Jeep Cherokee

 Service Manual

Transmission and transfer case » NV3550 manual transmission » Diagnosis and testing
Hard shifting

Hard shifting is usually caused by a low lubricant level, improper or contaminated lubricants, transmission component damage, clutch linkage malfunction, or by a damaged clutch pressure plate or disc.

Substantial lubricant leaks can result in gear, shift component, synchro and bearing damage. If a leak goes undetected for an extended period, the first indications of a problem are usually hard shifting and noise.

Incorrect or contaminated lubricants can also contribute to hard shifting. The consequence of using non-recommended lubricants is noise, excessive wear, internal bind and hard shifting.

Improper clutch release is a frequent cause of hard shifting. Incorrect adjustment or a worn, damaged pressure plate or disc can cause incorrect release. If the clutch problem is advanced, gear clash during shifts can result.

Worn or damaged synchro rings can cause gear clash when shifting into any forward gear. In some new or rebuilt transmissions, new synchro rings may tend to stick slightly causing stiff and/or noisy shifts.

In most cases, this condition will decline as the rings wear in.

Low lubricant level

Hard shifting

Transmission noise