Transmission shifting rough after adding random transmission fluid

2003 JEEP LIBERTY
212,000 MILES • 3.7L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
TIM BEASON
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
I bought the vehicle listed above Sport for my kid's mom. Long story short, I checked fluids one day and noticed the transmission being low. She added some random ATF to top it off. now it seems to shift pretty rough and is making a noise that I can only think to explain as a component struggling to work/move correctly. With this being said I have two questions I'm hoping to get some advice on.
1. My first instinct is to change the filter and fluid. Am I correct in wanting to do so?
2. How do I distinguish between the 45RFE and 42RLE?? I've had no luck with researching online and the manufacture date is 08 of 2002, which I've read is around the time these two transmissions where in the process of being replaced, one way or the other.. I apologize for any confusion in my explanation and would greatly appreciate any advice or insight on this issue!!
Jun 28, 2020 at 10:50 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good morning,

Yes, I would change the fluid and filter. Start with fresh fluid. The other fluid may be contaminated from adding old fluid.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

As far as the noise, see if it is still there after the service.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

I attached a picture for you of the pan configuration. This is what the vehicle calls for.

Roy

TRANSMISSION IDENTIFICATION - 45RFE
Transmission identification numbers are stamped on the left side of the case just above the oil pan sealing surface (Fig. 1).

Refer to this information when ordering replacement parts. A label is attached to the transmission case above the stamped numbers.

The label gives additional information, which may also be necessary for identification purposes.
Images (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Attached Media
Jun 29, 2020 at 2:44 AM
Avatar
TIM BEASON
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Thank you, I really appreciate the help and knowledge!!
Jun 29, 2020 at 4:40 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
Jun 29, 2020 at 4:47 PM
Avatar
TIM BEASON
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Could I ask another unrelated question or would I need to go through the whole process of posting it? Should be an easy simple answer.
Jun 29, 2020 at 5:40 PM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
If it has to do with this vehicle and this issue, yes.

If not, please start a new question from the beginning and we will be happy to help.

Roy
Jun 29, 2020 at 5:42 PM
Avatar
TIM BEASON
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Okay, completely understandable.
Jun 29, 2020 at 5:44 PM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
Just post your new question and one of us will be happy to help.

Roy
Jun 29, 2020 at 5:45 PM
Avatar
TIM BEASON
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
So how can I tell whether the transmission in the vehicle has the shallow pan or not? I'm finding two different filter kits, one for a shallow pan and not. Maybe some of the numbers on the side of the transmission for reference?
Image (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Jul 26, 2020 at 4:36 PM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
That is the deep pan. The shallow pan is about half as deep.

Roy
Jul 26, 2020 at 4:39 PM
Avatar
TIM BEASON
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Okay, awesome.Thank you!! I appreciate it.
Jul 26, 2020 at 5:23 PM
Avatar
TIM BEASON
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Any idea what the capacity of this transmission is? Or should I just do like 4 quarts, cycle through gears, check level etc? Also with the screw on filter, does it need to be filled with fluid before installing? Does the pan gasket need to have silicone applied? And one last question haha, are there specific torque specs for the pan bolts?
Jul 26, 2020 at 5:29 PM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
Specs are below.

Roy

Fluid Types
Automatic Transmission Fluid .................... Mopar ATF +4, Type 9602

Capacities
42RLE - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Service Fill .................... 8.0 pints (3.8L)

Overhaul Fill .................... 17.6 pints (8.3L)

45RFE - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Service Fill .................... 10 pints (4.73L)

Overhaul Fill .................... 28 pints (13.33L)
Jul 26, 2020 at 5:34 PM
Avatar
TIM BEASON
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Having the deep pan won't make a difference in capacity?
Jul 26, 2020 at 6:01 PM
Avatar
ASEMASTER6371
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 52,796 POSTS
The 45 holds 10 pints. That is where you start.

Roy
Jul 27, 2020 at 3:45 AM