Grinding & clunking sound when shift.
  5. Overheating Transmission.
  6. Revving High Engine.

What transmission is in a 1987 Jeep Wrangler?

The Jeep Wrangler YJ was the first generation of Jeep Wrangler four-wheel drive small off-road vehicles, rebadging and succeeding Jeep's CJ series, produced from 1944 to 1986.

Powertrain.

Engine Year Transmission
4.2 L AMC straight-6 engine 1987–1989 5-speed BA-10 manual
1989–1990 5-speed AX-15 manual

What does WJ stand for on a Jeep?

Grand Cherokee

What is the difference between a Jeep TJ and LJ?

The LJ has all the sport options but with a 10 inch (250 mm) longer wheelbase aka the LWB or LJ model. The LJ Unlimited has 2 more inches of rear seat legroom and 13 inches more cargo storage. The LJ also came with a staggering 3500 lbs towing capacity compared to the 2000 lbs towing capacity of the TJ.

How long do Jeep Wrangler transmissions last?

The 4.0 is one of the most reliable engines out there. You can get to 300k on one fairly easily without ever having to open it up. Unfortunately, as with most vehicles, the transmission is never going to make it that long. 125k is about average for a auto tranny rebuild.

Is my Jeep a JK or TJ?

So, other ways to figure out if you have a JK, TJ, or YJ – as well as the vehicle year – are through the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Most insurance cards list this number and you can enter it on Jeep's website here.

What should I look for in a used Jeep TJ?

With that in mind, here are five things to check before buying a used Jeep.
  • Undercarriage. Like any car, the undercarriage should be the first thing you check on a used Jeep.
  • Modifications (If Any) Perhaps the best (and most-fun) thing you can do with a Jeep is modify it.
  • Tires.
  • Rust Spots.
  • Leaks.

Are TJ Jeeps reliable?

Overall build quality and reliability was much better on the TJ. Although there were still some bugs and shortcomings, they were far fewer and easier to repair. A quick look at pricing on Autotrader.com shows that a low mileage TJ in good condition runs between $4,000 and $9,000, depending on the trim and year.

Will a Jeep Cherokee transmission fit in a Wrangler?

4cyl Cherokee transmission will fit in a 94 wrangler with a 5 speed and 4 cylinder. I need to replace the AX-5 in my YJ and I have found a good deal on the Cherokee one. As long as the cherokee AX5 is 4wd it will work.

How can you tell if a transmission is 42re?

How to Identify a Jeep 42RE Transmission
  1. Go under the vehicle to access the transmission, if still installed.
  2. Count the number of bolts attaching the pan to the transmission's underside.
  3. Locate the electronic governor solenoid attached to the transmission housing.
  4. Look for the transmission part/identification number and date code.

Are manual Jeeps better than automatic?

Automatic transmissions are much easier to operate in stop-and-go traffic than a manual Wrangler. An automatic may be a better choice if you are using your Wrangler to commute. Easy to Drive: There's no doubt that driving an automatic is easier than driving a manual Wrangler.

Is manual or auto better for 4x4?

However, if you're driving a modern automatic, the vehicle will have downhill assist which will give you better control. Manuals, on the other hand, are built for driving downhill. You can use your engine breaking in first gear low, which most diesel four-wheel drives are perfect for.

Are Jeep Wranglers good on gas?

So, theoretically, the Wrangler should get good fuel economy with this configuration. But in the real world, this isn't the case and is the Wrangler's most glaring problem. At 22/24/22 MPG city/highway/combined, the EPA numbers seem decent enough.

Are automatic jeeps good?

===> Overall, an automatic Jeep can still do the same things that a manual one can; however, the driver has less control over which gear the Jeep switches to. Automatics can be less reliable off-roading than manuals and are somewhat more complex when it comes to repairing them.

Is a Jeep Wrangler a good car?

Is the Jeep Wrangler a Good SUV? The Jeep Wrangler is an OK SUV, but its specialized nature means it's likely to be either your first buying choice or your last. The Wrangler is a supremely good off-road machine, and it offers some capable powertrains, including a new-for-2021 plug-in hybrid.

Are Jeep Wranglers safe?

NHTSA subjected the Wrangler to a standard front impact test, where the vehicle runs straight into a flat wall. In that test, the Wrangler was awarded four out of five stars for both the driver and the front seat passenger. This is a good rating, though many SUVs today receive five stars for a front impact.

Is a gearbox the same as a transmission?

The difference between Gearbox and Transmission

When used as nouns, gearbox means an enclosed gear train, whereas transmission means the act of transmitting, e.g. data or electric power. That part of a car's transmission containing the train of gears, and to which the gear lever is connected.

Do all Jeep Wranglers have 4wd?

Whether you're looking for a rugged Jeep Wrangler or a sleek Jeep Compass, we have exactly what you're looking for with a great price as well. Many of our Jeep models come with four-wheel drive (4WD), while a few come with all-wheel drive (AWD).

What year Jeep Wrangler should I avoid?

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler was voted the worst model year

One of the newer models, the 2012 Wrangler is actually the worst rated Wrangler overall according to Car Complaints. With nine recalls, it didn't top out the list for most recalls but it was also involved in one of the largest recalls.

What's the best year Jeep Wrangler to buy?

Jeeps from the late 80s and 90s are pretty solid choices. The YJ generation was manufactured from 1987 to 1995, and the TJ generation was produced from 1996 to 2006. These older options can be found at lower prices, but are reliable options.

Do Jeeps have a lot of problems?

The 2019 model year of the Jeep Wrangler has been relatively problem-free, though there are still a few issues that cropped up. The biggest issues that have been reported related to steering problems. Loose steering wheel, or a loss of power steering has been reported by a number of drivers.

Why are Jeep Wranglers so unreliable?

Jeep has also said that the reason that the Wrangler has been found to have a low dependability rating is due to the fact that owners romanticise the model. Some owners may buy a Wrangler with an idyllic view of the car, but at the end of the day, it's still an off-road SUV.

What are the most common problems with Jeep Wranglers?

Let's take a look at some of the most common issues with Jeep Wranglers of this era.
  • TIPM Failure.
  • The “Death Wobble”
  • TPS Failure.
  • Transmission Recalls.
  • Engine Popping.
  • Leaking Door Seals.
  • Differential Pinion Seal Leaks.
  • Transfer Case Leaks.

Do Jeep Wranglers break down a lot?

Its common to see Jeep Wranglers out on the road from previous years. They are generally thought of as a reliable car. Turns out the 2020 Jeep Wrangler is one of the most unreliable cars of the year. A Jeep Wrangler has its draws, like superior off-roading capability.

Which Jeep Wrangler model is the best?

Ranking The Best Jeep Wrangler Models Ever Produced
  • 8 1987 Jeep Wrangler YJ.
  • 7 2013 Jeep Wrangler JK Sport.
  • 6 2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ.
  • 5 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ.
  • 4 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sahara.
  • 3 2007 Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited.
  • 2 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL.
  • 1 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon.

Should I buy a Rubicon or Sahara?

The 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and the Jeep Wrangler Sahara are both great SUVs. Therefore, it all comes down to your preferences. If you're the kind of Orlando Jeep Wrangler driver who needs more power and luxury, the 2019 Jeep Wrangler Sahara is the best SUV for you.

What is the best Jeep to buy used?

You'll have your pick of quality vehicles at a Jeep dealer, but here are the 10 best used Jeeps to consider:
  • 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition.
  • 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.
  • 1988 Jeep Gladiator.
  • 1996 Jeep Comanche.
  • 2010 Jeep Wrangler Islander.
  • 1994 XJ Jeep Cherokee.
  • 1991 Jeep Wagoneer.
  • 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee.