4XE Transmission overheat warning while on trails

[MallBrawler]

So I experienced this for the first time, and its somewhat disturbing since its probably 4XE specific. On a 60F day in the California desert going uphill on a trail from palm springs to joshua tree, I got the transmission overheat warning less than 3 miles in. Temperature of transmission was way up, the warning states "press brake or go above 5mph". Trail did not have "crawling" type rocks, I was just going less than 5mph taking it easy.

This happened in both e-save and electric mode, all going slow, uphill on an easy trail. Vehicle had 4 occupants, nothing in trunk. Steel bumper + winch mod, 37" tires with a lift. Third time hitting a trail with the 4XE, 1600 miles total. Last time was high in the mountain on snow/mud trails, 40F ambient temperature and had zero issue all day.

Anyone have ideas as to what might have caused this?

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[diesel_dave]

What was your transmission temp? Fans running really loud?

I wonder if the clutches in the transmission are only partially engaged (slipping) below 5 mph and that's why it gets hot and why the message says to go over 5? Going 6 mph isn't going to do anything as far as air flow so it's an interesting message.

 

[laroo]

What position did you have your transfer case? I remember seeing overheating issues when someone was in 4Hi-Auto, or maybe even 4H.

I'll see if I can find that thread here...

 

[GATORB8]

There's a TSB for trans cooler line fittings, let me see if I can find it.

 

[GATORB8]

TSB Number:
9100116
NHTSA Number:
10231684
TSB Date:
January 6, 2023
Date Added to File:
February 13, 2023
Failing Component:
Engine And Engine Cooling
Summary:
Valve - coolant jl phev hoses to 3-way valve coolant hoses misroute causes p0e80-00. Check hose routing as outlined in star online publication s2208000205 or on a known good vehicle before replacing valve. Routing hoses correctly will like

 

[lindaspins]

What position did you have your transfer case? I remember seeing overheating issues when someone was in 4Hi-Auto, or maybe even 4H.

I'll see if I can find that thread here...

2nd this question. It's an important part of the equation.

 

[Bzinsky]

I’m not sure if the 4xe has a trans thermostat and a trans cooler, but this happened on one of my vehicles before (not a wrangler) . The trans thermostat was supposed to open at 190 degrees, but on mine it was blocked and the trans temp would just keep climbing with no flow to the cooler.

 

[MallBrawler]

What was your transmission temp? Fans running really loud?

Unfortunately I did not remember the temp, but yes, the fan was operating loudly. And only showing overheat in the slower areas of the trail.

What position did you have your transfer case? I remember seeing overheating issues when someone was in 4Hi-Auto, or maybe even 4H.

4H

There's a TSB for trans cooler line fittings, let me see if I can find it.

Does this apply to all 4XE's?

 

[Gazelle]

My transmission gets quite hot while climbing in 4H. I've seen temperatures well above 200F. I just use 4Lo, which operates comfortably up to ~25mph, and have no issues. Temps stay around 180F.

 

[MallBrawler]

TSB Number:
9100116
NHTSA Number:
10231684
TSB Date:
January 6, 2023
Date Added to File:
February 13, 2023
Failing Component:
Engine And Engine Cooling
Summary:
Valve - coolant jl phev hoses to 3-way valve coolant hoses misroute causes p0e80-00. Check hose routing as outlined in star online publication s2208000205 or on a known good vehicle before replacing valve. Routing hoses correctly will like

thats strange, I didn't see this on the Mopar site when i popped my VIN in I did see an "Electric Mode" bulletin which i'm bringing the car in next week for.. might be why the electric mode shuts off after a few minutes on the freeway

 

[Mgg253]

My transmission gets quite hot while climbing in 4H. I've seen temperatures well above 200F. I just use 4Lo, which operates comfortably up to ~25mph, and have no issues. Temps stay around 180F.

I had the same problem in my 4xe, 4lo was the easy solution

 

[Baldwin3162]

I just had the same scenario a few weeks ago. I was in 4 Auto going slowly and the same message came up. Trans temp was at, I think, 240 something. I switched to 4 Lo and the temp went back to around 180. I just went to 4 Lo whenever there was a stretch of slow, high effort wheeling and didn't have any issues the rest of the day.

 

[CaliJLU]

I had this happen twice in 4Lo in my 22 4xe Rubi. Told the rep to look into the TSB and maybe add oil/service the tranny, or soak it in a cold Bud Light ?‍

 

[MaximusW]

My transmission gets quite hot while climbing in 4H. I've seen temperatures well above 200F. I just use 4Lo, which operates comfortably up to ~25mph, and have no issues. Temps stay around 180F.

Heard an interview with Daniel Frye (part of the 4xe engineering team) where he recommended just this.

 

[jeepinaround2023]

My transmission gets quite hot while climbing in 4H. I've seen temperatures well above 200F. I just use 4Lo, which operates comfortably up to ~25mph, and have no issues. Temps stay around 180F.

I have the exact same problem. Did you find a more permanent solution than simply be in 4lo?

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