Cherokee Hybrid Transmission Warning: Sensor Fix Tips

I had a very similar issue with my 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Hybrid last year. I have moderate experience working on cars, mainly doing basic maintenance, but transmission issues are definitely something I leave to professionals. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I experienced, rough gear shifting and grinding noises. The transmission warning light came on, and the car went into limp mode. Initially, I also thought it was a transmission sensor problem. Took it to my regular workshop, and after diagnostics, it turned out the transmission oil level was significantly low, causing the erratic behavior. The repair included a transmission oil level check, system flush, and fresh oil refill. Total cost was 365 Euro including labor. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: When was your last transmission oil change? Are there any oil spots where you usually park? Does the grinding noise happen at specific speeds or during particular gear shifts? Have you noticed any delayed response when shifting from park to drive? These details would help determine if your issue is identical to what I experienced with my Grand Cherokee or if there might be other transmission issues at play.

Last service was at 8100 KM and the transmission sensor readings were normal then. The temperature sensor started showing inconsistent values about 2 weeks ago. The transmission oil was clean during the service check. The grinding happens mainly during shifts between 2nd and 3rd gear. No oil spots visible in my parking spot. The delay from park to drive feels normal. The transmission warning light stays on constantly now, unlike before when it would come and go. So far the symptoms seem to match what you experienced, but the dealership needs 2 weeks before they can look at it. Trying to figure out if I can drive it carefully until then or if I should look for another shop with earlier availability, even if it costs more.

Thanks for those details. While our issues sound similar, your constant warning light and the specific grinding between 2nd and 3rd gear makes me think your case might be more serious than what I experienced with my Cherokee. The automatic transmission sensor readings being inconsistent is concerning. When my temperature sensor started showing irregular values, it quickly progressed to more severe issues. I initially tried driving carefully but ended up causing more damage to the transmission. Based on my experience, I strongly recommend finding a shop that can check it sooner. The 900 Euro I could have saved by acting quickly turned into a 2300 Euro repair because I kept driving with the faulty gearbox sensor. The grinding between specific gears often indicates the transmission issue has already progressed beyond just sensor problems. The key difference between our cases is that my warning light was intermittent, while yours is constant. When I finally got it diagnosed, they found that the faulty transmission oil temperature sensor had caused the transmission control unit to supply incorrect oil pressure, leading to mechanical wear. For reference, my Cherokee needed: New transmission oil temperature sensor, Partial transmission rebuild, New oil and filter, Programming of the transmission control unit Consider having it towed to avoid potential transmission damage. The repair cost will likely be much lower if addressed before mechanical components are affected.

Your final symptoms are definitely more serious than what I initially thought, and I appreciate all the detailed feedback. Looking at the costs and risks you mentioned, I cant justify waiting two weeks for the dealership appointment. Just called a transmission specialist shop and they can check the car tomorrow morning. The diagnostic fee is 150 Euro, but based on your experience with overheating problems and transmission sensor issues, its worth paying extra to prevent further damage. Will have it towed there to avoid any risk. The constant warning light and grinding between gears has me worried about already existing mechanical wear, just like in your case. The transmission oil temperature readings are getting more erratic by the day, so better safe than sorry. Thanks for sharing your repair costs breakdown. It really helped convince me to act quickly instead of risking a much more expensive transmission rebuild. Will update once I know what exactly caused the gearbox sensor and shifting problems.