Transmission Clunk/Rough Shift Fix 2011-2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2

A quick video to help you with you 2011- 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee shifting problems
Link for the TSB list -www.wk2jeeps.com/wk2_tsb.htm
Music Credit: OurMusicBox (Jay Man)
Track Name: "Raw Rivalry"
Music By: Jay Man @
Official "OurMusicBox" KZbin Channel: / ourmusicbox
License for commercial use: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Music promoted by NCM goo.gl/fh3rEJ
► Music Credit: OurMusicBox (Jay Man)
Track Name: "Raw Rivalry"
Music By: Jay Man @
Official "OurMusicBox" KZbin Channel: / ourmusicbox
License for commercial use: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Music promoted by NCM goo.gl/fh3rEJ

[@finnishfatman]

In my Jeep GC WK/WH (05) the issue with clunking while shifting was because the bushings holding the front end were bad. Replaced those and it solved the issue for me. The front end was able to move up and down when shifting, when there was torque applied to it from drive shaft. If you're getting that sound, go under your Jeep and let someone switch gears and see if your front end is moving. Might be it.

[@laragreene8328]

The thing that is outstanding to me is how little car mechanics/auto repair shops seem to know about Jeep transmissions!!! Seriously!! Its mind blowing! 😉 My Jeep is a 1995...and any problem with it seems to always have a simple fix...but the car mechanics want to make it as difficult as they can...and miss the whole problem 🤣 I picked it up the other day from the shop,from a so called repair,get in the Jeep to drive home and the check engine light is on!!! So I'm going to start fixing it myself 😉

[@batoot2die100]

Firt off, thanks for the informative and simple video you shared. It's happening with my 2012 JGC Overland Summit almost for 5 years and when I changed the transmission oil I thought it'll gone, the clunk remained annoying me till the moment I saw your video. I think sometimes I do the same trick you did on the video, but without knowing what I did, because I don't hear the clunk. Anyways I'll keep doing this trick every time I ride the car frequently. Let's see if there is any progress will happen.

[@jamespheiffer6031]

This issue does not go away if you are parked on an incline or a decline. When pressing the emergency foot brake and holding the brake pedal in firmly and then moving the gear lever into Park. When you release the foot brake, the car rests on the foot brake which is causing the "clunking noise" as it basically is resting on the foot brake and the transmission which is in Park. A better method is as follows: - when stopping on an incline or a decline, press the foot brake hard - move the transmission into the Neutral position - press the emergency foot brake hard and release the foot brake pedal - the car will move and rest on the emergency foot brake - press on the foot brake and move the transmission from Neutral to Park - turn off vehicle When you return to the vehicle and start the vehicle moving the transmission from Park to Drive there will be no "clunky noise"

[@batoot2die100]

Mine is 2012 JGC Overland Summit and it does this a lot, because when I push on emergency break the vehicle always on "N" not on "D". I think I was doing it on a wrong way, but now I know the reason. Thanks a lot for the explanation.

[@wk2outdoors321]

No problem. Its just a simple way to make the vehicle a little bit more enjoyable. Glad I could help. Try it out and let me know how it goes.

[@CobraComputerSystems]

not just Jeeps the same ZF brand trans but the 9spd version is in my 2015 Acura TLX. No clunking sound but in the Acuras its a famous problem that they shift incredibly hard from 1-2 and 2-3. The idle learn reset works sometimes for me but Ill try the parking brake shift myself. You got a sub dude. Nice channel

[@DragonKnightX12]

That's what my GC does, but when the trans warms up it's smooth sailing. Not enough to make me regret getting my Jeep I love it too much. Besides I think every vehicle these days has some kind of quirky thing it does.

[@travismartin3730]

This is literally a 5 minute video on why/how to use your parking brake.

[@wk2outdoors321]

Haha esentially.

[@rickyperea7861]

Yea lol that’s how your supposed to park it haha

[@drewmatic7763]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@TheBIGKNOC]

Great vid one question did you have to pay for updates from dealer

[@wranglerwild9193]

I have the 2011 Laredo 5.7 HEMI and definitely has this issue. After updates the shifting was better... when it got bad again I got another update. I will def try to emergency method. These transmissions built for this model are extremely durable and can take a lot of beating. Like he said don’t stress of the shifting unless it’s outrageous.

[@hondaman8648]

how much do they charge for the updates? thanks

[@jayjayrite1]

That clunking is the parking pin. Which exists in ANY vehicle (the noise). Your parked on a hill with no emergency break engaged leaving the pin on your transmission to hold the weight of your vehicle. Over time it will wear out the parking pin but isn’t that bad. On any hill always have the emergency break engaged.

[@utubestalkerdotcom]

reminds me of someone trying to bend their Samsung phone and the mother board creaks. yeh, if you keep bending it, something is gonna snap and break lol. iphone user trying to make a point

[@FoxJeepTx]

I’ll definitely get the update. Thanks for the video. Btw that clunk is pretty common for most vehicles if parked on incline/driveway. My Subaru also does that. But I engage the E-Brake on both of my vehicles as well.

[@anhelDondee]

I have a 2005 Elentra with 215000 miles clunks if I don't engage the e brake.

[@mbashus6468]

I just purchased a 2012 Grand Cherokee Limited yesterday. Of course it wasn't making that clunk at the dealership but after I got home with it, it happened immediately. I was in tears 😢 Your video helped me so much! I always second guess my decisions on cars. Especially cuz my dad is a car guru. But, bless you for helping us non car gurus! And I will def check the updates! Id kiss you if I could. Lol...thank u!!

[@wk2outdoors321]

Glad I could help! It's always scary buying a new vehicle. On a side note, most dealerships give you 30 days or so to return your vehicle if you don't like it :)

[@jgfunk]

I took my Jeep to a transmission place because I heard the same issue. He told me it was motor mounts. So I took it to another mechanic and we cannot recreate the problem. But I swear the next day when I'm driving I hear that same sound. Thanks for the video and I'm hoping this helps.

[@ryans413]

It’s called torque lock it happens cause your driveway is probably on a slight incline. So when you put it in park all the weight from the vehicle is sitting on the parking gear and when you release it you get that jolt. By having the handbrake hold the vehicle when you shift out of park it dosnt jolt because all the weight wasn’t on the parking gear the handbrake was helping hold the vehicle

[@ld5108]

i hear ya.... is this what all the jeep transmission problems i hear are all about?

[@MarkINFO_TV]

very good video

[@howardredder3582]

My sons 2007 does the same thing. But, im wondering, WHAT IS PUSHING THE EMERGENCY PEDAL DOING THAT HELPS THE CLUNKING??

[@shadowwolf1818]

I frequently forget to release the brake before driving. My trans has started to slip in the cold. I'm worried and can't find the fluid check on my 12 gjc? Any help appreciated!

[@submissions72]

That's a really good tip on the Ebrake! Thank you!

[@froggerman44]

Have u ever experience “shift flare “ first to second ?

[@hosainaljibory3704]

I have an issue with my wk2 2012 The vaporating pipe of transmission fluid is leaking some vaport or oil in the hood Is it normal or not

[@impactptperformance524]

Specifically, which updates did you go and get that helped you with your transmission issues while driving?

[@J_Addison]

My ' 14 slams into 3rd gear and jumps from reverse to neutral, any fix for that?

[@jeremykuhn7077]

When you park are you parking up or down hill? Or on a flat surface? My parking spot I can park either way and my pickup truck transmission clunks not really a big deal to me and on flat surfaces like parking lots it doesn't clunk at all

[@wk2outdoors321]

It clunks bad on any surfaces with a slope. I generally park " up hill"

[@gbcautoworks]

I never use my parking brake. What is the clunking is it the pawl disengaging ?

[@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 😐

[@robertagoode6500]

My Jeep want go forward or backward do I need a new transmission

[@brianterlep6353]

Better to apply emergency brake while in neutral. Then let off the brake pedal to allow the weight of the car to transfer from pedal to emergency brake. Then once all pressure is on brake shift it to park. This allows all the weight of the car to be held by the emergency brake first, not the gear it was last in, drive or park. You will never hard shift out of park this way because when you pull the shift lever there is no pressure on the park gear. Not sure if I make sense. But putting it in park then letting go of the brake is putting most of the weight on your transmission not your brakes even if you apply e brake first. If you you ever notice your car move after letting go the brake all that energy goes somewhere doing it my way makes sure it goes to the brake not the trans. Also the dealership can perform a quick learn procedure where the computer will relearn and adapt to the worn clutches allowing to shift smoother.

[@mchenson86]

Thank you for you advices, really appreciate that. I wish you read my question, How to activate the 4x4 on different circumstances like mud, sand or mountain road? Also how to activate it to descent a mountain road? Thank you.

[@RB-nh3rb]

I too need to learn this on the laredo 4x4 2016 model

[@nikolaivasilev9745]

Laredo doesn't have select terrain system

[@margaretblaankenship4217]

Where u go get the updates of the jeep while driving shifts tough

[@robertjohnston8531]

Never had this, though I thought the emergency brake was a parking break so I guess that's why. I did have rough slow speed shifting after getting new front tires. I guess the adaptive transmission had to adapt to the new tires.

[@BatMan-tp2qm]

Always change all four tires or you'll fry you're transfer case. If the transfer case senses a difference in wheel speed from the front and rear it will try to compesate by activating the 4WD cluches...

[@sinergy100]

Thanks for the video. The link however no longer works. I recently came into possession of a 2011 jeep grand cherokee. Very low mileage, but I'm also experiencing hard shifting as I drive. It's disconcerting to say the least. I've had the fluid changed to no avail. I absolutely hate the jeep dealership here so I'm reluctant to go back there... Wish it were possible to apply these software updates yourself.

[@Flyby-1000]

You should always use the parking brake when parked on an incline.. living in FL, I don't have that cl clunking issue cuz there's no pressure on the parking paw. When you park on an incline then the vehicles weight is solely resting on the parking paw. When I do happen to park on an incline driveway I set my parking brake before I put it in park and I never have that clunking noise issue.

[@alexjiminez7309]

Very hard to get an update if you have an older model

[@antredwine2051]

Can you shift gears in this Jeep or no

[@Sandra-sm5iq]

How are the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokees? I keep seeing videos about 14 and newer Transmissions completely going out or the car stalling in the middle of the road

[@tonyb1968]

Not so good. Neighbor has one. all city driving no offroad. Always having transfer case problems and memory/ electrical issues

[@Latin-dog]

Hi I'm experiencing the same shifting problems, I have a 2015 Grand Cherokee Overland and this happens when slowing down to a stop , with regards to the list on the link what update I should be looking at so I know how explain to my service center , are these updates recalls? or should I expect a fee to get it done please

[@wk2outdoors321]

They cost money. I don't recall how much but it's not cheap. Just tell them you want all the updates for your cheap.

[@TheDamnDogg]

Did you ever get it fix? My jeep is doing the same 😳

[@Jason-gt6ko]

NEVER buying another Chrysler product.

[@unknownuser954]

I don’t have this issue but it does make a slight bang sound when I take off Quickly some times I’m 16 and have one of those and idc If it gets problems because I’m gonna teach myself to be a mechanic.

[@marcosnunez2521]

Hi Why my Jeep when I do back up my car is lock out back wheeler

[@fuckyoutube1999]

I heard that same clunk and also have my car jerk while driving until the engine is warmed up. What could that be?

[@mhr40]

Mine 2017 jgc (v6) limited and I got clunk in (8 speed) transmission when I start up engine

[@wk2outdoors321]

Standard Jeep problems!

[@DragonKnightX12]

Got a 2014 limtied with the Hemi. I don't get a clunk but it does seem to shift hard on 2-3 and down 5-4 before transmission fluids warms up.

[@robertpiersons7607]

This did not work for my 2006 jeep grand cherokee 3.7v6 sport utility 4x4. I fixed the entire suspension now it's making a clunk noise shifting frm park to reverse and into drive. Pulling the emergency break is not doing anything. Please let me know what the issue is? I don't want to replace my cv axles if I need to replace the entire differential case or transfer....😮😢

[@mattsgarage6670]

My 2014 randomly shifts to neutral just spemt 2000 at dealer for new valve bodies drove good for two weeks now its at dealer again for same problem

[@garduzaa]

thanks boss

[@googuser3145]

The park clunk will absolutely not damage the trans. Every automatic does this to varying degrees. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parking_pawl The clunk is caused by physically pulling the pawl from the locking gear tooth, with the weight of the jeep on it. Like pulling a lockimg pin out of a jackstand with weight on it... itll clunk. My GC only does this at my ma's, my driveway is flat. Your fix.... i don't disagree. At the very least, you know your park brake works. No harm in that.

[@ryans413]

Goog User Oh it will ware out the teath on the gear what’s happening is all the weight of the vehicle is on that tinny parking pawl. Having to release it under pressure can ware out the gear then your parking pawl won’t hold the car anymore. I use my handbrake and the parking gear together and it never clunks

[@tahseenali2149]

Hello. I have 2018 Jeep Cherokee the problem is the fan radiator is work direct when the engine start what you think about this

[@wk2outdoors321]

I don't quite understand what you're asking me. Sorry!

[@tahseenali2149]

@@wk2outdoors321 i ask you about the problem in my car .fan radiator is running immediate when the engine run what you think the problem

[@wk2outdoors321]

@@tahseenali2149 if it's an electric fan it will run until it cools things down and then shut off and turn on again when it needs to cool things down once again

[@wk2outdoors321]

@@tahseenali2149 it could be a sensor or electrical problem. They can be difficult to diagnose. It's best to talk to someone more qualified than me.

[@tahseenali2149]

@@wk2outdoors321 thank you very much

[@lillithbena1211]

this is fine unless the transmission literally has no fluid. Jeep capped the transmission port and not only can't 2013 3.6L owners check fluid levels, we don't know there is an issue until it causes the transmission the fail completely costing thousands.

[@0fksgvn185]

When's the last time you cleaned it dirty the inside of the transmission and engine probably looks the same Used jeep for sale

[@deo900boy]

Thank you so much I was actually considering getting rid of my wife's Jeep (when driving it would always feels like the transmission is slipping) I will get the updates before I make my final decision thank you 🙏🏾☝🏾

[@taharaezell5166]

Hi, have you gotten your jeep updates yet?

[@deo900boy]

@@taharaezell5166 no before I took it to the dealership it stopped all symptoms only thing I've done different is every time I place it in park I use the emergency brake also

[@timcronan2522]

Did anyone get the updates? I have a 2013 jgc 5.7 and it clunks when braking fast and almost feels as it’s slipping when taking off and shifting between 1 and 2nd would love to know the updates used if anyone had gotten trouble

[@timcronan2522]

2012*

[@norma1812]

So my issue is a little different. I have a loud clunking sound when going at a high speed, like 65 MPH, and preparing to stop, at a light or stop stop sign. It sounds and feels like you hit a pothole, any ideas on what it could be???

[@fuckyoutube1999]

Brakes?

[@moenycn6c]

I have the same problem now

[@norma1812]

@@moenycn6c it was a huge issue with the axle so best of luck to you!

[@lionswatches]

Parking Prawl broken?

[@HITMAN-he9ws]

thank bro

[@wk2outdoors321]

Anytime! Glad I could help.

[@ZEDNANREHIGH]

What is WK2 ? Stand for ?

[@oldemarvargasgutieerez3081]

The video was quite interesting but the reason for that horrible and loud clinck is that you should used t he hand brake ( actuated by the foot not your hand ) in order to stop the car and once you are completely shure the car was stopped then and only then put the transmission into the parking position if you dont do that what you are doing is using your parking position for stopping the car and it is not what it is intended for it is only a safety device that put a safety kind of toothed device that blocks the end of the transmission main axle, just because the car does not move at all . ghe click that you heard is when take that safety stopping device off or unbloked it and doing so the teeth that are mesh need to separate violently and that is the horrible clinking. So the outcome of the story is that first you engage as strong as possible the hand bkake and then put transmission into park, and later when be going form Pafrk to Reverse or Drive the movement is going to be a delightfull and smooth movent as shoul be. Thanks

[@Jason-gt6ko]

Don't waste your time with the updates to fix rough shifting. They don't work. Chrysler put those updates out to calm Jeep owners who were furious. I teas that this is a calibration issue. From a dead stop, I put the Jeep in manual mode, start moving and shift into Sport mode and then right away to auto mode. Takes some practice but I don't hear any noise at all. Smooth shifting. I also found that remote starting it in the morning and letting it run for several minutes helps alot.

[@TroutWest]

I've got a clunk/hit on putting my jeep in reverse when leaving my driveway.. but nowhere else. I believe it has something to do with the car rolling back after you take the car out of park to then shift into reverse. Mine has 165K miles. Looking forward to the fishing of course...

[@wk2outdoors321]

It seems most of these jeeps have this problem unfortunately. I still haven't figured out exactly what it is. You're right though. If you let the vehicle roll back even slightly it bangs and clunks when you shift. That's why the E brake needs to be engaged while you have the foot on the brake. I'm thinking diff bushings or just a bad transmission design. I'm hoping to get some fishing videos done this week. Thanks for the support and the kind words!

[@manfromearth8656]

@@wk2outdoors321 before my wk2 I had a 96 jgc and it had the same clunk ! never caused any damage

[@wk2outdoors321]

@@manfromearth8656 I was worried the first couple years I had the Jeep but no signs of damage yet either.

[@ryans413]

When shifting you are suppose to hold the vehicle from rolling with the foot brake. You are probably shifting without pressing the brake

[@TroutWest]

@@ryans413 you can't shift without your foot on the brake.

[@thomasrayborne3450]

Ahhh okay I got you now

[@almifarji]

This works in all vehicles, not just the WK2

[@markhodges1276]

That's because it isn't an "emergency brake", it's a Park Brake. You are supposed to use it whenever the car is parked....

[@robertjohnston8531]

Yes that's why I never had this issue.. Though I hate that they changed from a hand to a foot brake.

[@ryans413]

You are suppose to use the parking gear and handbrake together but most don’t they just use the parking gear

[@ryans413]

Robert Johnston Sometimes if the handbrakes up little too high it’s tough to push the button in to release it a foot pedal one be little easier

[@chriscadman5715]

How in the world did you figure that out? It's crazy man!

[@anthonyv2645]

It’s really common sense!!

[@user-fb7nu5cm6k]

Hello, I am from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I have the same problem. My car is a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I will try this method. I hope it will work.

[@laqueciaweaks4117]

Good

[@dananderson5150]

thats tension on the driveline.. my chev is known for the same thing.... new joints help

[@Cleaning_Hero]

I tried the parking brake and it still didn’t work. Maybe it’s because I had it pressed down with my foot instead of just leaving it as is until I put it in reverse. I’ll try it next time I drive it. I’ve noticed it does it worse when I’m on a hill.

[@Latin-dog]

Connor make sure the weight of the car is resting fully on the parking brake before shifting it to park,

[@Cleaning_Hero]

My dad said it’s because it a transmission that was from AMC, and was not designed necessarily to be refined back in the early 90’s. Jeep used it in many of their vehicles up until 2013 model year. Mine only slams sometimes in reverse gear, but never while driving.

[@paulrozinski1488]

Just like they say about boats also applies to Jeep products. The 2 happiest days in a Jeep owners life: 1- The day he buys it, 2- The day he gets rid of it😂 Ever since “Jeep” became FCA, they’ve put out nothing but cheaply made junk.

[@Jason-gt6ko]

You said it, man!

[@balakash7379]

That solution you suggest is the right way to park

[@MiguelReyes-ys2qv]

Link does not work anymore

[@khalidkhan13]

My Jeep Grand Cherokee 2012, V8 5.7 is having same clunk sound but while shifting from N to D or D to N. Dealer asked me over 15000$ to change the gear box. Someone said it's shaft, someone pinion, someone saying problem with programming, someone saying it's common drive like this. It's very annoying.

[@hayriyesarman7292]

well your suppose to pit the car in N then hit handbrake so all weight is on handbrake not transmission.then put car in P . you should know this

[@MoparAdventure]

Diff bushingsp

[@DavidHamm02]

Mine clunks when I go from park to drive

[@suen7200]

Do you have an email i can reach out at and PM - I work for Dorman Products - I like your videos and want to talk to you about some ideas we are working on that you may be able to help out with. The most recent video of part #: 926-133 you did was a great install vid.

[@wk2outdoors321]

Hey Derek. Yes sure. You can reach me at [e-mail] I look forward to hearing from you.

[@Drekulviin]

hahahaahha learn that in driving school 25 years ago.

[@bnano53]

Wow you are a genius.. if you have to make a video on setting a parking/e- brake to help you or anyone else then they should not be driving.. this is common sense..

[@AntonioHernandez-og6ei]

this isnt a fix, its just a recommendation

[@geoffswavley9787]

what the? You're just stopping the transmission from taking the weight of the car?? OK ... maybe people don't know this???

[@sandrablakeley5621]

That’s not a fix tho. That’s just a bandaid….

[@movingearth3726]

Ummm no hud that’s no fix at all lmdao

[@axxis402]

I mean the things these Jeep owners go through it's ridiculous you have to modify your life around the vehicle you purchase and pay insurance for an upkeep and all the different things that requires to have a car but you have to adapt to it in order for you to have a peace of mind it's really strange please do not buy jeeps They are no good The product is subpar at best.

[@rogerlee6289]

I don't care if you are on a flat surface. Use the god damn parking brake... especially on a hill. The transmission pawl was intended so your vehicle doesn't roll away when in park in case your parking brake fails. But it was never designed to take the weight of the vehicle, especially on a incline or decline. I see people put it in park and the whole car jolts and all that weight rests on the transmission pawl. That's why when you put the transmission in gear you hear a clunk... yup that's your transmission pawl breaking away from the locked position. once or twice.. fine. But use the damn parking brake. Make it a habit to shift to neutral, parking brake fully engaged, let go of the brake pedal so that parking brakes are taking the full weight of the vehicle, then put the transmission in park. The reason for putting it in Neutral rather than in gear is so if your parking brake fails what whatever reason you are still not locking up your transmission and have the pawl take the weight of the vehicle, your vehicle will just roll. Those extra 3 seconds will make your wallet and transmission happy. Transmission replacement 3k to 4k. Parking brake system 150-200 buck.

[@karzanxmusic]

I never recommend jeep the biggest mistake I made bought jeep grand Cherokee 2012 👎😞 I never ever go with jeep

[@randygalbiati1943]

Complete waste of time.

[@TheodoreAndor]

Before put in Park Stop Neutral Park brake Then shift to park

[@NeoB-Lac]

Useless info…