11 problems related to automatic transmission have been reported for the 1997 Jeep Wrangler. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I bought my 1997 Jeep Wrangler in June, 2002 from a used car dealer in baltimore, MD with an as-is warranty and was told the vehicle had passed inspection and was in good condition. It had 64,000 miles on it and appeared to be good. Since then I have had nothing but problems with this Jeep. First the wiring harness, then the transmission, now a diagnosis to replace the intake and exhaust manifold, replaced fuel pump and has a faulty fuel gauge, and possibly the stabilizer bar or steering components. This Jeep is costing me more in repairs than the actual value of it. I fear that it is unsafe and that I m facing more expenses if I keep it, but I am still making payments on it. Do I have any recourse as far as lemon law protection, recalls, help!!! I don't know what to do with it.
I have an automatic transmission in this Jeep. It would not shift into 3rd geer. It has never been used off road. Its my daughters car. She uses it to go to college and back home.
When putting vehicle in park after about 2 minutes it will go into reverse, but the lever is still in park. Consumer has yet to contact dealer. At times the car will go into neutral, but the lever is still in park. The head lights also short out at times. I have to move the blinker handle to get them on again.
Gear shift froze in fifth gear pulled gear shift from transmission and couldn't shift into different gear. The fifth gear is now sitting in my closet. New part has been installed, now my check engine light is on due to faulty 4th cylinder ejecter. Dealer said all my valves needed to be replaced for $1400. 00 gave him the finger and said nice try!.
Driving in 5th gear attempted to downshift for stoplight, was able to get into neutral, but was unable to shift into any gear. Was stranded in the middle of busy intersection unable to move.
On 09/07/99 as my Jeep Wrangler was parked in the parking lot of my bank it proceeded to roll backwards out of the parking lot, across a busy street, and into a canal ( ditch). It landed on its right side and was submersed. It took two tow trucks and 3 hours to pull it out. Once at the Jeep dealership they investigated to see what had happened. They came to the conclusion that it was the gear shift ( which had been in the parked position) but never gave any specifics. My insurance and I ended up paying a total of about $9,000 dollars. The repairs took a month and a half, in which my insurance paid for a rental car. When I asked about having the powertrain investigated by an outside mechanic they offered to "sell" it to me for $1000 dollars. I filed a complaint with the manufacturer shortly thereafter, and never to this day have received a reply. After reading the artcile in the newspaper today about the defects in the grand cherokees it made me think about my Jeep and what happened to me. The situations with others was exactly like my experience except that no one was injured. Please investigate the Wranglers years 1995-1999 also for similar accidents. That Jeep was my first vechicle after graduating college, I had always wanted one. It was the first and will be the last Jeep I ever own after that horrible experience. I am just so thankful that no one was injured.
Automatic transmission, in 4wd, disengaged while climbing steep hill. The engine reved up then the tranmission re-engaged. This occured while transmission fluid was full to the upper mark. Problem did not occur when transmission fluid was over filled.
Transmission valve body failed. Yh.
Transmission problem.
The engine stalls when shifting from first to second gear. Dealer has seen vehicle twice, and said vehicle needed a new fuel rail.
While driving in heavy traffic at highway speeds the vehicle will completely shut down without warning, cause unknown. Dealer cannot identify the problem. Please give any further details.