Shifting Issues With 9sp Transmission - 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

[@7thdragonball]

Oh man... I have had this issue for YEARS with Chrysler. My PTU went bad on the road and shut my car off on the highway. Thought me and the kids were going to die the way it happened. Took the car in and the PTU was bad and it messed up the transmission and everything. They supposedly did the update to the computer and changed the transmission. When I took it back to the dealership they kept acting like nothing was wrong with the car. Back and forth with Chrysler and they said they take direction from the dealership. Dealership says they don't see anything wrong or notice anything. I used to buy Jeeps all the time. First car was a jeep... never again. Chrysler is a dumpster fire and does not care one bit about their customers.

[@user-qo7qc5em5t]

What happened when it went out while driving? I'm not currently having any issues on my 15 cherokee TH, but I'm really nervous about highway travel.

[@user-qo7qc5em5t]

What happened when it went out while driving? I'm not currently having any issues on my 15 cherokee TH, but I'm really nervous about highway travel.

[@sbond1963]

@@user-qo7qc5em5t don’t drive a Cherokee Trailhawk without an extended warranty. You can buy an actual Chrysler extended warranty online much cheaper than at the dealership itself when you buy the car

[@user-qo7qc5em5t]

@@sbond1963 I got the letter from stellantis. I have an unlimited mileage warranty on the PTU until 2030

[@richardwray7619]

Thank you for this video. I have been searching for the answer. I, unfortunately, have 153,500 miles on my 2015. The transmission issue and lack of torque are my only complaints about the vehicle.

[@CarGuy11]

Wow great to hear considering your miles! Hope you check out more Jeep videos on the channel!

[@DavidMiller-np6oi]

Terrible issues on my 2016 with 2.4L engine. Making a left turn with oncoming traffic is terrifying. As you noted, once you get below 5mph or so, the trans hangs in a higher gear. Terrifying pause waiting for the trans to make up it's mind. I try to come to a full stop when making low speed left hand turns in front of traffic if possible.

[@CarGuy11]

Yep & unfortunately even the new trans is doing it although its a little quicker to kick down.

[@DavidMiller-np6oi]

@@CarGuy11 This transmission is in a lot of other manufacturers' products. Wonder what gives with the FCA version?

[@DavidMiller-np6oi]

@@CarGuy11 have you run across any way to reprogram the shift points?

[@CarGuy11]

Just have dealer do latest trans updates. They do help slightly & are covered by powertrain warranty.

[@NaeNae-rd9ry]

I've been having this same issue with my 14 Trailhawk. I took it in a few months after I bought it for the transfer case and asked them to check out the transmission for this EXACT left turn issue, and they told me it "that's just how these transmissions are" and this was at a jeep dealership. I believe it's still under the power train warranty, so I may take it back to have them look at it again. It's so annoying and feels so unsafe!

[@Huney73]

There’s recall on the PTU for this model. The warranty was also extended.

[@leslieharless3214]

When did this recall start?

[@user-qo7qc5em5t]

​@@leslieharless3214there's no true recall. Just extended warranty.

[@kevamor]

My 15 jeep cherokee latitude 2.4l has 240,000 miles and I just love mine. Mine also does same thing with the transmission but you kind of get use to how to drive it. I just hate when it's cold the first few minutes it shifts hard. Just a great car still though. I use it to also pull my 19' boat and it does ok with that even. 👌

[@CarGuy11]

Good to hear thanks!

[@madelynl8917]

I too have a 2020 Trailhawk. We got it to tow on our cross country RV trips. Going back and forth from flat tow mode to driving has been easy. My husband likes to do a little 4X4 driving for fun. For me it is my get-to-where-I-want-to-be vehicle. We had it for a few months when I too noticed a bang in low gears. It is reminiscent of the kick I got from my FJ, which was due to a drive shaft problem. I took it to Jeep twice and, of course, it either didn't happen with them or they said it is a known issue with no fix. I am not an aggressive driver and I coast a lot when driving in low speed. At a light, I take my foot off the break but wait to push the gas until traffic is flowing. When I push the gas lightly, there is a delay and then a bang when the car starts moving. I don't know if that means it is skipping a gear or something else but it is quite annoying and cannot be good for the transmission. The dealer did a software update and sent me home but the issue is still there. I need more ammunition to go back and get this problem resolved once and for all, before the warranty runs out. I only have 10,000 miles on it but time flies! Any ideas?

[@CarGuy11]

I haven’t heard of the newer model years having this issue. Ask them to let you drive with a tech to show them the issue. Then it will be documented at least if your warranty runs out.

[@madelynlevy6979]

I did that, twice. It did a little hard shifting, but not that bad. Unfortunately is doesn't happen all the time. I guess I am going to have to wait until it hits hard more consistently.

[@mmaaddict78]

@@madelynlevy6979Any update on the issue you were having?

[@robgulley8202]

Our 15 did the exact same thing. And we had to do the same dance to get ours replaced. And yes it is better but not 100%. It sounded like you were telling the same story. Now comes the problem with the lifters and rockers. Those started making a racket and $1400.00 later got that fixed just out of warranty. Awesome vehicles!

[@CarGuy11]

Oh wow haven’t heard about lifter issue. How many miles?

[@robgulley8202]

CarGuy11 just at 58000 with the 6 cylinder.

[@KevinTDennison]

My favorite thing about this video is how he rolls every stop sign and records it :)

[@KevinTDennison]

Also i have a 2014 jeep cherokee lattitude and it has a boatload of transmission and electrical issues, including the ignition/key is trash and never works.

[@CarGuy11]

Only way to demonstrate it.

[@willbeach3137]

I have a 2014 you have the same analysis I do which is it stays in 3rd at very low speeds. Either come to a complete stop to get it in first or pop it into manual mode and downshift it yourself. This overall should not be a transmission issue it seems to be a computer issue because it is not putting it in the proper gear. You would think there would be a simple fix to adjust the CPU at this point, but jeep seems to leave all the Cherokee owners out to dry. I had a 2014 Jeep Patriot with the 6 speed CVT and it was super smooth never had any issues like this.

[@jamcdona]

I'm glad that it worked out. Annoying that they tried just the valve body first, though. I was hoping the front tires wouldn't patch out anymore though, LOL. So, is there a big delay from the time you hit the gas pedal to when the engine reacts? Like 1sec? Mine does and it's dangerous if I try a quick move to 'squirt' out into traffic. If I drive it like I'm taking eggs to market, no issues. It just doesn't do quick responses.

[@CarGuy11]

Yes the delay is much improved now. Still not the best trans tho.

[@Wizardly_Stain]

I have the 15 Jeep Cherokee sport, and I have terrible shifting and I have gone through shifters and drive lines and the mechanic shop can never figure out what it is and still can't.

[@SensaMilla]

17 JGC trail hawk trans issues with jolts when shifting at gears 1/2/3. Live in Silver Spring MD and Took it to local dealer in October. They agreed is a power train issue at 35k miles. I’m pretty close to pass the warranty powertrain mark at 5yr/36k miles. They gave my car back after 2 weeks stating they replaced a gasket. And still get jolts especially at higher gears now 4/5/6. Also noticed a leak under the car after it being parked assuming trans fluid because of the location of the leak. Took it back, they reopened the issue and it’s been 3 weeks with no update. Called yesterday they said they are still waiting for a valve body part. Right now I am concerned it getting across the warranty line and something major happening… fingers crossed one of two things happen. Value body replacement and no issues. Value body replacement and issues continue past the warranty and the dealer accepts faulty prior warranty deadline and they fix it for free 😐

[@adventures_media]

What I found is the car actually operates much more natural in sport mode. I have a 2014 3.2. Issues with shifting and slow response. Sport helps. I am thinking it’s becuase the timing is more aggressive. Which leads me to believe a lot of the hesitation maybe due to old spark plugs. I mean who actually changes those?

[@Indigol8dy]

Thank you so much for this! It’s been driving me crazy!!!

[@CarGuy11]

Thanks for watching and hope you check out more Jeep videos on the channel!

[@victorsanchez2165]

Hi CarGuy11 I’m from Mexico and I have a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 2015 however I think its have the same issue like you had with your Cherokee in the transmission, but I don’t know how to explain the issue to the man mechanic of my auto dealer. Do you have any recommendation.?

[@CarGuy11]

Thanks for watching from Mexico! Just explain the rough shifting & maybe take a ride with tech. But to be honest after some time my new trans is behaving very similar to old one now.

[@mikestark4624]

Mine has the exact same issue. Feels like it has a 2000 or 2500 stall converter when you almost completely stop.

[@CarGuy11]

Yep thanks for sharing!

[@emiero]

Old gold XJ!

[@JohnRocker340]

There was another update that got us second gear back. You didn't have one of the updates done.

[@CarGuy11]

Yes I got it back sort of as shown in video but not when trans was cold lol.

[@Kastnerone]

💯

[@starelliston8993]

So does jeep pay to fix or replace the transmission with the hard shifting?

[@jamesflou]

Got my first check engine light and it says torque converter clutch performance but the light went out. Came back on a week later and the last 2 weeks it's been off but it's not shifting right. Past warranty and now I see why they were pushing for and extended warranty. The transmission is smooth when working good and I could hardly feel the shifts. Guess we will see eventually?

[@mmaaddict78]

How’d that turn out for you?

[@PAULNIEVES-qp6pc]

Had the same exact problem I’m in the process of getting mine replaced. How did it run after you got the trans replaced

[@CarGuy11]

Shifting is much smoother but still not perfect.

[@Natethegreat200c]

MAKE SURE YOU TELL PEOPLE THIS IS A HONDA ACURA AND RANGE ROVER ISSUE AS WELL! people will think it’s just FCA

[@CarGuy11]

True they use this trans as well thanks!

[@waynewagner6250]

I'm having the same issue going on with my jeep exactly same problem

[@cabbagememes2852]

Do these transmission problems occur on automatic models? Or only on manual models

[@CarGuy11]

We only get the auto in the US unfortunately.

[@augustb7535]

My local jeep dealership pretended there was no software update when I told them I have a 2015 Cherokee lol, seems like they want nothing to do with it

[@CoreNiel]

you mentioned a possible updated software. Can you expound on that? I'm curious if I need to update the software for mine.

[@CarGuy11]

Software updates speed up the delay in downshifting but it’s still an issue even on my new trans.

[@CoreNiel]

@@CarGuy11 How does one go about getting/updating?

[@CarGuy11]

Complain to dealer about rough & delayed shifting and ask if there are any TCM updates.

[@JuniorJr_23]

My daughter's 2016 (built-in 11/15) Jeep Cherokee Latitude V6 has jerking, bucking issues with 'no' Check Engine Light. Even in a standstill on "D" the car will slightly be jerking with your foot on the brake pedal. The stop/start feature does not work. The Jeep has over 96k miles but has been acting up since 50k miles on and off; however, now the jerking is constant. Do I need to bring it to the Dealer or can I just go to an Auto Transmission specialist? Jeep was never brought to the dealer and located in California. Also, will "Car/Auto Shield" help with this issue? Subscribed.

[@CarGuy11]

You can call dealer to see if it is still under any type of warranty. If not see if independent shop can apply any software updates to vehicle to improve jerking before having anything replaced otherwise have dealer apply updates first. Thanks for watching!

[@mmaaddict78]

Kinda late on the reply here, but I’d suspect a break switch not working correctly if auto stop/start is not working.

[@johnforeman3728]

just bought a 15 cherokee limited v6..40k miles used to rebuld trans,so im piky,,day 2 pf ownership was on the phone telling my salesman about the bumpstops,and 3500rpm shifts,once i pulled out cold onto a highway and seemd to rev before going? hope this isnt ongoing and a flash fixes some

[@CarGuy11]

Unfortunately even the new trans shifts bad at times.

[@elciscomis]

I have a 2014 with the same issue out of warranty, is it possible to get a brand new trans. to replace it?

[@CarGuy11]

It won’t be covered under warranty.

[@emdaudio]

Hello, I am about to buy a second hand 2018 cherokee trailhawk, is there any way to verify that the transmission is not one of the defective ones?

[@CarGuy11]

You should be ok with a 2018.

[@emdaudio]

@@CarGuy11 Thanks!!!!!!

[@aaronfreimark7535]

I have a 2019 Trailhawk. It does the same thing. I wonder if transmission failure is imminent if it doesn't get fixed, that's if a real fix even exist. I have a Virginia Beach vacation coming up soon and it's my turn to drive, we're coming from Ohio. I have a 2013 Ford Fusion with 150,000 miles on it and it feels solid and reliable. My Trailhawk is a 2019 with 26,000 miles on it. If I'm being honest, I feel more comfortable driving my Fusion.

[@CarGuy11]

Unfortunately it’s pretty normal for these transmissions but doesn’t mean they are going to fail.

[@sbond1963]

Do you still have it? Is the transmission issue fixed?

[@aaronfreimark7535]

@sbond1963 Yep, I still have it. I've never had the the transmission looked at or serviced. I've read many a story that the ZF9 transmission in these are quirky and have accepted that as fact. I just keep driving it. The more I've driven it, the less it acts up. It's been to Virginia Beach and Tennessee now, coming from Ohio. I can't even remember the last time I've experienced the herky jerky. Pretty much has worked itself out!

[@hyprjay]

Well my 2014 and my 2018 both just had transmissions replaced under warranty. Same exact issues. They fought me for 7 months and almost missed out on my warranty on my 2014. Wild to think the same issue is this common on every one of them, I’m curious if the newer model in 2019 fixed the issue. Lol glad I wasn’t alone tho on both my jeeps.

[@CarGuy11]

Yeah worst part of these cars. Hope you check out more Jeep videos on the channel!

[@isaiahhagwood5028]

I drive a 2020 with the V6, how do I know if an updated software is available?

[@CarGuy11]

Have to complain of poor shifting to dealer for them to see if there is an update.

[@davidberg8677]

I am amazed our 2017 Trailhawk has not had any issues only updated software once early on. Very smooth shifting and only 8th gear at 80+. Mostly starts in 2nd also. Anyone have this issue in 2017 models?

[@CarGuy11]

I believe they did make improvements to 2016+ models.

[@SensaMilla]

17 JGC trail hawk trans issues with jolts when shifting at gears 1/2/3. Live in Silver Spring MD and Took it to local dealer in October. They agreed is a power train issue at 35k miles. I’m pretty close to pass the warranty powertrain mark at 5yr/36k miles. They gave my car back after 2 weeks stating they replaced a gasket. And still get jolts especially at higher gears now 4/5/6. Also noticed a leak under the car after it being parked assuming trans fluid because of the location of the leak. Took it back, they reopened the issue and it’s been 3 weeks with no update. Called yesterday they said they are still waiting for a valve body part. Right now I am concerned it getting across the warranty line and something major happening… fingers crossed one of two things happen. Value body replacement and no issues. Value body replacement and issues continue past the warranty and the dealer accepts faulty prior warranty deadline and they fix it for free 😐

[@CarGuy11]

They should take care of it as long as issue was documented before. Also powertrain warranty is 5yr/60k miles.

[@mmaaddict78]

@@richierealrrIt might just be there to give the low range a bit more legs so it isn’t revving to the moon.

[@SmoothBrain23]

Yeah thats a blockage in your valve body from the fluid and filter being old. Keep this in mind everyone, your transmission fluid is not life time fluid. No fluid in the world is lifetime, when the fluid is cold its thicker and when the fluid is warmed up, obviously thinner. Search a photo of a transmission valve body, once you see the labyrinth looking part, you will understand how it can get easily blocked

[@Ptullo77]

I have a Limited 2.4. I feel it a bit rough on the first gears, it makes like a grinding noise. Do you think it is related to transmission? Thanks for your content!

[@CarGuy11]

Hmm it’s hard to say but worth taking it into a shop. Thanks for watching!

[@errorsofmodernism7331]

dump it

[@starelliston8993]

I just got a 2015 Cherokee North and it gets pretty jerky when shifting at times. Does Jeep pay to fix or replacement?

[@CarGuy11]

Yes if it’s under powertrain warranty. But tbh it’s gone back to shifting poorly again.

[@leeswindell6618]

i have a 2014 trailhawk..transmission is doin same thing..damn near exactly..got the software update because of recall..transmission issues went away..4 days later all back..i got this car used unfortunately no warra ty..so price wise what i am lookin at here?

[@CarGuy11]

Powertrain warranty follows the vehicle so as long as it’s less than 6 years old than it will be covered.

[@leeswindell6618]

@@CarGuy11 that has ran out. missed it by couple months..probably gonna be around 2,000 to 2,500 dollars to fix

[@CarGuy11]

Lee Swindell They might work with you since you already complained about it.

[@matthewt6513]

Good to know I probably need a new trans

[@CarGuy11]

Thanks for watching and hope you check out more Jeep videos on the channel!

[@jeffcorraini5233]

I have a 2015 Cherokee Trailhawk with the 2.4L I4 engine and it seems to be doing the same thing. Do you know if this car came with the extended 6 year drive train warranty? I bought it used. Thank you.

[@CarGuy11]

Yes all 2014 & 2015 Cherokees should have 6yr 100k mile transmission warranty.

[@joemickelssilva1347]

Any fixes for this? I just found out this car has problems and I put$500 down to reserve a 2015 model for 25k however the dealership said they are maintaining it and putting a warranty on it. plus its a very high reputable dealer rated the highest in town.

[@CarGuy11]

Not really. This trans just shifts badly but hasn’t broke down.

[@theresa7553]

How is your car? I am looking at getting a 2016 model tomorrow

[@Huney73]

@carguy11 or anyone that can answer: Without shifting gears with there be a jerk/slip/skip with the PTU recall? I think I’m experiencing this, but I’m not sure. 15 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

[@CarGuy11]

That’s likely the trans terrible shifting but definitely take in for recall and they will flash latest software.

[@bigsky53]

2014 cherokee trailhawk...same problem...in the shop many times...service says nothing they can do !

[@CarGuy11]

Unfortunately even my new trans is doing the same thing now.

[@bigsky53]

@@CarGuy11 Try changing to snow or sport mode...it alters the shift points...

[@kenczerwinski3006]

Take it to a different dealer. As bigsky53 said, mine shifts much better in snow mode but you have to remember to switch to it every time you start the engine. Sport mode is great but has higher RPMs and uses more gas-much better performance though. I've had the valve body replaced, have to drive it a while before I can take it back. Still has the hesitation. It almost caused a bad accident making a left turn across 50 MPH traffic.

[@Pecharly]

@@CarGuy11 Mine is doing the same, should I go to the Service and see what they say?, or just leave it like that? Like you said it is worst on Winter. Thanks!!

[@CarGuy11]

I wouldn’t bother unless your still under powertrain warranty.

[@mariahambrick9610]

No no no. This is what mine is doing 😭. I just paid it off last month!

[@chaddavis5422]

Thank you for all the info thought I was crazy

[@CarGuy11]

No problem & hope you check out more Jeep videos on the channel!

[@acedtune]

I would say a CVT could fix that but Jeep can't do that right either. Our 2014 Jeep Patriot feels likes it's on one cylinder going up hill as it's trying to fake a downshift just ends up slipping.

[@CarGuy11]

Yeah I’d still take this over a CVT lol.

[@davortomljanovic4490]

I dont think 2014 Patriot has CVT, it's should have 6 speed automatic.

[@acedtune]

@@davortomljanovic4490 the cars gone now my mother had two back to back I swear one of them did . But we got rid of it for the issues on how it drove .

[@CarGuy11]

The FWD models had CVTs.

[@300kapslar]

Did you get the trans for free?

[@CarGuy11]

Yes covered under powertrain warranty & Jeep extended it for 6 years on 2015s.

[@bruced.370]

Mine said 5years or 100000

[@jake2262]

Did you have a 4 cylinder or 6? Is there less problems with one vs the other?

[@CarGuy11]

6cyl. The 6 seems to be a little more reliable.

[@ElevatorWasher5000]

@@CarGuy11 I heard the pentastar engine is problematic, TOO MANT problems!

[@jamescourier1545]

The ZF 9HP will never, ever shift normally because of the design. There are two dog clutches in the design, which were used because of space constraints. Dog clutches are either engaged or disengaged. So software interrupts torque to the engine while certain gear changes occur. Terrible design. ZF makes some of the best transmissions out there so this must be embarrassing.

[@CarGuy11]

Yeah I’d rather have less gears that shift smoothly.

[@myfakeguuglaccount8307]

If you still have a 2014+ Cherokee that's drivable, cut your losses and sell it. There is NO repairing the dumpster-fire 9-spd; it's a ticking time bomb.

[@galmiklos]

Didn't the police contact you yet? You ran the stop sign multiple times, once the red light, and I am sure you were speeding in the 25 MPH zone. ;-)

[@CarGuy11]

Lol had to show how the trans acts in real world driving ha!

[@JohnRocker340]

I purchased the Maxcare lifetime when I bought my 15 TH new. 91k still running like new. Only maintenance items done.

[@CarGuy11]

Good to hear. Have you had trans flash updates?

[@biggusbestus551]

I think only the folks that did not get an extended warranty have problems. Murphy's Law ...

[@JohnRocker340]

@@CarGuy11 4 since purchase 10/14

[@domeniczambuto7592]

I got a new transmission for this car about a year or two ago because one of the transmission gears sheared off, still drives terrible. I would recommend not buying this car at all unless u want a very bad car only 5 years after you bought it. Do not buy jeep….. ever!

[@jonathansmith1781]

I am the second owner of my 2015 Jeep Cherokee Sport, i’ve had it for five years and put 100,000 miles on top of the 30,000 that were on it when I purchased it. I can’t pretend to be clueless when this topic arises, because I have experienced a similar behavior, but only periodically when when I created the conditions necessary for example, rolling through stop signs, hesitating, when merging, driving, like the fool who made this video is the only way to trick the the CPU.

[@johnforeman3728]

you need some tires bud!

[@CarGuy11]

Yeah got these. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWaYq6RvfZJ0b9U

[@maxgorecki3849]

If you still have this car and drive in auto settings for your 4x4 on dry roads then stop. Driving in auto 4x4 on dry roads damages the trans at some point

[@riyaandrayplay6856]

This transmission is horrible and they should pay for every one of them! They gear search and hang up on gears so bad. Worst transmission I've ever seen!

[@jeffwright1855]

G a r b a g e

[@emiero]

After repair no more problems with the transmission?

[@CarGuy11]

It still shifted rough after a period of time but never broke.