Grand Cherokee transmissions track the platform generation — ZJ, WJ, WK and WK2 — and nothing crosses between them. What makes this one trickier than most is that from 2014 the eight-speed units are identified by an RPO option code in the build sheet, and our listings carry that code: opt DFT is the 850RE and opt DFW the 8HP50 or 8HP70. Those are different transmissions with the same number of gears, so the code is the order.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Used Transmissions — transmission options by generation
| Years |
Transmission |
Type |
Notes |
| 1993–1998 (ZJ) |
AW4 |
4-speed auto |
Aisin — behind the 4.0 I6, very durable |
| 1993–1998 (ZJ) |
42RE / 44RE |
4-speed auto |
Behind the 5.2 and 5.9 Magnum |
| 1993–1998 (ZJ) |
AX-15 |
5-speed manual |
Rare in the US |
| 1999–2004 (WJ) |
42RE / 44RE |
4-speed auto |
Behind the 4.0 I6 |
| 1999–2004 (WJ) |
45RFE |
4 and 5-speed auto |
Behind the 4.7 PowerTech |
| 2005–2010 (WK) |
42RLE |
4-speed auto |
Behind the 3.7 V6 |
| 2005–2010 (WK) |
545RFE |
5-speed auto |
Behind the 4.7 V8 |
| 2005–2010 (WK) |
W5A580 (NAG1) |
5-speed auto |
Behind the 5.7 and 6.1 HEMI |
| 2011–2013 (WK2) |
W5A580 (NAG1) |
5-speed auto |
Behind the 3.6 and 5.7 |
| 2014–2021 (WK2) |
845RE / 8HP45 |
8-speed auto |
opt DFT — behind the 3.6 Pentastar |
| 2014–2021 (WK2) |
8HP70 / 850RE |
8-speed auto |
opt DFW / DFT — behind the 5.7 HEMI and up |
How to pick the right one
Platform generation, then engine, then the RPO option code from the build sheet if the car is 2014 or later. The eight-speeds are where people get caught: opt DFT and opt DFW are both "8-speed automatic" and are not the same part. On the earlier cars, the 42RLE and the 545RFE are not interchangeable despite both sitting in a WK, because one is behind the V6 and one behind the V8. Tell us 4x2 or 4x4 as well — the tailhousing and transfer case adapter differ, and the Quadra-Trac and Quadra-Drive systems are not the same.
What usually fails on these transmissions
On the RE and RFE transmissions the usual culprit is the governor pressure solenoid and transducer, which drops the car into limp mode and feels terminal when it is not — check that before replacing anything. The NAG1 fails at the conductor plate and the valve body, and a 13-pin connector leak that wicks fluid into the harness is common enough to be worth inspecting. The AW4 behind the 4.0 is the most durable unit in the whole range and rarely needs replacing. On the eight-speeds, failures are mostly fluid-related and the correct ZF fluid is not optional.
What ships with every unit
-
Pressure tested with the solenoid readings recorded, and the fluid condition inspected and reported.
-
Fitment matched — send us the model year, engine, drivetrain and the RPO option code or ID tag and we confirm the part before the order ships.
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Written warranty on every transmission, with labour coverage available.
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Free freight anywhere in the lower 48, crated on a pallet to a commercial address or a terminal.
Replacing the engine too? See our Grand Cherokee used engines. Full terms are in the transmission warranty policy, and the complete catalogue is at used transmissions.
Jeep Grand Cherokee used transmissions - frequently asked questions
Which transmissions did the Jeep Grand Cherokee use?
Across 1993 to 2021 the Jeep Grand Cherokee was built with AW4, 42RE / 44RE, AX-15, 45RFE, 42RLE, 545RFE, W5A580 (NAG1), 845RE / 8HP45 and 8HP70 / 850RE. The table above lists which one belongs to each generation, with the transmission designation and option code that identifies it.
How do I identify the right transmission for my Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Four things decide it: model year, engine, drivetrain, and the option or RPO code. That code is the one most people do not have to hand and the one that settles it - on a GM vehicle it is on the glovebox or door-jamb sticker, on a Chrysler it is on the build sheet, and on a Ford it is on a tag on the case. Send us the VIN and the code and we confirm the unit before anything ships.
Will a transmission from a different year fit my Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Platform generation, then engine, then the RPO option code from the build sheet if the car is 2014 or later. The eight-speeds are where people get caught: opt DFT and opt DFW are both "8-speed automatic" and are not the same part.
What usually fails on these transmissions?
On the RE and RFE transmissions the usual culprit is the governor pressure solenoid and transducer, which drops the car into limp mode and feels terminal when it is not — check that before replacing anything. The NAG1 fails at the conductor plate and the valve body, and a 13-pin connector leak that wicks fluid into the harness is common enough to be worth inspecting.
What comes with a used Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission?
Every transmission is pressure tested with the solenoid readings recorded and the test sheet ships in the box. The unit is matched to your VIN and option code before the order goes out, carries a written warranty with labour coverage available, and freight is free anywhere in the lower 48.
