Used Jeep Cherokee Transmissions
Used, remanufactured and rebuilt transmissions for the 1980–2001 and 2014–2023 Jeep Cherokee — tested before they ship and covered by warranty. Tell us your Jeep and we’ll match the right unit.
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Transmission Options
Which transmission does your Cherokee have?
The three vehicles sold as the Cherokee share no transmissions. The 1980–1983 full-size SJ had a four-speed manual or Chrysler’s TorqueFlite three-speed automatic. The compact XJ that followed, from 1984 to 2001, used Chrysler’s A904 three-speed automatic behind the 2.5L four and 2.8L V6 for 1984–1986. From 1987 the automatic behind the 4.0L six was the Aisin-Warner AW4 four-speed, and for 1994–2000 the 2.5L had the 30RH, a later version of the A904. The XJ’s manuals were Borg-Warner and Aisin units behind the smaller engines and, behind the 4.0L, the Peugeot BA-10/5, the AX-15 from 1989 and the NV3550 from 2000.
There was no Cherokee for 2002–2013, the Liberty having taken its place, and every 2014–2023 KL has the 948TE nine-speed automatic, a ZF 9HP48 design built by Chrysler, whatever the engine. Its four-wheel-drive hardware still varies, so we confirm the details from your VIN.
| Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|
| Four-speed manual | |
| TorqueFlite three-speed automatic | Chrysler’s unit, in place of GM’s Turbo-Hydramatic from 1980; the A727 behind the 360 V8. |
| Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|
| A904 three-speed automatic | 2.5L and 2.8L V6, 1984–1986. |
| AW4 four-speed automatic | 4.0L, 1987–1996. |
| 30RH three-speed automatic | 2.5L, 1994–1996. A later version of the A904. |
| Borg-Warner T-4 four-speed manual | 2.5L, 1984. |
| Borg-Warner T-5 five-speed manual | 2.5L and 2.8L V6, 1984. |
| AX-4 four-speed manual | 2.5L, 1984–1987. |
| AX-5 five-speed manual | 2.5L, all years; also behind the 2.8L V6 and the 2.1L turbodiesel. |
| Peugeot BA-10/5 five-speed manual | 4.0L, 1987–1989. |
| AX-15 five-speed manual | 4.0L, 1989–1996. It replaced the BA-10/5 during the 1989 model year. |
| Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|
| AW4 four-speed automatic | 4.0L, all years. |
| 30RH three-speed automatic | 2.5L, 1997–2000. |
| AX-15 five-speed manual | 4.0L, 1997–1999. |
| NV3550 five-speed manual | 4.0L, 2000–2001. |
| AX-5 five-speed manual | 2.5L, 1997–2000. |
| Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|
| 948TE nine-speed automatic | Every US Cherokee, all engines. Four-wheel-drive models add a power transfer unit (PTU); Active Drive II and Active Drive Lock use a two-speed PTU. |
Not sure which one is yours? Request a quote and we’ll work it out from your VIN.
Before You Order
What to check before you order
SJ, XJ or KL
A transmission from one Cherokee will not fit another: the 1980–1983 SJ, the 1984–2001 XJ and the 2014–2023 KL were engineered separately, with no Cherokee at all in between for 2002–2013. Give us the year and we know which family to look in.
Match the engine — XJ
On the XJ the engine decides the transmission. The AW4 and the BA-10/5, AX-15 and NV3550 manuals went behind the 4.0L; the A904, 30RH, AX-4 and AX-5 behind the 2.5L, with the A904 and AX-5 also used behind the 2.8L V6 and the AX-5 behind the diesel. A 1984 can also have a Borg-Warner T-4 or T-5 manual. The 4.0L manual changed from the BA-10/5 to the AX-15 during 1989, so a 1989 can have either, and to the NV3550 for 2000.
Two- or four-wheel drive — XJ
XJs were built with two- or four-wheel drive, the four-wheel-drive models with Command-Trac part-time or Selec-Trac full-time systems. The output shaft and tailhousing follow the drive type, so tell us which you have.
Software is part of the fix — KL
The 948TE depends on its software, and many early shift complaints were cured by updates alone. A replacement needs the current software loaded and an adaptation relearn to the vehicle after fitting.
The PTU is a separate unit — 4WD KL
On a four-wheel-drive KL, loss of drive or a vehicle that will not hold in Park can be the power transfer unit rather than the transmission. The PTU has been the subject of its own recalls, so have it checked by VIN and inspected before you order.
Have your VIN ready
Between them, the engine, model year and drive type decide the transmission on every Cherokee, and the VIN gives us all three. Add it to your quote request.
Common Problems
Common Cherokee transmission problems
Peugeot BA-10/5 wear — 4.0L, 1987–1989
The Peugeot five-speed fitted behind early 4.0L engines is prone to worn synchronizers, so gears grind going in and the shift turns stiff and notchy, and its bearings grow noisy as the miles add up. A 1989 may have this unit or the AX-15 that replaced it, and they are different designs, so we confirm which one yours has.
AW4 sensor and wiring faults — 1987–2001
The AW4 is electronically controlled and takes its cue from the throttle position sensor. A worn throttle sensor, a failing neutral safety switch or corroded connectors can bring harsh or erratic shifts, a transmission stuck in one gear, or a Jeep that will not start in Park. Rule these out before paying for a transmission.
Nine-speed shift quality — 2014–2015
Early 948TEs were known for delayed and harsh shifts, flares between gears and drops into neutral, and Jeep delayed the Cherokee’s launch in 2013 to refine the transmission software. Most cases were cured with software updates and an adaptation relearn; a unit that still slips or bangs between gears after that is the one to replace.
Unexpected shifts to neutral — 2014–2015
Two recalls cover 2014–2015 Cherokees that can drop into neutral while driving. One is for poorly crimped wires in the transmission range-sensor harness, fixed with software and a new harness where needed; the other, on some 2014 3.2L models, is for a clutch that can stick and make the transmission select neutral, fixed with software. Both remedies are software or wiring, not a new transmission.
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FAQ
Cherokee transmission questions, answered
Which transmission does my Cherokee have?
A 1980–1983 SJ has a four-speed manual or the TorqueFlite automatic. On a 1984–2001 XJ the automatic is the A904 (1984–1986), the AW4 behind the 4.0L or the 30RH behind the 1994–2000 2.5L; the manuals are the T-4 and T-5 (1984 only), the AX-4 (2.5L, 1984–1987) and AX-5 (2.5L, V6 and diesel) or, behind the 4.0L, the BA-10/5 (1987–1989), AX-15 (1989–1999) and NV3550 (2000–2001). Every 2014–2023 KL has the 948TE nine-speed. Send us your VIN and we will confirm.
My 2014–2015 Cherokee drops into neutral. Is the transmission failing?
Not necessarily. Two recalls cover exactly that on these years and are fixed with software or a new harness, and many early shift complaints were cured by software updates. Have a Jeep dealer check the VIN and apply any open work before you buy a transmission.
Is the XJ’s AW4 a reliable transmission?
Yes. The AW4 has a strong reputation behind the 4.0L. Many of its shift faults trace back to the throttle position sensor, neutral safety switch or wiring rather than the transmission itself, so check those first.
Is the transmission covered by a warranty?
Yes. Every transmission we sell is covered by warranty, and extended cover is available at extra cost. The full terms are in our Warranty Policy.
Ready to replace your Cherokee transmission?
Tell us the year and have your VIN to hand — a specialist will confirm the right unit and send you a quote.
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