JLUR Manual Transmission Problems

[WXman]

I'd start out in 2nd. If it works in the JKU it'll work in the JLU.

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[TrassaE95]

...I'd definitely get it checked out. I'm not sure where you are located, but it would be nice to compare with another JL, so that you can feel if something isn't right, or if it might be normal.

I would agree with the above post. Drive another one and see if it is the same. If it isn’t, be as insistent as possible and don’t let them tell you nothing is wrong. But you won’t be able to do this unless you drive another one to compare.

I'd start out in 2nd. If it works in the JKU it'll work in the JLU.

Starting out in second has a much higher potential to burn out the clutch more quickly. I would want it resolved if there is an issue and to have the transmission functioning as it was designed to.

 

[fzdan4256]

Its been a while since I have owned a stick. But I was amazed how smooth this thing rides! I will agree first gear is awful short. But the thing is a blast to drive and smooth as can be!

 

[Cameljoe121]

I'd start out in 2nd. If it works in the JKU it'll work in the JLU.

There is a big difference in gearing between the JKU and the JLUR my JKUR had 373 gears and the JLUR has 410.

 

[Sean L]

The JL Manual transmission has a wider operational range than the previous generation, so that means 1st gear will be somewhat lower and 6th gear will be somewhat higher. Add the low 1st gear to your 4.10 axle ratio and you've got quite a granny gear in 1st and is the nature of the Rubicon. Your issue with having difficulty shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, have it checked at the dealer and repaired under warranty.

 

[zyt]

I completely agree all comments from other members. Below are my 2 cents:
1. 6sp JL is one of the best manual I've driven
2. Generally speaking, 1st - 2nd won't be as smooth as 3rd-4th or 5th-6th which you can just pull straight down.
3. Instead of pulling straight down from 1st - 2nd, try 1st-N-2nd all in one motion. It only takes a split second longer, but it it a lot smoother.
4. Cold temp would have a big impact on shifting. It takes a lot effort to shift from 1st - 2nd on my miata in those cold winter mornings. I sometimes just skip it, and go directly from 1st to 3rd. No issues once the car warms up. I also notice the stiffness in my JL when it is cold.
Hopefully this helps and keep us posted what the dealer says.

 

[AdHerp]

I completely agree all comments from other members. Below are my 2 cents:
1. 6sp JL is one of the best manual I've driven
2. Generally speaking, 1st - 2nd won't be as smooth as 3rd-4th or 5th-6th which you can just pull straight down.
3. Instead of pulling straight down from 1st - 2nd, try 1st-N-2nd all in one motion. It only takes a split second longer, but it it a lot smoother.
4. Cold temp would have a big impact on shifting. It takes a lot effort to shift from 1st - 2nd on my miata in those cold winter mornings. I sometimes just skip it, and go directly from 1st to 3rd. No issues once the car warms up. I also notice the stiffness in my JL when it is cold.
Hopefully this helps and keep us posted what the dealer says.

I like your third point. Slow down, the revs are probably too high

 

[bam1111]

I’m not expericing issues between 1st and 2nd. But if I were, I would try double clutching to see if it is a syncing issue.

 

[JIMBOX]

All good advice and you can try to save 1st gear for hills/towing--it's 5.13/1--

With the 4.10 diff gears try starting in 2nd, then you'll have longer/more RPM for your next shift to third

Trial/Error, find your most comfy routine-

Good luck

JIMBO

 

[Cameljoe121]

I completely agree all comments from other members. Below are my 2 cents:
1. 6sp JL is one of the best manual I've driven
2. Generally speaking, 1st - 2nd won't be as smooth as 3rd-4th or 5th-6th which you can just pull straight down.
3. Instead of pulling straight down from 1st - 2nd, try 1st-N-2nd all in one motion. It only takes a split second longer, but it it a lot smoother.
4. Cold temp would have a big impact on shifting. It takes a lot effort to shift from 1st - 2nd on my miata in those cold winter mornings. I sometimes just skip it, and go directly from 1st to 3rd. No issues once the car warms up. I also notice the stiffness in my JL when it is cold.
Hopefully this helps and keep us posted what the dealer says.

I usually shift between 3 to 4K RPM I usually shift 1-N-2 not just ripping it into 2nd if anything I might shift too slow. I’ll try double clutching the one issue with that is the damn thing looses a lot of momentum if you shift into second slow I feel like people are going to run into me due to the deceleration since I am not breaking people don’t seem to notice the decel and just want to gun their cars.

 

[AdHerp]

I usually shift between 3 to 4K RPM I usually shift 1-N-2 not just ripping it into 2nd if anything I might shift too slow. I’ll try double clutching the one issue with that is the damn thing looses a lot of momentum if you shift into second slow I feel like people are going to run into me due to the deceleration since I am not breaking people don’t seem to notice the decel and just want to gun their cars.

Sounds like you've tried most of the suggestions and it really shouldn't take this much thought. I would take it in and have it looked at.

 

[TrassaE95]

I live in Western Pennsylvania. It gets what I consider cold (single digits and minus) here in the winter. I’ve been driving manuals forever now (most recently an old Dodge Ram, a Nissan Xterra, and a Mazda3) and never saw a major issue in shifting in the cold weather. I am sure the cold doesn’t help the longevity of the vehicle, but never noticed any real difference other than me cursing the weather out on my way out to the parking lot.

I agree 100% with getting it looked at. Double clutching is not a reasonable long term solution, but may be helpful to diagnose a little further. You can speculate what the issue is, but it seems like all the speculation will end with the same result of having it looked at by the dealer.

 

[Cameljoe121]

I live in Western Pennsylvania. It gets what I consider cold (single digits and minus) here in the winter. I’ve been driving manuals forever now (most recently an old Dodge Ram, a Nissan Xterra, and a Mazda3) and never saw a major issue in shifting in the cold weather. I am sure the cold doesn’t help the longevity of the vehicle, but never noticed any real difference other than me cursing the weather out on my way out to the parking lot.

I agree 100% with getting it looked at. Double clutching is not a reasonable long term solution, but may be helpful to diagnose a little further. You can speculate what the issue is, but it seems like all the speculation will end with the same result of having it looked at by the dealer.

I am in eastern PA. I made a appointment with a dealer but it’s not until the 19th. I am going to try another to see if they have any earlier appointments

 

[WXman]

Starting out in second has a much higher potential to burn out the clutch more quickly. I would want it resolved if there is an issue and to have the transmission functioning as it was designed to.

There is a big difference in gearing between the JKU and the JLUR my JKUR had 373 gears and the JLUR has 410.

Not really. The JK and JL manual transmissions have the same ratio for 2nd gear. 1st gear is obviously slightly deeper on the JL but not by as much as people think. Unless you're towing or pointed uphill, starting in second is perfectly normal. Guys with "granny gears" in 1st have been starting in 2nd for decades when driving around town.

 

[The_Phew]

Not really helpful for this situation, but I bet the 2019 models with the BSG will be easily started in 2nd gear (since the motor is kicking in most of the torque below 1500 RPM).

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