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Is this normal?

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Old 01-30-2021 | 04:11 PM
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Default Is this normal?

Should my torque converter lock up in 2nd or Drive? I have driven as fast as 75 (3000RPM) with OD off and the torque converter appears to never lock up.
I've never owned or driven an automatic vehicle until this one that wouldn't lock up the torque converter in D and most of them in lower gear than that even.
Old 01-30-2021 | 06:19 PM
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Being as both of mine are 6 speed .. I did do a search and there should be information here: http://www.fcacanada.ca/owners/en/ma...ugWrangler.pdf
Old 01-30-2021 | 06:31 PM
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My Ram Cummins will do it in 2nd or D, so will my son's Charger and my XC90 will do it in top 5 of 6 gears. I can't remember any vehicle with an automatic transmission that wouldn't lock up the torque converter in D or OD, even my old '94 Cherokee would do it.
I'm starting to think mine is broken...

Last edited by Travis Patton; 01-31-2021 at 06:52 AM.
Old 01-30-2021 | 07:11 PM
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The 42RLE torque converter will not lock up in any gear until the fluid temp reaches 80°F.

Drive the vehicle until you are sure the transmission is as warm as it is going to get.
Turn OD off and come to a stop on a level stretch of road, with the transmission in D.
Start driving forward to 40 mph with normal acceleration.
Watch the tach. You should be able to see the rpm drop at the 1-2 shift and the 2-3 shift.
Once it's in 3rd you should see another rpm drop as the torque converter locks up.

Some tuners can display the torque converter slip. When locked up, the reading will hover around "0".
Old 01-30-2021 | 07:28 PM
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Thank you, I know how to check if its working, that's how I know that it is not.

I will try hooking up my Autel and seeing what the fluid temp sensor reads, thanks.
Old 02-02-2021 | 03:53 AM
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Really??? Is there nobody out there with an automatic 3.8L JK that can tell me if this is normal behavior or not?? Unbelievable...
Old 02-02-2021 | 05:03 AM
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Sorry, we all bought the 6 speeds. The number of folks who held on to the 3.8 isn't many because of the oil consumption and the increased power of the 3.6, then they went and introduced the diesel and gladiator. There's not a ton of us original owners out there. Really though, your question isn't specific just to the 2010 as the 2007-2011 used the same configuration.
Old 02-02-2021 | 05:08 AM
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Originally Posted by karls10jk
Sorry, we all bought the 6 speeds. The number of folks who held on to the 3.8 isn't many because of the oil consumption and the increased power of the 3.6, then they went and introduced the diesel and gladiator. There's not a ton of us original owners out there. Really though, your question isn't specific just to the 2010 as the 2007-2011 used the same configuration.
Wow, thanks for contributing absolutely nothing.
So we should just close the JK thread because EVERYBODY traded theirs in for JLs and diesel Gladiators. Brilliant
Old 02-02-2021 | 05:26 AM
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Lighten up buttercup. We hear you that you're frustrated but to get more views you'll need more activity on your thread. You're having issues with the transmission- you've checked your fluid and if it's time or if there's unknown history then you've changed the fluid?
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Old 02-02-2021 | 06:17 AM
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Sorry all, having a bad morning. Had to call and chew some on some butts and it put me in a bad mood...

Am I really the only sucker who bought an automatic?


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