Jeep Cherokee - Transmission Removal Procedure: AW4 ['97-'01 XJ]
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- čas přidán 12. 04. 2021
- Operation 242:
This tutorial closely follows the Hayne’s manual for the AW4 removal procedure. It is intended for 1997-2001 applications, but the AW4 hardly changed through the years so if you factor in small things like the speedometer cable, vacuum lines and different electronics, the information presented here can also be used in 1987-1996 Cherokee XJs and Comanche MJs with the AW4.
If you’re putting a 1998-1999 transmission into a 2000-2001 XJ, here’s a few things I learned along the way:
-The dipstick tube is slightly different for 4.0’s equipped with a coil rail instead of a distributor. I used the original (2001) dipstick tube with my replacement (1999) transmission.
-The transmission mount for 1987-1999 models is slightly offset, while the 2000-2001 mounts are centered and have an additional alignment hole/peg to ensure you put it on the right way. Make sure you buy the correct mount for your year. RockAuto sent me the wrong part.
Also note: 1997 Transmissions have different electrical connectors, but with minor (maybe 20 minutes) work you can repin the connectors and make it fully functional in a 1998-2001 and vice versa.
When you replace the transmission, it’s a perfect opportunity to replace or modify various other components:
-Transmission mount: (1987-1999 models): www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....
-Transmission Cooler lines: (You’ll have to do some research, you might be able to find them at the dealership. If you do, please let me know, I’ll update this with a link. I opted not to replace mine because leaking engine oil had protected them from any rust through the years.)
-Driveshaft U-Joints: www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....
-Extend the Transmission and Transfer case vent tubes using 5/16 hose: www.rockauto.com/en/parts/mop...
-Add a transmission cooler: • Jeep Cherokee Transmis...
-Upgrade the 4wd shifter linkage: www.amazon.com/Stainless-Cher...
-ZIP TIES
Here’s all the tools you need for the operation:
-Sockets and wrenches from 8mm to 19mm
-7/16 and ½ inch Deep sockets
-¾ socket for the Crank pulley
-10mm Allen bit for the Transfer Case Drain & Fill plugs
-4 Jack Stands and a Jack (Maybe 2 jacks)
-A Transmission Jack
-A whole bunch of extensions
-Large screwdriver or Panel clip pliers
-Mallet
-Various pliers
-Special: E-12 Inverted Torx socket for the upper 2 transmission bolts: www.amazon.com/Lisle-26830-E-...
I took this opportunity to swap my NP231 Transfer Case for an NP242, if you’re considering doing the same thing I have a video documenting the process: • Jeep Cherokee - All Wh...
The AW4’s main weakness is overheating. Most XJs did not include a factory transmission cooler and it’s highly recommended to install one. I think the reasons my transmission ran into issues are:
-It never had a transmission cooler, and there were many occasions where sitting still with no airflow could’ve potentially overheated it. Transmission fluid deteriorates very fast when overheated, and bad transmission fluid will destroy clutches. It would occasionally slip out of second and third gear and even though I replaced the filter and dumped a new few quarts of fluid into it, after not even a year it came out burnt in a brownish-gray color.
-I “raced” a few people a few times, and hard starting with a shift into second gear at 4,000 RPM will definitely wear out some clutch packs. I won against a Kia Soul, and lost to a Dodge Neon, Jeep Liberty, Subaru Outback and pretty much everything else on the road. BUT at the end of the day torque is what really matters so I win against all those vehicles offroad.
This replacement transmission was removed from a 1999 Cherokee Classic and is factory mated to an NP242. It had approximately 230,000 miles on it and its condition is “I dunno, it worked a long time ago so it might still work”. I bought it on facebook for $260, and that included the transfer case, shift gate and bezel, and an interesting story about how some drunk guy drove into a tree at 50mph, completely incinerating the front end of the Jeep.
M hsr'x orsa mj csy aexgl qc zmhisw ercqsvi, fyx mj csy hs, M ettvigmexi xli "wyttsvx". Psso alex M hmh. M vitpegih e alspi eww xverwqmwwmsr mr qc hvmziaec. Kmzi qi xmqi erh M ger fi e fixxiv tivwsr. Rsfshc lew erc texmirgi rsaehecw. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
![Jeep Cherokee - Transmission Installation Procedure: AW4 ['97-'01 XJ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LfZGWHCavrY/mqdefault.jpg)
![Jeep Cherokee: Manual Swap - Everything You Need to Know ['97-'01 XJ] AW4 to AX-15 or NV3550](/img/n.gif)
So helpful! Perfect start for the NV3550 swap
ᴛʜɪs ᴍᴀɴ ᴋɴᴏᴡs ᴡʜᴀᴛ's UP
@@WAEMIDIV WHOOP
That was great with the X-girlfriend reference! OMG that was funny!
Thanks uncle Dave
Just want to say thanks for the straightforward video, really helped watching this before pulling my trans. Much appreciated 😀
How did it go?? I have a 99 4WD XJ. I need to replace the trans. I don't know what's my best choice for replacement. Thanks
Same here- I bought a used one for $300 shipped on eBay and tore the whole thing down to rebuild it. Rebuild kit is like $300 and solenoids, neutral safety switch, etc was a few hundred more. No special tools needed for rebuild except I ground down a pair of right angle snap ring pliers for getting a few out. The “shift shaft” or whatever it’s called will almost definitely snap the threads off, that was an easy weld with it out. Great and simple transmission, easy to work on.
@@rsanchez7111 I was manual swapping my 4.0 so I put an AX15 in
@@Robdutton91 cool. Thx
@@rsanchez7111 if you’re staying auto I don’t think you can go wrong with the AW4, well maintained they go on for a lot of miles. I just wanted the stick so it was a no brainer to get an AX15 and all the parts needed from a manual donor
Working on my daughter's Jeep. Best Video by a mile!
God Bless you and yours!
You're truly a Godsend. I wrote down all the steps on a notepad and followed your guide while working on my transmission. I found this to be more helpful than the Jeep service manual. BTW the dipstick was definitely the hardest part by far. Much love brother.
Im halfway through dropping mine and found this video. Made me not want to drop my transmission on my head and end the pain. Thank you for that
thank you for recording you did an amazing job video came out great
Incredibly invaluable video. Transmission went out on my girlfriend's 97 XJ RHD (We're both rural mail carriers).
Thanks for the very detailed vid. Only need to replace my cross member, jeep vs rock. For loosening bolts like that I just hit them with map gas till you get a nice rosy glow, usually come right apart.
This is a great video. I wish I could like it several more times. Thanks for the effort.
Excellent job description, it is very helpful
Man you deserve an award for how much patience you had with those rusty bolts
Wisconsin has trained me in the ways of the rust... I know things nobody should have to know...
drilling and tapping annoys the hell out of me so I learned to speak rust and abide by its language and customs. It's still an ass even when you understand it, because it refuses to understand you. But patience is key - patience and peanut butter.
Got mine out thanks to this vid it took me 2 days after work time for the install video 🤘
I appreciate your time and effort. Thanks!
You make great videos please keep it up.
Best video I have ever seen you're a lifesaver, thank you.
The oil i use is called aero kroil i think it makes pb blaster n wd 40 look like water its expensive but worth it for rusty jeeps also great video
Awesome video man I hope you channel grows I like the jokes and great footage.
Beautiful to see your approach to those rusty bolts. Gently does it. A bit of a turn at a time and back in. If accessible wire brushing the rust of the threads first naked a big difference
Thanks so much for this video; it saved by bacon this weekend pulling my first motor and trans in a little over a decade.
Hey man. Great help here. Helped me through the whole process of pulling the 42RE outta my 97 ZJ 5.2. Had to figure 1 or 2 things out myself but you sure have the best video I’ve found.
Sweet man! I don't know anything about ZJs, the 5.2L, or the 42RE but I'm glad I could help ✅
great and useful video - pal - first time on your channel - like it !
Dude that comment just made my morning bwhahaha 😂😂 I’m gonna watch the rest later! Great vid so far
Thanks for sharing Appreciate your time. After watching and learned it took you 6 days. Damn!!! Thanks again
Excellent work. Thanks.
I have three 2000 XJs. The front seal started leaking on my way down from Canada four weeks ago. I kept it alive and running smoothly feeding it six quarts until I got home in Virginia
Thanks again man. Hope youre doin ok. Miss the vids.🎩🌄
Great video!
Thank you. excellent video 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I ended up with the rebuilt version of my ex ol lady. As long as I don't neglect to service her consistently, my dipstick has a good reading in between safe and add, she'll get me through the winter until I get a newer model with very few, preferably no previous owners. 😀
Oh ya der guy, just remember when in the market for a newer model to keep in mind they don't make things like they used to, and be sure to check the front end for any worn out components or strange noises. Sometimes you can find them on Marketplace, but I've heard it's a better idea to source them the old fashioned way by happening across them in the wild! (I might totally steal some of these in future videos 😆 )
Thank u ...You did great job recording for us newcomers....Out with old in with new..."just like our women"😬Until u find the right one👍
very helpful
This was great
Execelent video!!!✌️😎
Thank you
The car had 486,000 miles on it so far. A new transmission was installed and back on the road. I am glad I didn’t do the job myself due to time and the heat down here.
So helpful. Thank you! Also nice Comanche 😏
I wish it was nicer, rust is really bad on it but it is the coolest truck ever
@@WAEMIDIV I’m actually doing a 97+ swap on mine which led me to your transmission removal video...even though I’m installing it..but I needed to make sure everything was connected correctly. I digress but yes...I do love Comanches and they’re super fun and I get a lot of compliments.
@@PlumdogMilli0naire I do have an installation video as well! it's linked on the end screen
what year is your MJ? Mine's a 87 4.0 5 speed 4x4 Long bed
@@WAEMIDIV I just finished watching it lol.
Mine is/was an 87 SporTruck, 2.5 4 speed 4wd Short Bed but I’m swapping in a 4.0, D30 High Pinion, C8.25 rear along with a 242 or a 231 (haven’t decided which one to go with yet). She’s on a CavFab 3 link 6.5” lift. Hopefully I can start uploading my stock of videos from the build but I’m not much for videography or editing so who knows
I like your video solely on your transmission reference to ex ! 😂
I'm angry at the world that this only has 3XX thumbs up.
For rusty bolts i use wd 40 with heat. It usually works. Sometimes heat let cool heat again until they come loose.
Excellent video very well explain. were can I get the transmission jack. Thank you.
I got mine at Harbor Freight
rebuilding the front shaft is NOT more trouble then its worth ! LOL It is such a better option if you know what your doing. you can rebuild the front shaft in no time. Replacement parts are just a few u -joints and that ball bearing, a new shaft is 450$ ish . Id rather save 300$ and do it myself.
Absolutely agree now; when I made this video I wasn't too well informed with a lot of things Jeep. This was one of my first XJ tutorials and time shows that. I've since then rebuilt front driveshafts and yeah, save the money
@@WAEMIDIV I work at a junk yard and pull every single driveshaft i can that comes in that will fit my jeeps. I also take the rear diffs apart with axle shafts so i have spares for very cheap. Nowadays things are crazy expensive so i try to save when i can. Good videos man, i subscribed!
Insightful video. I am attempting to remove the transmission from a '99 TJ automatic. I loosened the crossmember without realizing the transmission is attached to hit. As the crossmember was lowering, a hissing/sighing sound came from the transmission. Alarmed, I bolted back in place the crossmember. Any idea if i damaged something? Thanks.
I'm not very familiar with TJs or the 30RH, but perhaps a cooler line may have been kinked and was releasing some stored pressure when it bent a certain way. Make sure you drain the fluid before removing, and disconnect the cooler lines, if it has them
I've been wrestling here with my 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2.7 CRD transmission removal for some time now and there have been plenty of moments when I really wanted to quit .. just because it's Mercedes - everything sits on those damn Torx bolts and getting them outta the bell housing lying under the car, having no proper tools and space, all the dust and stuff falling into your eyes is a real pain in the ass. Seeing your video however, was kinda refreshing and made me wonder - don't I really have the patience to get it done .. heck, this is still doable, right .. :))
Is it possible to replace the 42RE transmission in the 4.0l grand Cherokee 4x4 for an AW4 4x4? My grand cherokees transmission is going out
I've never had a Grand Cherokee so I'm not too well informed about them, but a quick Google search results a few forums with people who have done it on later model ZJs, but the WJs are a bit more tricky it seems. An AW4 would definitely fit and bolt on, but the computer modules, shifter linkage and NSS wiring would need to be figured out
Excellent video man! I have a 2 door 94 XJ I'll be swapping the transmission on later this week. The donor jeep is a 1993 though, do you know what kind of problems I'll be running into as far as that goes? I got the 2WD 94 for free and the 93 with a blown motor for 600 bucks. Thanks for all the information!
I'm not too well informed on the HO years, but I think the only difference between 93/94 (if anything) would be wiring. Which you can easily splice to make work
@@WAEMIDIV Awesome, I was hoping it would be something like that. Thanks for the excellent video and feedback!
ONE OTHER THING I DISCOVERED. I QUIT USING WD 40, INSTEAD I GET A PLASTIC SQUEEZE BOTTLE THE KIND YOU SEE FOR MUSTARD IN RESTAURANTS. THEN I FILL IT WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID IN LEAU OF WD40. TRANSMISSION FLUID BREAKS DOWN RUST. IT WORKS GOOD AND YOU CAN PUT A LOT ON A BOLT INSTEAD OF SPRAYING. I USUALLY SATURATE THE SNOT OUT OF THEM. I LET THEM SIT THEN I TAKE A MAP GAS OR OXY ACET TORCH TO THEM. I REHEAT AND RESATURATE A FEW TIMES AND IT WORKS GOOD. YOU MIGHT WANT TO TRY. THANKS FOR THE VIDEO
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
A creeper is great too !
I thought 1991-1996 were interchangeable? You state 1991-1993 and 1994-1996, any idea what the differences are or how to make this swap work?
I'm fairly certain any changes to the AW4 are only electrical. They're all the exact same size, length, spline count (I think, I don't know)
It should be a matter of moving some wires around. I'm sure there's forums about it
Still using ur video as a guide I started the project then I recruited some help. But my exhaust is welded together at the point you disconnected yours I'm steuggling to actually get it down. I don't know what to do.
You can detach the flange between the Catalyst and muffler (if stock), or unhook the hangers for the tailpipe above the axle and where the trailer hitch would mount to.
Unhooking the tailpipe should allow it to swivel low enough, but with so much of the exhaust all haning on the manifold it might break somewhere, so be sure to have someone hold it or set it on something.
You could also cut the exhaust and clamp on a patch when you're done
So it will matter what way the torque converter will line up? Does it have a lower point somewhere on it?
it doesn't matter, just line up the bolt holes with the flex plate
Try butane or map gas on those sticky bolts
Use the handbrake to hold it steady. Hilarious 😂😂
I have a 96 jeep and a 99 transmission how can I wire it up
This is something you'll need to research, I've never had the opportunity to poke around on a '96 in person so I have no idea what wires do what and go where.
I'd take a guess and say you'd re-pin the connectors and organize the wires to color match, but not all of the colors will match and there might be a different amount of them in different places.
1996 XJs can use 1994-1996 Transmissions as direct replacements, but I understand not being able to find a given model year. You're also gonna have to double check that the torque converter lines up to the flex plate, the cooler lines are in the correct positions, and probably a few other things I can't think of currently
My XJ transmission shifts smoothly but on the 4th gear it does 60 mph at almost 3k rpm, that’s high compared to other XJs, they do 60 mph at less than 2k rpm. What might be the problem?
You could have steeper gearing in the axles, or it's not actually going into 4th gear. There is a torque converter lock that engages around ~35mph (just before 4th normally engages) that feels like a gear shift, but is not.
Your Neutral Safety Switch could be misadjusted, which could cause a check engine light for error P0705, because the transmission mistakenly thinks you have the lever in "3" instead of "D".
@@WAEMIDIV can’t be the axles, it used to operate just fine until I had to swap the transmission box. There are no check engine lights also. Do you think I should check the TPS first? Or could it be the friction plates of the third and fourth gear?
@@WAEMIDIV I also count the shifts and it shifts all the way to the fourth. This gearbox has one sensor only because this car is 1997 model.
@@WAEMIDIV I mainly use the car to off-road in the desert dunes, do you think I should swipe to a manual gearbox instead? should I also change the transfer case or should I keep the 242 t-case that I have?
Dude i cant get the lines out of the trans i busted a plastic clip what am i supposed to do now?
At the very least, you'll need new plastic clips, which are probably a very obscure and hard to come by part. As for getting the lines out, I'm not sure. You may need to employ some military grade prying devices, and if they absolutely refuse to come loose, you'll need to cut the lines and replace the fittings they attach to.
@@WAEMIDIV so for the one closest to the rear end i was able to twist the fitting off and the one closer to the front i havent got but i also didnt destroy the plastic tabs on that one… i just cant really get a grip on it theres not a lot of space up there
@@WAEMIDIV alright i was able to get it out got the trans next to my jeep working on swapping out the flexplate and retapping the drain plug that wont come out… anyway just wanted to say thanks this video was extremely helpful and im sure the manual swap will help me in the future too lol
Hi mate did you drain the transmission? Can’t see that apart from the transfer case. I’m changing my freeze plugs on behind the block as it’s leaking
4:28
@@WAEMIDIV excellent I already seen that also LOL! when removing the trans how far are you from accessing the freeze plug behind the trans when removed?
@tro8p With the transmission out, you'll have to remove the flex plate and the dust cover behind that, and then the rear of the engine is directly accessible. There are 3 freeze plugs back there, and a threaded plug which I believe seals oil instead of coolant. The 2 lower freeze plugs are easy to access (on the block) but the upper one is on the back of the cylinder head, you'll have to lower the engine to get to that one because it's wedged real close to the body
@@WAEMIDIV awesome, mine is the one behind the transmission sadly the others are fine, do you kno the size of the on in the trans tunnel on the engine block ? Looks smaller than the others on the side and top back one
@@WAEMIDIV your video has been a god send, one other question sorry, do you kno if you have to align the flex plate when installing again?
What really impresses me is i didnt see one breaker bar… dude my jeep would not survive if i didnt own breaker bars lol
is this similar to 45rfe 4.7 wj ?
I have never worked on a WJ, so I have absolutely no idea. With both a different engine and transmission, nothing will be identical, but the overall process should be the same. I'd find a forum writeup and make a checklist if you can
On the east coast we call peanut butter panther piss !
Hey there can I ask you a question
Depends what the question is
1:38 there is your like👍
I have a 93 xj but I put a np231 out of a 99 XJ no problem
Yes, a 93 NP231 will work in a 96-01 so long as the older style driveshaft stays with it
where in the video was I talking about transfer case compatibility??
How to Drop that plate inspection on 4.7 8:30
I have never seen a 4.7L in person nor removed the transmission from one, I have no idea
Bro this was all around a great fucking video, step by step on the removal first of all. AND if was real, you didn't edit out all the little things that everyone always gets fucked up on when doing this, didn't have a shop with a 7ft lift with full snapon set. And plus it was funny as hell 😂 but good shit bro keep it up 🙌 got my sub
Thank you so much, I really appreciate encouraging comments like this. It gives me motivation to make more videos, I'll try not to disappoint!
@@WAEMIDIV absolutely man, im about to tackle my xj again after letting it sit for about a year, replacing the aw4 and my leaking rear main seal so your videos will definitely help me through this lol
hilarious my friend made my jobeasier
Was that Spider Dance?
Vs Mad Mew Mew
Shots fired at the Ex Girlfriend LOL
That random 13 wasn’t even there on my Jeep just a hole 🤷🏻♂️
Someone probably had the transmission out and decided to forget about that bolt because of it being a pain in the ass lol
God that ex girlfriend line was hilarious hehehe. Good job
Ha! Can’t remove one if mine doesn’t have it 😂....
weight reduction!
@@WAEMIDIV 😂😂😂
You might want to not beat your torque wrench with a hammer. Maybe a breaker bar and or a cheater bar would get the job done. Dont be surprised if your torque wrench is no longer calibrated corectly.
I did not beat a torque wrench, that was merely an extendable ratchet. I do not use torque wrenches for loosening things.
This video is like seeing god.
Those E12's suck ass
FTR, I was able to get one off with an E14 socket, even though it had been chewed up and the E12 wouldn't bit anymore. good luck
Enough with the peanut butter dude.