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Jeep Grand Cherokee 1999-2004 WJ WG Factory Workshop Service Repair Manual download

Below is a beginner-friendly, detailed workshop-style guide for replacing the front (pressure) pump in the automatic transmission used in Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ/WG models. This covers the theory (why the pump matters and how the system works), how to diagnose the pump as the problem, every component you’ll touch, a step-by-step replacement procedure, inspection items, reassembly and testing, and what commonly goes wrong. This is a big job — read everything, follow safety rules, and use the factory service manual for torque specs, clearances, and model-specific differences.

Short summary (what you’re doing and why)
- The transmission pump is the mechanical/hydraulic heart that creates the hydraulic pressure an automatic transmission needs to operate clutches, bands and to apply gears. If the pump is worn, cracked, or the clearances are too large, the pump can’t build sufficient line pressure. Symptoms: slipping, delayed or no engagement, low line pressure, whining, burned fluid or metal in the pan. Replacing the pump restores hydraulic pressure so the transmission can work again.

Key theory — how the automatic transmission hydraulic system works (simple analogy)
- Analogy: The transmission is a hydraulic machine like a building’s water system. The pump is the water pump at the bottom of the plumbing that pressurizes water and sends it through pipes (hydraulic passages) to faucets (clutches/servos). The valve body is a set of valves/controls that route that pressurized fluid to the right clutch at the right time. The torque converter is the coupling between engine and transmission, like a flexible coupling that lets the pump spin even when the car is stopped. If the pump is weak or the passages are leaking, the faucets won’t open properly and the building (the car) can’t use water (torque), so gear engagement fails.
- Pump function: The pump (usually gear-type or rotor-type in these transmissions) is driven by the torque converter/stator housing and sucks fluid from the sump via a screen and pumps it into the main pressure circuit. Pressure is regulated by relief valves and the valve body to create the line pressure used to apply clutches and control timing.
- What fails: pump wear (inner rotor to housing clearance), broken or missing vanes/gears, cracked housing, clogged inlet screen, damaged pump seal, contaminated fluid and abrasive wear, and plastic/soft parts failing elsewhere that let pressure leak off.

Common symptoms that point to the pump
- No forward or reverse drive (engine revs, transmission doesn’t engage).
- Severe slipping under load, delayed engagement.
- Transmission whining or loud noise at idle or low speeds.
- Low line pressure on pressure gauge (confirm before dismantling).
- Dirty/burnt fluid with metal flakes in the pan or filter.
- Failure codes related to pressure/shift solenoids, but these can be caused by low pressure too.
- Intermittent engagement (pump self-sealing issues or foreign debris).

Before you start — diagnosis checklist (do these first)
- Check ATF level and color/smell. Low or burning fluid + metal = serious.
- Attach a transmission line pressure gauge to the correct test port and measure line pressure while cranking and during engagement. Compare to factory spec. Low pressure confirms pump or major leakage.
- Inspect the pan for metal flakes; remove pan and check filter/screen. Large metal shards or clutch material points to internal damage.
- Check cooler lines for restrictions or collapsed hoses (rare cause of low pressure but worth verifying).
- If line pressure is normal, the pump may be fine and solenoids/valve body or mechanical issues could be the cause.

Tools, supplies, and parts you’ll need
- Factory service manual for your exact WJ/WG year and transmission model (critical).
- Hand tools: metric socket set (deep and shallow), breaker bar, extensions, ratchets, screwdrivers, pliers, snap-ring pliers, picks.
- Torque wrench (full-range).
- Transmission jack or suitable floor jack with transmission support.
- Engine support (if needed) or jack under oil pan with wood block.
- Drain pan, fluid pump for refilling, funnel.
- Clean rags, solvent, clean work area free of dust.
- Pry bar, dead-blow hammer.
- Seal puller, bearing press (only if replacing internal bearings).
- New pump assembly (or pump rebuild kit), new front seal, new transmission filter, pan gasket (or RTV if required), new O-rings for lines, new torque converter seal if removed.
- New transmission fluid (type and quantity per factory manual).
- Replacement bolts/lock washers if required (use specified).
- Safety gear: gloves, eye protection.

Safety first
- Use good jack stands on a solid surface. Never rely on a jack alone.
- Transmission removal is heavy. Use a transmission jack or two people and secure it.
- Mark electrical connectors, linkages, and the orientation of components before removing.
- Keep dirt and debris out of transmission internals — cleanliness is mandatory.
- Dispose of ATF per regulations.

Components you will see and what they do (detailed)
- Torque converter: couples engine torque into the transmission, contains an impeller, turbine, and stator. The pump may sit behind/drive off the torque converter hub.
- Front pump (pressure/rotor pump): creates hydraulic pressure. Usually a bolted assembly to the front of the transmission case.
- Pump inlet screen or suction tube: a strainer that prevents large debris entering the pump.
- Pump housing and rotors/gears: rotating elements that create flow and pressure.
- Pump-to-case seal/O-ring: seals the pump to case to maintain pressure.
- Valve body: network of valves and channels that directs pressure to clutches and servos.
- Clutch packs and bands: apply gear ratios when hydraulic pressure is routed to them.
- Pan and filter: pan holds fluid, filter removes smaller debris; the pan bolt locations and magnets trap ferrous metal.
- Output and input shafts: mechanical parts connected to front/back of pump or converter.
- Torque converter housing/bolt pattern: area where pump engages with converter; correct alignment and fasteners are crucial.
- Case dowels: locate pump precisely to transmission case; ensure they’re present and undamaged.

High-level sequence (full view)
1. Confirm diagnosis with line pressure check.
2. Drain fluid, remove pan, inspect filter, magnet, and fluid.
3. Remove external components (driveshafts, torque converter bolts, electrical, cooler lines, starter, crossmember, transfer case if 4WD).
4. Support and unbolt transmission and remove from vehicle (or remove transmission front cover/case depending on model — many repairs require full removal).
5. On the bench: remove torque converter, front pump, and any retaining hardware. Clean and inspect.
6. Install new pump and seals, replace filter, reinstall torque converter, reinstall transmission, refill fluid, test and adjust.

Detailed step-by-step replacement procedure (beginner-friendly)
Note: Specific bolt locations and sequence can vary by transmission model (e.g., 42RE, 45RFE, 545RFE). Use the factory manual for bolt torque and removal order. Below is a complete generic workflow.

A. Preparation
- Park level, set parking brake, chock wheels.
- Disconnect battery negative.
- Lift vehicle and support securely on jack stands. Remove right-side wheel if needed for clearance.
- Place drain pan under transmission. If fluid is hot, wait until cool enough to handle.
- Remove ATF fill tube or dipstick to let air in for draining if helpful.

B. Drain and initial inspection
- Remove transmission pan bolts and carefully remove pan. Expect several quarts of fluid to drain.
- Inspect fluid for metal flakes, clutches, or burnt smell. Document findings with photos.
- Remove transmission filter. Inspect filter screen and pickup. Note large debris.
- Clean pan, especially magnets, and set aside.

C. External disconnections
- Label and disconnect electrical connectors to transmission (sensors, solenoids, neutral safety switch).
- Remove cooler lines from transmission; plug or clamp lines immediately to prevent leaks and contamination.
- Remove shifter linkage (mark orientation).
- Remove driveshafts: rear driveshaft or CV axle depending on model; separate at flanges and secure out of the way.
- Remove starter if obstructing transmission bellhousing.
- Support engine if needed (some jobs may require loosening engine mounts).
- Support transmission with transmission jack.
- Remove crossmember/transmission mount bolts and any brackets.
- For 4WD models: drop/uncouple transfer case from transmission (support transfer case unless you plan to drop it with the trans). Leave transfer case in a supported position.

D. Transmission removal
- Remove bellhousing bolts attaching transmission to engine. Leave torque converter bolts for now (if engine still supported).
- Carefully slide the transmission back slightly to clear dowels; inspect torque converter engagement.
- If the torque converter needs to remain in the engine, remove the converter-to-flywheel bolts (engine may have to be turned slightly to access).
- Lower transmission with jack, keeping it level. Take care with weight and fluid in converter/pan.

E. Bench work and pump removal
- Secure transmission on a sturdy bench.
- Remove any external housings needed to access torque converter and front pump.
- Remove torque converter from input shaft carefully (it may hold some fluid). Place on drain pan.
- Identify pump bolts that secure the pump to the case. There will be a ring of bolts and possibly a retaining snap-ring.
- Remove pump retaining bolts in a cross pattern. Pump may be tight due to seal or corrosion; use careful prying where necessary — avoid marring case sealing surfaces.
- Pull off pump assembly. Note: some designs include an O-ring or thin gasket; collect these for replacement.
- Inspect pump internals: rotors/gears, bearing surface, wear grooves, cracked housing. Check the pump inlet screen for blockage or damage.

F. Inspect internal components
- Visually inspect the pump-to-case sealing surface for nicks or warping.
- Check torque converter hub teeth and pump drive area for wear.
- Inspect valve body passages where pump feeds; any scoring or cracked passages must be addressed.
- Inspect output shaft and front pump bore for taper or excessive wear.
- Replace or repair any damaged bearings, bushings, or hardened steel surfaces as model specifies. Severe case damage may require transmission overhaul or replacement.

G. Installation of new pump assembly
- Compare old pump to new pump; ensure matching orientation and correct part.
- Replace front seal and any O-rings. Lubricate seals lightly with ATF.
- Carefully align pump on dowels and press into place evenly. Reinstall pump bolts in a cross pattern and torque to spec.
- Ensure proper clearance between rotor and housing per manual (if adjustable).
- Replace suction screen/pickup and filter with new parts.

H. Reinstall torque converter, check engagement
- Install torque converter onto input shaft fully until splines seat and torque converter’s hub engages the pump hub correctly; you should feel it drop into place a specific distance (manual will state).
- On the engine/transmission mating surface, ensure mating surfaces are clean and dowels align.
- Lift and align transmission onto engine, slide into place carefully. Ensure torque converter engages input shaft before seating transmission fully. Failure to fully engage will damage torque converter pump teeth and pump housing.
- Reinstall bellhousing bolts and torque in proper sequence to spec.
- Reinstall crossmember/transmission mount, starter, shifter linkage, electrical connectors, cooler lines (with new O-rings) and driveshaft/axles.
- Reinstall transfer case if removed and bolt per sequence.

I. Refill, bleed, and initial checks
- Reinstall pan and new gasket/torque per manual. Reinstall filter and pan bolts to correct torque.
- Refill with correct type and initial amount of ATF using a fluid pump until level is at hot or cold spec per manual (many manuals call for filling to specific level with engine idling and gear in Park; follow model procedure).
- Reconnect battery.
- Start engine and check for leaks. Cycle through gears to pump fluid and move valves. With engine warm and at operating temp, recheck fluid level and top as needed.
- Shift through all gears with brake applied to distribute fluid. Check line pressure with gauge to verify pump is producing correct pressure at idle and under a small load (compare to factory spec).
- Road test carefully: verify engagement, no slipping, normal shift firmness, check for leaks or abnormal noises.

What can go wrong during a pump replacement and how to avoid it
- Misalignment of torque converter while reinstalling transmission (can damage pump/teeth): Avoid by ensuring converter fully seats on input shaft and slides in before bolting trans to engine.
- Contaminating internals with dirt: Work in clean area, cover openings, use lint-free rags.
- Wrong pump or missing parts: Always compare old to new and ensure all O-rings and dowels are in place.
- Reusing damaged bolts/seals: Replace seals and any worn or stretched fasteners per manual.
- Damage to valve body or passages when removing pump: Use correct tools and gentle prying only; avoid gouging valve body/mating surfaces.
- Leaks at pump-to-case surface after assembly: clean surfaces and replace O-rings/seals; torque bolts properly in specified pattern.
- Not diagnosing root cause (e.g., valve body or solenoid failure): Confirm low pressure with a gauge; if pressure is okay after pump replacement and symptoms persist, further diagnosis required.
- Fluid overfill or underfill: Both can cause shift issues. Use the correct fill/level method for the model (some require level at hot temp with engine idling).

Inspection and measurement checks to do while you’re in there
- Measure pump internal clearances only if you have the manual and micrometers/feeler gauges. Small clearances exceeding spec indicate wear.
- Check the suction screen for metal; large amounts of metal mean clutch damage elsewhere — a pump replacement alone may not be enough.
- Inspect case bores and dowel alignment; damaged bores can misalign pump.
- Check torque converter hub for wear and cracks.

Follow-up and maintenance tips after repair
- Replace fluid and filter at recommended intervals. Fresh fluid reduces wear.
- If metal was found in pan, change fluid again after a couple hundred miles and inspect filter frequently.
- Avoid excessive overheating (towing, steep hills) — install auxiliary cooler if you tow regularly.
- If you had contamination, consider having the valve body and solenoids cleaned or replaced; debris can lodge and cause issues later.

When to consider a full rebuild or replacement instead of just the pump
- If there’s extensive clutch material in the pan, burnt fluid everywhere, broken internal gears, severe metal debris, or case damage, a full rebuild or replacement transmission is usually more cost effective and reliable than just swapping the pump.

Final notes and cautions
- This is a complex job that often requires transmission-specific steps (e.g., torque converter bolt access, transfer case separation, specific torque and bore clearance specs). The factory service manual is indispensable — use it.
- If at any point you see major internal damage, consult an experienced transmission rebuilder. Partial repairs can fail quickly if the rest of the internals are damaged.
- Replace seals, filters, and gaskets whenever you open the system — they’re inexpensive compared to a second disassembly.

If you want, you can proceed now with the specific year and transmission model (e.g., 1999–2004 WJ with 45RFE) and I can produce a model-specific checklist and bolt/torque references drawn from typical workshop manuals. But the above gives you a complete beginner-level walkthrough for replacing a front pump and what to watch for.
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