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Code reader for 2004 TJ

Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 10:55 am
by TJDave
Anyone have access to one, or know where I could get advanced codes read? Preferably in Pasco as my Jeep is stuck in 2nd and can only do 35mph.
Something has told the Jeep to go into "limp mode". I disconnected the battery for a couple hours at camp Sunday to clear the code. Worked for about 1000 feet, then back to WTF mode.

The code that comes up when cycling the ignition is P0700. I've read this is just a generic code and could be a few different issues. TCM, PCM, tranny shift sensor, shift solonoid, or worst case... a fried tranny. :cry:

Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 11:07 am
by tobyw
Tranny fluid will tell you if it's a mechanical issue... Odds are very good it's just a sensor/module, but I'm sorry I can't offer any help on a reader, I've just got a generic one that I picked up at the O'Schmukzone several years back.

Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 11:11 am
by TJDave
Thanx Toby. Yep I checked the fluid in camp too. While running in neutral.
Full and didn't smell burnt.
At least that is good news.

Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 11:19 am
by mattawajeep
TJDave wrote:Anyone have access to one, or know where I could get advanced codes read? Preferably in Pasco as my Jeep is stuck in 2nd and can only do 35mph.
Something has told the Jeep to go into "limp mode". I disconnected the battery for a couple hours at camp Sunday to clear the code. Worked for about 1000 feet, then back to WTF mode.

The code that comes up when cycling the ignition is P0700. I've read this is just a generic code and could be a few different issues. TCM, PCM, tranny shift sensor, shift solonoid, or worst case... a fried tranny. :cry:


I've got a code reader that will pull just about everything from the PCM. However, there's a good chance that the transmission computer doesn't actually transmit the full information set to the PCM.

I'm thinking you probably need a transmission specific reader connected directly to the transmission computer, not the ODBII port, to get any more information than what the dash has, and those are generally a dealer only tool.

Probably not what you wanted to hear, but the dealer should be able to tell you what's wrong.

ETA: It would be a really good idea to check all the wires and plugs going into the transmission. Make sure nothing is unplugged, broken, corroded or dirty.

Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 11:27 am
by TJDave
Thanx Dale. I'll check that stuff.
The Jeep only has a little over 50K miles on it. It's not even due for it's first tranny fluid and filter change for another 10k.
Hoping for the best.

Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 11:30 am
by scumby
long read that eventually comes to conclusion and a fixed jeep after many trips to a dealer.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/jeep-non ... -work.html

Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 11:48 am
by Lurch
Is your check engine light coming on? If so just about any code reader will pull codes. If it's a Trans light flashing it's most likely going to need a better diagnostic tool. I've got a universal one that can pull codes and give the definition of the codes. It will also monitor a few puss but nothing to fancy. When do you get home? I could swing by with it after work.

Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 11:53 am
by TJDave
Thanks Al. That was interesting! Sounded electrical all along.

Tim, I'm still working nights at the moment. I could limp it to your work.
Yep CEL is on.

Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 12:34 pm
by mattawajeep
Got a chance to look at my service manuals. I only have a 2005 TJ manual for the later years but I can't imagine it being much different, the transmission was the same.

Looks like the TCM is a submodule of the PCM. If it were me, I would unplug all the PCM connectors, its on the passenger side of the firewall in the engine compartment and check for corrosion.

Also, per the manual, to get any additional codes you need a DRB III Scan Tool, which China hasn't gotten around to hacking successfully yet so you're going to need an OEM tool.

I'm a bit busy right now, when I get time I'll read through the transmission section for any clues. In the meantime, I've uploaded the transmission section to my sever if anyone wants to have a look.

www.sonriseorchards.com/PeakPutters/200 ... ection.pdf

Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 1:21 pm
by tobyw
Dave - I also have a full FSM for the 2004 if you want/need to read through any of it.

Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 1:35 pm
by TJDave
Thank you guys.
I gotta go to work now so I can't fiddle with it anymore today.

Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 3:26 pm
by mattawajeep
Did a bit of looking at the FSM, and it seems that aside from checking wiring, fluid, and shifter cables, a lot of the diagnostics rely on further codes from the TCM.


Here's a copy of the 42RLE Transmission Diagnostic Procedure Manual referenced in the Factory Service Manual.

www.sonriseorchards.com/PeakPutters/TJ- ... Manual.pdf

It has all the actual transmission codes and diagnostics stuff you'll need if you had a DRBIII scanner. Get the dealership to pull the codes, and look them up in the above manual. It might be a lot cheaper to mess with it yourself after you get the error codes if it's out of warranty.

Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 4:26 pm
by Jafo
I have one of those bluetooth code readers for my phone, maybe I will deliver the shafts this weekend and see what it says.

Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 6:50 pm
by scumby

Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2014 1:19 pm
by TJDave
Dale: Holy smokes! That's awesome. Thank you.

Kevin: We can try it. Is it a DRBIII reader? I guess I need one of those.

Al: Where you hinting I need a commuter car by posting that CL add?

Well you are right! I bought one yesterday. But not that Geo Metro. :lol:
A buddy made me a screamin' deal on his one owner 05 Altima. I had to take it.

I'm making my Jeep stare at it for awhile, and think about what it did to me last weekend! :twisted:

Image

Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2014 4:16 pm
by mattawajeep
Unfortunately, I think a couple of brand new transmissions are cheaper than a DRBIII reader. You're probably gonna have to find a shop with one.

Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2014 2:12 pm
by TJDave
mattawajeep wrote:Unfortunately, I think a couple of brand new transmissions are cheaper than a DRBIII reader. You're probably gonna have to find a shop with one.


I think you are right. I borrowed a code reader from Gerald. Got an additional code that did not appear when I did the ignition trick. I also checked all the connections.

P0605. Still a generic code. The manual you sent, and everything I've read, says it's most likely the TCM, and a new one will need to be flashed by the dealer to get it set up. But, there is no way to tell for sure what is wrong without that stupid DRBIII reader. :evil: Figures.

So, I called the Jeep dealer. Looks like I'll be trailering the Jeep over there and giving them my bank account #. :(

Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2014 3:24 pm
by mattawajeep
TJDave wrote:
mattawajeep wrote:Unfortunately, I think a couple of brand new transmissions are cheaper than a DRBIII reader. You're probably gonna have to find a shop with one.


I think you are right. I borrowed a code reader from Gerald. Got an additional code that did not appear when I did the ignition trick. I also checked all the connections.

P0605. Still a generic code. The manual you sent, and everything I've read, says it's most likely the TCM, and a new one will need to be flashed by the dealer to get it set up. But, there is no way to tell for sure what is wrong without that stupid DRBIII reader. :evil: Figures.

So, I called the Jeep dealer. Looks like I'll be trailering the Jeep over there and giving them my bank account #. :(


See if you can get them to just pull the codes first. They'll charge you, but could be a lot cheaper than giving them full reign.

Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2014 3:26 pm
by Lurch
I don't know about heep but most places typically diag for less then $100. Cheaper then throwing unknown parts at it.

Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2014 4:21 pm
by scumby
have you dropped the tranny pan at least to look for metal shavings? as mentioned in the pirate thread.

Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2014 4:54 pm
by TJDave
Have not had time to drop the pan yet.
Lithia said they will run diagnostic first and we will go from there.
Leskovar does not have their DRBIII reader anymore...they say.
American transmission said they can diagnose it, they work on a lot of 42rle trannys, but he wasn't sure about the DRBIII. Kinda weird since you need it to program a new TCM. :?
No one else has that special reader.

Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2014 9:23 am
by OldGreen
Have you pulled the regular CEL codes yet?

Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2014 9:37 am
by TJDave
Yep. P0700 and P0605. Both generic codes that will not pinpoint the exact problem. :(

Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2014 9:45 am
by Lurch
What's the code definition?

Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2014 9:55 am
by mattawajeep
The 700 code is a general, there's a transmission problem code, and you need to check the TCM for transmission specific codes.

The 605 code is a ROM error code, which could be caused by a lot of different things, but in this case I'm guessing you have some sort of wiring issue, probably related to the transmission. That would be the optimistic outlook, and would solve both problems. Otherwise, something in the PCM is corrupted, which the dealer would have to fix, unless you want to start throwing parts at it.

Did you ever check and clean all the transmission wire plugs and PCM plugs?

There are probably several, and they can sometimes be a real mess.