2002 Grand Cherokee...transmission leaks and smokes?

[C&L]

New guy to the forum. I've got a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee (bought it new) with the 4.0 engine....98,110 miles. When going up a steep mountain highway, blue stinking smoke rolls out from behind the vehicle. No transmission overheat lights or warnings come on.

When I pull over, I can see a trail of transmission fluid behind the Jeep and dripping of tranny fluid underneath. The fluid seems to be coming from the top front right (passenger) side of the tranny...could be leaking elsewhere and flowing to that point. If I let it set for a few minutes, everything is Ok until the next steep mountain...then it starts again.

My mechanic (not at the Jeep dealership) checked the flow in/out of the transmission cooler and said it seemed to be restricted. He replaced the cooler, but the problem persist.

I can run the Jeep on the Interstate with Overdrive off, and will leak, drip and stink but not fill the air with smoke.

If this tranny is about to go, I've got less than 2,000 miles remaining on the powertrain warranty and would like to have any repairs done under that warranty.

Any similar experiences or ideas as to what is taking place?

thanks!

[Bob D.]

Have you tried taking it to the dealership?
With under 2k mi left on the warranty I wouldn't wait another day.

[C&L]

No, have not done that regarding the transmission but it is scheduled to go in this week.

thanks for your reply

[fredjacksonsan]

Sounds like the issue is the leak....and that going up a steep hill just puts some of that leak onto the hot exhaust, causing the smoke.

If the leak is coming from the right front corner of the pan, a pan removal and new gasket will take care of it. However if it's coming from up above there somewhere, it's a good thing you've got it at the dealer.

Report back and let us know the outcome!!