9-Speed Automatic Transmission Assembly for 2016 Jeep Cherokee
Product Notes Read before buying
This transmission fits Jeep Cherokee models equipped with the 3.2L V6 engine, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with a single-speed transfer case, and the 3.51 final drive ratio (commonly found on vehicles with the factory tow package). Please verify these specifications on your vehicle before ordering.
Voice or type your vehicle details and Wrenchy will confirm fitment in seconds.
Vehicle Fitment Guide
This part fits the following vehicles:
| SubmodelSUB- MODEL |
Body Style | Years | Engine | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 |
Know This Transmission Before You Buy
The research behind our purchase interview — recalls, bulletins and real install economics for this transmission family:
A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right transmission shows up:
- Verify the Transmission Tag: Locate the barcode label on the top/side of the transmission case and confirm the OEM part number is 68260059AA and transmission code is DFH.
- Check Your 4WD Selector Dial: Confirm you have the single-speed Active Drive I AWD system (no '4-Low' or 'Neutral' buttons on the Selec-Terrain dial).
- Confirm Your Engine: Verify your Cherokee is equipped with the 3.2L V6 engine (will not fit the 2.4L).
- Check Your Build Sheet for the Tow Package: Confirm your vehicle has the factory Trailer Tow Group with the 3.51 axle ratio (by checking your original window sticker, requesting a build sheet from a dealer using your VIN, or checking the tag on your rear differential).
What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:
Special tools this job needs:
- Engine support fixture
- Transmission jack
- Mopar Transmission Fluid Level Dipstick Tool (P/N 10323A)
- Professional-grade bi-directional diagnostic scan tool
Budget for these consumables at install:
- Mopar ZF 8 & 9 Speed ATF (P/N 68157995AB) or ZF LifeguardFluid 9 (pale green fluid) - ~5.0 to 6.0 quarts for service refill, up to 9.0 quarts if torque converter is completely drained
- Torque converter hub seal
- Axle seals
- Transmission oil pan gasket (if pan is removed for inspection)
- Dedicated transmission flush solvent (for mandatory cooler-line flush)
What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:
What’s involved: TCM Adaptive Quick Learn
The 948TE transmission relies heavily on learned adaptive parameters stored in the TCM to control clutch fill times and pressures. When a replacement transmission is installed, the existing adaptive memory cells must be cleared, and a Quick Learn procedure must be initiated using a dealer-level or high-end bi-directional scan tool. If you are reusing your original TCM, it still holds the clutch-fill times from your old, failed transmission. If you do not perform the Quick Learn, the new transmission will shift violently, slip, and potentially damage the internal dog clutches. If a replacement TCM is used, it must be flashed with your vehicle's VIN and the latest software calibration by a dealer.
Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:
- Torque Converter Seating: Ensure the torque converter is fully seated (three distinct clicks/drops) before bolting to the engine to avoid cracking the internal oil pump gear.
- The Internal Filter Trap: The transmission filter is completely internal and mounted to the oil pump housing. It is NOT serviceable or replaceable during a standard install. Do not attempt to replace it unless performing a complete teardown.
- Fluid Level Check Procedure: There is no dipstick tube. Fluid level must be checked through a fill/check plug on the side of the case using special tool Mopar 10323A with fluid temperature verified via scan tool between 122°F and 140°F (50°C to 60°C).
- Subframe Alignment: The front subframe must be lowered for installation. Ensure alignment dowels are perfectly aligned during reassembly to prevent steering pull and tire wear.
- Fluid Color Warning: The correct ZF fluid is pale green. Do NOT use standard red ATF (such as ATF+4 or Dexron VI), as it will destroy the internal dog clutches and void the warranty.
- PTU Spline Care: Clean and lightly grease the splines when transferring your Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Forcing the PTU onto the transmission can damage the seals or splines.
Easy to get right once you know them:
- Mismatched Gear Ratios (The Tow Package Trap): Ordering a transmission with the wrong final drive ratio. This unit has a 3.51 ratio for the factory tow package. Standard 3.2L AWD Cherokees typically use a 3.25 ratio. Installing the wrong ratio will trigger gear ratio error codes (P0731-P0734) and lock the vehicle in limp mode.
- Single-Speed AWD vs. Two-Speed 4WD: Confusing Active Drive I (single-speed AWD) with Active Drive II / Active Drive Lock (two-speed 4WD with low-range button). This transmission only fits single-speed Active Drive I systems.
- Using the Wrong Fluid: Filling the transmission with standard red ATF (like Mopar ATF+4) instead of the required green Mopar ZF 8 & 9 Speed ATF or ZF LifeguardFluid 9.
- Skipping the TCM Relearn: Driving the vehicle immediately after installation without performing the scan-tool-based Quick Learn procedure, which can cause severe shift shocks and mechanical damage.
Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every transmission of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer:
🔎 Recommended at install: Reprogram the PCM and TCM with updated software.
🔎 Recommended at install: Verify your vehicle has the single-speed transfer case. This transmission is for single-speed AWD and is physically incompatible with two-speed 4WD systems.
🔎 Recommended at install: Perform a TCM software flash to the latest calibration level followed by a scan-tool-based Quick Learn and adaptation drive cycle.
🔎 Recommended at install: Reset Adaptation Memory Cells and perform Quick Learn procedure.
🔎 Recommended at install: Have the dealer flash the latest TCM software onto your vehicle after installation.
Researched from factory recalls, TSBs and OEM service data (reference unit 400-05346-4101584). Unit-specific details — mileage, condition, warranty, freight — are covered in the checkout interview.
Policies, in plain English.
Shipping & Handling
- Ships by LTL freight on a pallet — a real freight truck, not a parcel van
- Your checkout freight quote covers delivery to your door (liftgate service included for residential addresses)
- The carrier calls ahead to schedule a delivery window — someone must be present to receive it
- Typically palletized and picked up within 2–3 business days; transit time depends on distance
120-Day Warranty
This part includes a 120-day warranty.
- If the part fails within the warranty window, we'll replace it or refund per the coverage terms
- Coverage is parts-only — installation labor is not included
- Warranty covers defects — not installation errors, misuse, or damage after installation
Your pre-purchase interview reviews these exact terms with you before anything is charged.
Returns (30 Days)
We accept returns of uninstalled parts within 30 days of delivery for this part.
- Defective parts: We will replace the part or issue a refund at our discretion
- Programming: "Needs to be programmed to my vehicle" is not a valid return reason. Many modules require dealer programming — we're happy to help connect you with resources if your dealer says it's not programmable
- Return shipping: This part ships by freight (LTL) — the part price is refundable per the terms above, but shipping costs are non-refundable and return freight follows the seller's return terms. Your pre-purchase interview walks through the exact numbers before you buy
- Parts must be returned in original packaging and unmodified condition
- Poorly packaged returns that arrive damaged will not be credited
Damaged in Shipping?
Freight damage is rare — and you're fully protected when you do two things at delivery:
- Inspect before you sign — you're allowed time to look the pallet over while the driver waits
- Write any damage on the delivery receipt before signing — that one line is what makes a freight claim succeed
- Severe damage? Refuse the delivery — it goes back at no cost to you and we make it right
- Photograph the pallet before unwrapping; report concealed damage within 24 hours of delivery
We handle the carrier claim — you just help document it. Your pre-purchase interview walks through this checklist too.
Order Cancellation
Cancel before shipment for a full refund. Once the pallet has been built, a preparation charge may apply — and once the freight carrier picks it up, shipping costs are non-refundable and standard return terms apply. Your pre-purchase interview shows the exact numbers before you pay.
Expert Guides
2016 Jeep Cherokee 3.2L Transmission: Problems, Identification, and Used Replacement
Identify the exact ZF 9HP48 variant for your Cherokee, understand what causes it to fail, and learn what to look for when buying a used replacement unit.
Read Full Guide →Related Trouble Codes (OBD-II)
23 matching guidesIf your scan tool is showing one of these trouble codes, this part is a common fix. Each guide explains the code, how to diagnose it, and exactly what to replace.
Miscellaneous Information
OEM Part Numbers:
Mopar: 68233246AB, 68260059AA, 68260059AB, R8260059AA, R8260059AB, RL260059AB
Fits Years: 2016
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