The transmission control module (TCM), part of the computer, fails and manifests as a failure to shift from 1st to 2nd, over revving, loud thuds/clunks when it does shift from 1st to 2nd. Computer (TCM) can be reset if battery (+) disconnected and grounded out. This problem is not rare, estimate several 1,000 jeep wranglers '05 and '06 with automatic transmissions are experiencing this now or will. Chrysler has no interest in repairs or providing parts. From jeep forums, best guess is a resistor or capacitor on the computer motherboard fails or critical electrical connections were poorly/incorrected soldered leading to insufficient and inconsistent connectivity.
2006 Jeep Wrangler: harsh or hard shifting
6 of the 730 complaints about the 2006 Jeep Wrangler describe harsh or hard shifting.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 4 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Harsh or hard shifting by model year
What owners say
The program control module (PCM) contains the transmission control module and all safety features designed into these vehicles. In my case I am developing transmission shifting problems as a first sign with hard shifts and incorrect temperature reading recorded from the transmission. The false high readings can result in unexpected engine shut down and other unsafe operating conditions. Chrysler is no longer providing support for replacement PCM computers, despite this problem affecting large numbers of 2005 and 2006 vehicles with the PCM/tom combination when the solder joints on the PCM/tom circuit board developers corrosion and solder fractures affecting the computer programming. My dealer currently has 29 units that they do not have replacements for on back order with no plans to provide any support to current owners. Owners are forced to rely on a shady second market of poorly expensive refurbished units that are quickly failing. The next only option is a complete engine, transmission emissions change that is nearly impossible in california and still meet inspection rules leaving a mass of jeep owners with no recourse.
Hard shifting from 1st to 2nd. Stuck in 2nd while in interstate traffic. What a nightmare! It's all over the internet about the bad PCM problem but no help from the dealer due to the age of the vehicle even with only 19000 miles.
2006 jeep wrangler rubicon inline 6 automatic PCM failure causing my jeep to hard shift from 1st to 2nd. When cold jeep will drop out of gear while driving!!!! For 5 seconds before hard shifting back into gear. The dealership charged me $955 for unrelated parts that did not fix the issue! Before I myself found it to be the PCM. This problem needs to be recalled! Before going to the dealership I took it to a transmission shop who charged me $450 to replace solenoids which was a false trouble code!!! I am so livid because now I am going to have to buy a PCM which are very expensive when they are available to even order!!!
The PCM used with automatic transmissions has a serious and very common failure. Chrysler has known since 2006 and has made no effort to date to rectify the issue. The TCM side (internal with the PCM) has a problem that causes harsh shifting issues. The only known successful repair is to replace the PCM. This has caused them to be unavailable and when they are, they are 3 to 5 times more expensive than other years. Also, these remanufactured PCM's are not reliably repaired, it is usual that several different PCM's be installed before a reliable one is found. I know of a 2006 jeep tjl that had six mopar remanufactured computers installed in 90 days, all by the same dealership, before one that actually worked was found. There are hundreds of posts on every online forums that jeepers use that discuss the problem in great detail. A quick google search will net you all you ever wanted to know about the 2006 wrangler automatic transmission PCM failures.
Car has a bad clunking noise in the steering box. Only has 15000 on the vehicle, many other people I have talked to on jeepforum.com have the same issue. When turning the wheel from side to side you hear a constant clunking noise from the front end, always being traced back to the steering box. All front end components are in perfect shape, as told by a mechanic.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2006 Dodge Viper and Jeep Wrangler and Liberty vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006. In the affected vehicles, the springs within the clutch pedal position switch that prevents the vehicle from starting unless the clutch pedal is pushed down may break. As a result, the vehicle may not be started when the clutch pedal is pushed down or the engine may crank and start without the clutch pedal being pushed down causing the vehicle to unexpectedly lurch.
- Risk
- If the vehicle unexpectedly moves there is an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R13.
Recall number 15V222000 · Recall details
Power train: clutch assembly
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 6 speed manual transmissions, the hydraulic clutch master cylinder linkage rod may break. This may not allow disengagement of the clutch when the pedal is depressed.
- Risk
- Unintentional vehicle movement, increased stopping distance, and engine stalling could occur which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the clutch master cylinder linkage rod free of charge. The recall began on august 7, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 06V147000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- On certain pickup trucks, sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 42rle automatic transmissions, the cup plug that retains the park pawl anchor shaft may be improperly installed. If the shaft moves out of position, the vehicle may not be able to achieve 'park' position.
- Risk
- If this occurs and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away and cause a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the transmissions and install a bracket to ensure the park pawl anchor shaft is retained in the proper position. The recall began on november 28, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 05V460000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2006 Jeep Wrangler harsh shifting
Is harsh or hard shifting a common problem on the 2006 Jeep Wrangler?
6 of 730 owner complaints about the 2006 Jeep Wrangler (1%) mention harsh or hard shifting. The model year with the most reports is 2018.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2006 Jeep Wrangler?
There are 3 recalls and 4 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2006 Jeep Wrangler
Fuel pump 26Stalling 12Ball joint 10Check engine light 9Grinding brakes 6Fuel gauge 5Jerking 5Loss of power 5
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