Hi,
My 2000 TJ 3.5 auto won't select any gear. It gave no warning and has always been smooth shifting with no problems at all and has always been serviced regularly. It's done 195k. I have been quoted $2k - $2.5k for reco tranny installed but was wondering if it's possible that it's something else like a linkage? I asked the mechanic about linkages etc and he said it wouldn't be anything like that and that sometimes they just go without any warning. Is that true or should is there something specific I can look for before forking out a fortune to have it fixed?

Man, I've been there. My 4spd kicked the bucket without any warning to. $2000 - $2500 is the standard price for a reco unit. But, you can pick up a good second hand one for much less - check Madmagna/Mitsfix and try get the 4spd auto with the spin-on filter. Just my opinion but I think the spin-on filter helps... even if its just a placebo.

To have a reco transmission shipped and installed cost me $1500 from one of the shadiest workshops in town. Make sure whoever does the work knows what they're doing.

Man, I've been there. My 4spd kicked the bucket without any warning to. $2000 - $2500 is the standard price for a reco unit. But, you can pick up a good second hand one for much less - check Madmagna/Mitsfix and try get the 4spd auto with the spin-on filter. Just my opinion but I think the spin-on filter helps... even if its just a placebo.

To have a reco transmission shipped and installed cost me $1500 from one of the shadiest workshops in town. Make sure whoever does the work knows what they're doing.

Thanks Skapper, I was going to mention that mine didn't have a filter and that I thought it was pretty strange as I've owned a few others that had the oil filter type one. I spent ages trying to work out where the filter was until I realised it didn't have one! Maybe not having it has shortened its life?

Thanks Skapper, I was going to mention that mine didn't have a filter and that I thought it was pretty strange as I've owned a few others that had the oil filter type one. I spent ages trying to work out where the filter was until I realised it didn't have one! Maybe not having it has shortened its life?

I don't think not having a filter would be the issue. The dead auto thing almost appears random. There was a poll here for failed autos, nothing concrete in it to say the auto WILL die if you do/don't do this etc. That wave spring just decides when and where it wants to go unfortunately.

What the death of my auto taught me was A) keep some money aside "just in case", and, B) regular transmission services by a professional are a good idea.

While my exec, with the 4spd, is parked up now the replacement tranny never missed a beat.

Also - +1 for fitting an oil cooler.

Anyway I got two prices from Powershift Transmissions & Western Suburbs automatics.

Powershift, best case scenario $1000 if it just needs to be repaired as he thinks if it was the Wave Spring it would've jammed in gear whereas mine moves freely through gears or worse case $2200 all up for reco unit.
Western Suburbs Auto said the opposite - they reckon the wave spring has broke up into the front pump and stuffed it - best $1700 to replace parts or worst $2950 reco. The guy from Western badmouthed the other mob which I hate and then went on about offering me a loaner car, the fact that I should deal with him 'cause he's RACQ approved (I thought of your experience Skapper) etc etc... so I'm leaning towards Powershift Transmissions.

Anyone in the Brisbane area had any dealing with these two companies or could recommend someone else?

Welcome to the "I broke my gearbox" crowd! lol

Both gearbox places are guessing. The problem, parts costs and labour cost won't be determined until someone opens it up.
So the cost will be undefined at this stage, from the low $1K to the high $3K. Labour cost for dismantle/assessment/reassembly wouldn't vary much, but bits like a planetary gear set and pump are expensive.
I'd go with the loaner car if you need the transport. lol
Whichever crown you use, ask them to keep the broken bits for you, so you can see what has been replaced.

PS "Jammed in gear" refers to the internal bits in the gearbox, the fact that you can still move the shift lever normally isn't relevant. (Unlike a manual gearbox)
If you want to save money take the gearbox out yourself and take it in. Saves the tow truck fee and the labour cost of removing and installing.

Wave spring lodges itself in the oil pump, that's how they kill the boxes. Don't know what this jamming in gear thing is on about but it sounds dodgy. Full rebuild required.

Could also be the planetary gear set that has given up.

Yeh, it was the wave spring...what a surprise.
It cost me $2000 to have it fully rebuilt.