2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd Transmission cooler/condenser leak - 3.6L
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- Опубліковано 16 тра 2015
- Jeep with 57k miles and a transmission cooler/AC condenser leak at tube joints. NO road damage.
Update 2020 - I still seem to get the occasional like and/or comment, so I thought I would update everyone. I have actually done this job 2X myself. The first was at 57K (I ultimately decided to purchase/borrow the tools I needed). Then after another year and 50K miles, the replacement failed in the SAME place. Went to dealer to purchase another unit, and I demanded to see a Date of Manufacture on the new part. This latest one was made in the same year I was purchasing it. The original was 2012, the 1st replacement was made in 2013. Now, at 178K miles, everything is still dry (knock on wood). If I were a betting man, I think that between 2014 and now, they likely corrected the problem or went to another Mfr. Anyway, GOOD LUCK! Ahhhh...the joy of owning cars..... - Авто та транспорт
Just discovered the same thing on my 2012 Durango with the 3.7 @150K miles. Thanks for the video.
I have a 2011 same model and i noticed this leak over the weekend while changing the motor oil. I am greatfull for this video and also Motor City Mechanic for their helpwith our truck fixes. What really pisses me off is the fact that these videos need to be made because we are all having the same problems, E.G. faulty horn, this leak, ac working on one side. It speaks to the shitty job that MOPAR did with putting out this car. I get it cars break down and need to be fixed however all us having the same problem speaks to a bigger issue.
Great video, great explanation. Thanks. Same thing is just happening to my wife's 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd. in Canada. Just called local dealer in Vancouver, they quoted me $2200 CAD (incl. $1053 CAD just for the new cooler/condenser). And of course there is no dipstick to change fluid level in transmission. I just recently both one aftermarket on line. The plug comes off easily. What's interesting, we had as previous vehicle 2006 Jeep Commander with identical transmission (W5A580) and it had very nice factory level dipstick!
Thanks for the video, confirms what I thought was happening to mine.
Same exact thought process I just had. Exactly. Thanks for the video.
Thank you for this video. Same issue with my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6L.
Mine too! Right at this moment 🤦🏿♂️
after 9 years and 100k miles. I found same leak in a 2013 jeep Grand cherokee
thank you for your video
Glad it helped!
$1050 repair🤧
@@locolocal3878why so much? I was quoted $540. I'm worried now that they aren't replacing everything that needs to be replaced. Can u please clarify?
@@Marisol_stars540 with parts? I bet he is including parts.
Great vid, same thing happened to my wife's Jeep GC here in Australia. All up with labour and parts it was about $2200 AUD. Not a cheap fix and apparently quite a common fault.
Thanks man. I replaced the radiator put everything together to find out it’s this lol never ends
Thank you I got the same issue on my 2015 summit I am glad I saw this. I got 2 freon leaks on the condenser and transmission fluid also. I found on google an excellent rated ac shop and went for an estimate. I was quoted $700 to replace the condenser with a 2 year warranty one, vacuum the lines and add this new 1234 freon that is very expensive to purchase and you cant buy at your local auto parts. Jeep has made it difficult to work on your own cars like you mentioned so you can take to the dealer. The dealers here in Miami are horrible and all they want is your money. I am considering selling this and getting something else I am having so many issues with this vehicle and its driving me bananas. Thanks
The 1234YF refrigerant is a new replacement for the 134A refrigerant still used on many cars today. The 134A has been phased out in the EU and is likely to happen here in the next few years. Yes, the 1234YF is expensive now, but will come down in price as volumes of it are used in the next two years or so. BTW...ALL manufacturers have made it hard to work on your own car without expensive scanners and specialized tools. My tool collection gets a bit bigger every year as I like to purchase the tool to have for future repairs. However, there are brands which seem less prone to problems than others (i.e. Honda, and Toyota), but they are NOT trouble-free. Good luck finding what you are looking for.
Marco Tarafa sane here... Jeep Grand Cherokee 2015 😩
Why go to the dealer?? Just find a good mechanic repair shop.
Nice video, thanks. Same problem (among others) on a 2011 Grand Cherokee Laredo - must be common.
dennis tucker very common I guess I my 2011 is slow leaking too.
2012 here. 120k miles. Had this problem back in April. Dealership says I need condenser AND compressor as it’s stuck open and leaked as well. $2200 was the charge. That was too expensive for me to fix at the time. I still have not gotten the fix. Car driving ok at the moment.
Thank u so much for this video. I had the same problem with my 2011 JGC. Every mechanic was telling it is my power steering system that need to be replaced. It just didn't make sense that something is leaking but the reservoir is still full. So months later i noticed my transmission acting up. I did a transmission fluid flush. Then month later transmission started to act up again. I then found this video. I'm glad i didn't replace my power steering system.
I bought the part and a friend replaced the whole thing. Thank u again for this video.
Dar El Barka what part did you have to buy update to my question dont drive with this problem its leaking transmission fluid needs a new radiator it has the ac condensenor and tranismission cooler in it and it was leaks transmission fluid not the coolant
I have the exact same leak. I'm in the Uk so dread to think what this is going to cost to fix.
this is the leak dealership mechanic found today on my Gr Cherokee. repair cost is $909. exactly the same spot same fluid
Same problem here! Same mileage and year.
I have the same problem with my 2011 Grand Cherokee. The problem started at around 46,000 miles.
I just found out I’m leaking fluid and it looks like I’m gonna have too handle that Problem ASAP🤟🏽
you can do a lot of things on these cars at home, it is not impossible to do it. They are much better than European cars in that regards. For example, I have replaced oil pressure sensor , rocker arms, lifters, and cam shaft on this car. You dont need a lot of specialised tools for them, apart from a dedicated socket for oil pressure sensor, and the cam shafts/phasors locking tools set if you care replacing the cam shaft. Replacing an AC/Transmission condenser is relatively easier job than the ones i have mentioned.
Agreed, but you will need more tools than the average homeowner or backyard mechanic. I buy tools as I need them to do a job. Sometimes when that is too expensive, I may have to break down and pay someone who has the tool and experience.
I had a local mechanic do this for $855- hes actually a transmission mechanic with his own shop. The a/c will have to be pressure checked and well as being refilled with the freon/oil additive along with the synthetic transmission fluid. Somehow, this affects the Power Steering reservoir because I've had to top it off to the correct level- dont know why this is.
If you dont repair the transmission leak, your transmission will start acting up, i.e. transmission slipping, loss of power (when you step on the gas, the revs will go up and you'll start slowing down, transmission will jerk and you can hear a rasping/grinding noise when you turn it on and begin to accelerate. Be sure to get this fix. That's little transmission cap does come off by twisting it with a pair of pliers. And you can buy a transmission dip stick. Granted you'll need to locate the info in order to determine where the transmission level should be. I had to add a Quart of synthetic transmission fluid (think it was APF+4 or something like that before I could take it in for repair. You dont want to ruin the transmission. Sad this part is "dual function" and went out!!
By the way, I have a 2011 dodge Durango Heat (stock V6). It runs like a champ again!
2012 Grand Cherokee going on my second radiator in a year. found a new OEM replacement radiator for $77 dollars. There is one video online that is hard to watch but shows how to remove the radiator without removing the front end and coolant lines...
Same in the last 3 years I’m on my 3rd or 4th wtf
The clips on top of my grille were already broke, I replaced radiator with out removing the grill or bumper. Dropped fan through the bottom pull radiator out the top.
That's great, but my video and this issue has nothing to do with the radiator (which cools the engine only).
Very simple job. Maybe a hour it took me to disassembled, replace and put back together. There are videos to show you step by step.
Takes a bit more if you count recharging AC system. I did this 3X, so I am an expert.
Same problem 67k miles 2012 limitedGC disappointing
Should i top up my tyranny fluid until I get this fixed?
Adding transmission fluid without measuring (knowing) how much to add (if any) is not a good idea for the NAG1 transmissions. They are very sensitive to fluid level. If you want to check yourself, you need to purchase a special dipstick. If you just noticed the leak, it likely is not a lot of fluid. Fluid loss is very slow with these types of leaks.
Me to..apparently it is common problem
I have the same problem with 2011 dodge durango..except the fluid is light red
Yep..My fluid seemed very dark - like PS fluid and there was not enough on the rag for me to see what the exact color was at first. Definitely tranny fluid!
I have this leak as well on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.(98409 miles) Dealer says the Transmission Cooler/Condensor needs replacing. $771.99 Plus Tax (Parts $339.99 - Labor $432.00). I too am looking for a recall. This is happening often on these vehicles.
Spencer Mccraw same leak on my 2011.
Same on my 2011!
Spencer Mccraw dame leak fixing my self
in Canada, Vancouver BC dealer wants $2200 CAD total tax. incl., so your dealer is cheap! Common problem on all these 2011-2020(???) Jeeps and Dodge Durangos
I can’t get this fixed right now will I be fine driving if my AC condenser leak
The Unit is a AC Condenser AND Transmission Cooler combo. If your transmission fluid is leaking, you need to keep a close eye on the transmission fluid level. Invest in a special dipstick and top off as needed. Typically, seeping fluid doesn't amount to much over a week or so, but driving it months leaking may require adding fluid to the transmission. DO NOT OVERFILL and use the correct ATF as specified in the owners manual. Good Luck!
I am dealing with the same exact issue as we speak - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.5 131,000 miles
I have done mine 2x. First time @57K was in the video. The second was at around 110K miles. Same failure. Same process. I am an expert at this point.... LOL! I am currently at 149K and things are still dry.
@@ljsmith99 hello where did you purchase the part from ? mine is a 2013 with 200k
@@MoeH83 I purchased it new off ebay from a Jeep dealer. With shipping, it was about a $50 savings than my local stealership. Also, Rockauto will have aftermarket replacements. Haven't tried that, but if this latest unit fails, I will be buying aftermarket. I have 169K on it now and dry.
@@ljsmith99 thanks
i picked up the part from rock auto and re did the ac charger everything is good, but now im having that stupid issue where it will turn over and then suddenly shut off im getting frustrated with this jeep .... its does have 200k lol
Same problem at 130,000 miles !
You have to replace the condenser, I had the same problem
Thank you this is vary helpful right now for me, but I am still wondering what could this to be happen. I want to avoid this problem in the future
Unfortunately, it appears to be a design/manufacturing flaw in the way the AC Condenser/Trans Cooler is made. From what I can tell, it always leaks at the first joint of the trans cooling section on the drivers side. All three of my units developed a leak at the same place. It could be also caused by vibration cracking one of the tube to manifold joints. Either way, I would steer away from a Mopar replacement part and go aftermarket. Good Luck!
Same here on a 2020 JGC, leak in the trans condenser I’m told $2300 to fix
Seems excessive. You should get a few quotes from independent shops and/or other stealerships... Good Luck!
On one video a mechanic suggested to bypass the factory a/c condenser / trans cooler. He said to purchase an aftermarket trans cooler and run the lines to the new unit. Sounds feasible. I'm thinking of doing this on my Jeep. Chrysler needs to consider firing the supplier of the transmission coolers. Bet it's someone like Dorman.
I wouldn't waste my time with that. I would put a new OEM Cooler/Condenser in the car. The fluid was tranny fluid, but it was not red like I had expected, which is why I was thinking it was Power Steering fluid. However, as I got into it, I found there was no PS leak, but it was a leak from the hybrid cooler/condenser. Once into it, the unit was very easy to remove and replace. In fact, the toughest part of the job is removing the bumper cover and related trim from the car without breaking any stupid plastic retainers. I broke one, but I had purchased a bunch before I started. For what it costs to replace a tranny cooler sized for the job, just get a new Condenser (55038003AG) for around $300 and call it a day. +$50-$60 for the Freon replacement and you are done.
Nice suggestion. So one question: did you have to replace any part of the A/C system (other than refrigerant) after installing and hooking up the lines?
No. The dryer is part of the new condenser unit. I would buy the o-rings that are used on the refrigerant line block just in case the condenser does not come with them. The tranny lines just plug into the new condenser. Check out Dave's video at MotorCity Mechanic. He has a two video series on this repair. ua-cam.com/video/HrQaxpvB9sc/v-deo.html
Yea, I saw that video. Gave him five stars for a great tutorial. Thanks for the recommendation. One other question: has yours leaked since you replaced it?
Nope...tight as a drum. I now have 83K on the odometer
Welcome to the 3.6 Pentastat. Can’t keep that stinking thing dry. Oil, coolant, powersteearing fluid...
I have had ZERO leaks other than this cooler leak. I now have 178K miles on it and it runs strong, burns no oil, and shifts fantastic. Depending what part of the country (or world) you live in and how you drive or maintain your vehicle, will determine what kind of issues you might have. All automobiles have these issues eventually....
Sorry you have had to do this repair twice. If MOPAR created a crappy part the first time, I might consider an aftermarket for replacement. I have bought some quality parts from RockAuto, but it is a challenge for us DIYers to know what brands of parts are any good. Would be great if the folks on Jeep forums would identify the source of their repair parts, and give an update if the parts fail. I wonder if your experience of the part failing twice could be an indication of some other problem that causes the part to fail. Sometimes a worn motor mount can cause the engine to move too much and tension gets pulled on lines. Make sure all "retaining clips" are in place securing the tranny fluid lines. Scotty Kilmer says the new FIAT owned Jeeps have lost quality.
I did this repair a total of 3 times. The defect has nothing to do with mounts, tension on fluid lines. Rather, its a design/manufacturing defect. All three failed Mopar units had the leak on the identical tube joint. This would indicate poor brazing/weld or some kind of built in stress riser in the joint. The last one I put in was a DENSO unit, and I ran it about 30K before I sold the Jeep at 205,000 miles. When I sold it, there were zero leaks. Also, with regards to build quality, ALL brands suffer from this (some less than others). The Jeep GC is in the middle of the pack when it comes to reliability.
Did your car ever car into save mode would only let you go to second gear
You mean "Limp Mode"? No. That has nothing to do with this issue. Depending on OBDII code, it could have something to do with your valve body or solenoids inside your transmission.
Actually if you leak enough fluid and it senses low trans fluid it will go into limp mode
Mine is in the shop also...some type fluid leak...I think its the transmission. But it never leaked until a guy/mechanic put a cooler on it without my permission. Mine is a 1995 !!! Imagine going all those years without a leak before the bad mechanic!
Not sure why you are looking at this video because its talking about a 2011-13 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 3.6L...but good luck fixing your issue!
@@ljsmith99 Mine is a Jeep....When youre learning about transmissions I dont think it matters what year of car you look at...They all basically work the same!!! LOL
Puede ser que eso mezcla aceite en el agua del radiador??
No. The engine coolant flows through a separate radiator unit behind the trans-cooler/Condenser unit. There is no way for transmission fluid to get into the coolant. If you have oil in your coolant, the engine likely has a problem with the oil cooler (located under the intake on a 3.6L) or a blown head gasket. (No. El refrigerante del motor fluye a través de una unidad de radiador separada detrás de la unidad de transenfriador/condensador. No hay forma de que el líquido de la transmisión entre en el refrigerante. Si tiene aceite en el refrigerante, es probable que el motor tenga un problema con el enfriador de aceite (ubicado debajo de la entrada en un 3.6L) o una junta de culata rota.)
@@ljsmith99 ok muchas gracias muy buen video
197.00 autofit in houston or dallas
It’s actually $89 (looked it up) and I would be VERY cautious about putting in what is likely a Chinese piece of junk. (Although the Mopar units were also failure prone). I put in a Denso brand just before I traded it in. Seemed to be decent quality from what I can see. If you could get a quality repair with that item, go for it.
Same exact issue on my 2013 limited. Poorly designed part. Having this repaired at a shop can range from 500-1k
I don't believe its a poor design. Its poor manufacturing. It clearly is a manufacturing defect with the brazing of the tubes to the header. One particular joint cracks after repeated heating and cooling cycles.
@@ljsmith99 yea.. We seem to all have the crack at the same place to
Awesome. So 500? To 1000? I'm gonna be sick. :(
Same.. The entire radiator will need to be replaced after that
Radiator? That's a completely separate unit. The Trans Cooler/Condenser is a single unit and that's all that needs to be replaced to fix the issue.
it seems like it's a weak point with jeep/chrysler
raymond rinker the whole vehicle is a weak point
I have the same problem,2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee 56k $1300 to fix...never buy Chrysler again
Do it yourself for under $500... And ALL vehicles have stupid stuff like this happen to them ALL day long...
It’s happening to mine now 600$
You’re exactly right. Just had transmission failure because of this🆘
Wow... you must have had a pretty good leak for a long time. Always address any leaks as soon as they are discovered. This is one reason why FCA needs to put back the trans dipstick so that owners can check their own fluid levels as often as they want.
@@ljsmith99 Exactly, I hope they will do. We had 2006 Jeep Commander with identical trans. (W5A580) and it had dipstick. I was huge surprise to me when the new one didn't have it. When we bought 2012 Cherokee I specifically asked that for this W5A580 transm. because we didn't have any problem with it for over 200K miles!
Lol its definitely the ac side Chrysler puts dyi in there systems
Not A/C leak... It is a transmission cooler leak.
2012 jeep 97000
Dealer is charging me 1800 for this repair.
yikes!
My wife's 2012 Jeep GC is doing this same exact thing. I hate these Jeeps so damn much. I've had nothing but problems since we bought this thing brand new. Never again with these POS Jeeps. Never. Again.
Hi, and thanks for the comments. Unfortunately, ALL brands of automobiles have issues, some more than others. Most of the vehicles today are not designed to last and some suffer from chronic initial build quality issues.
Chrysler product
Chrysler...Chevrolet....BMW....Volvo.....etc. ALL have issues. I have worked on many and some just annoying and others were a real expensive pain in the ass.
DO NOT BUY CHRYSLER ANYTHING.
You could say that about any car maker...other than Toyota or Honda...They all have issues with every model.
@@ljsmith99-? You really think Chrysler is still in the race at all?
@@andycrowley6442 Yes. Even though Chrysler is owned by Fiat, the Jeep Brand followed by Dodge are the most successful product lines they have. Others, not so much. I expect the investment in Jeep and Dodge will be a priority for Fiat into the foreseeable future as the stock needs to perform.