Hi do you check the automatic transmission with the motor running

You dont, they are sealed systems.

Would start by checking linkage or the cable that runs to tranny. Tranny fluid level is correct? Check fluid level first. Run 15-20 mins and check with motor warmed and running

Normally, the oil is checked with the motor off. You won't get a true reading while the motor is running. The automatic transmission is checked with the motor running, usually in park.

Depends on your engine.

1980 JEEP CJ-7 2.5L 4-cyl Engine Code [B]
CAPACITIES
Engine, GM without filter..........2.4 quarts[1]
Wix Filter ........ 51040
Cooling System, Initial Fill..........8.0 quarts
Automatic Transmission, A904, 30RH Initial Fill..........4.0 quarts[2]
Automatic Transmission, A999, 32RH Initial Fill..........4.0 quarts[2]
Automatic Transmission, Total Fill
3 speed A999, 32RH..........8.4 quarts
3 speed A904, 30RH..........7.0 quarts
Manual Transmission, 4-SPD, SR-4..........3.0 pints
Manual Transmission, 4-SPD, T176..........3.6 pints
Differential, Front..........2.5 pints[3]
Differential, Rear..........4.9 pints
Transfer Case,..........4.0 pints

1. Add extra oil when replacing filter. After refill check oil level.
2. With engine automatic transmission operating temperature, shift through all gears.
Check fluid level in NEUTRAL and add fluid as needed.
3. 1984-1992 Models with command-Track, add 5 oz of 75W-90 GL-5 to shift motor housing opening.

TORQUES
Oil Drain Plug.....25 ft-lbs
Manual Transmission T176
Fill Plug.....15 ft-lbs
Drain Plug.....15 ft-lbs
Manual Transmission SR4
Fill Plug.....20 ft-lbs

1980 JEEP CJ-7 4.2L 6-cyl Engine Code [C]
CAPACITIES
Engine, without filter..........5.0 quarts[1]
Wix Filter..... 51522
Cooling System, Initial Fill..........11.0 quarts
Automatic Transmission, A904, 30RH Initial Fill..........4.0 quarts[2]
Automatic Transmission, A999, 32RH Initial Fill..........4.0 quarts[2]
Automatic Transmission, Total Fill
3 speed A999, 32RH..........8.4 quarts
3 speed A904, 30RH..........7.0 quarts
Manual Transmission, 4-SPD, SR-4..........3.0 pints
Manual Transmission, 4-SPD, T176..........3.6 pints
Differential, Front..........2.5 pints[3]
Differential, Rear..........4.9 pints
Transfer Case,..........4.0 pints

1. Add extra oil when replacing filter. After refill check oil level.
2. With engine automatic transmission operating temperature, shift through all gears.
Check fluid level in NEUTRAL and add fluid as needed.
3. 1984-1992 Models with command-Track, add 5 oz of 75W-90 GL-5 to shift motor housing opening.

TORQUES
Oil Drain Plug.....30 ft-lbs
Manual Transmission T176
Fill Plug.....15 ft-lbs
Drain Plug.....15 ft-lbs
Manual Transmission SR4
Fill Plug.....20 ft-lbs

1980 JEEP CJ-7 5.0L 8-cyl Engine Code [H]
CAPACITIES
Engine, without filter..........4.0 quarts[1]
Wix Filter..... 51258
Cooling System, Initial Fill..........13.0 quarts
Automatic Transmission, A999, 32RH Initial Fill..........4.0 quarts[2]
Automatic Transmission, A904, 30RH Initial Fill..........4.0 quarts[2]
Automatic Transmission, Total Fill
3 speed A904, 30RH..........7.0 quarts
3 speed A999, 32RH..........8.4 quarts
Manual Transmission, 4-SPD, SR-4..........3.0 pints
Manual Transmission, 4-SPD, T176..........3.6 pints
Differential, Front..........2.5 pints[3]
Differential, Rear..........4.9 pints
Transfer Case,..........4.0 pints

1. Add extra oil when replacing filter. After refill check oil level.
2. With engine automatic transmission operating temperature, shift through all gears.
Check fluid level in NEUTRAL and add fluid as needed.
3. 1984-1992 Models with command-Track, add 5 oz of 75W-90 GL-5 to shift motor housing opening.

TORQUES
Manual Transmission T176
Fill Plug.....15 ft-lbs
Drain Plug.....15 ft-lbs
Manual Transmission SR4
Fill Plug.....20 ft-lbs

Oilman

Have a look at the automatic transmission fluid.
Under the hood should be 2 long dipsticks, usually they have a colored plastic handle so you can see them more easily.
You will need to identify them, perhaps ask a friend for help.
One dipstick is for motor oil, the other for automatic transmission fluid.
The automatic transmission fluid should be redish in color, that is a dye put in the fluid so you know it is not motor oil.
Check that fluid, your owner's manual in the glove box will tell you whether to warm the eingine up first before you check it.
If the fluid is low, add some with a long funnel, only add a pint at a time, and check it about 5 minutes after you add it.
Repeat this until it shows full.
Car parts stores sell quarts of automatic transmission fluid.
If you pull the dipstick from the transmission and it is not low, and the fluid is clean (not black coloured), you may either have a transmission that has failed, or your brakes may be sticking ( like the emergency brake is on).
Be blessed

Hi Don, have you checked the gear box oil level? Regards John

A manual transmission should take 80/90 Hypoid gear oil . An automatic will use Mitsubishi diamond SP-II or SP- III ATF or equivalent (like Mercon V Synthetic). Do not over fill your transmission. Always check the level of your automatic transmission with the motor running.

Engine Oil
Grade 1......API*Maximum Performance Signature Series 0W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil (SSOQT) Signature Series 0W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil (SSOQT)
Drain Interval Information
Maximum Performance SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil (ASLQT) SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil (ASLQT)
Drain Interval Information
Performance Plus XL 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil (XLFQT) XL 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil (XLFQT)
Drain Interval Information
Performance Synthetic 5W30 OE Motor Oil (OEFQT) Synthetic 5W30 OE Motor Oil (OEFQT)
Drain Interval Information
Above 19 F......10W-30
All TEMPS......5W-30 [1]
Manual Transmission,......SLF [2]
Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATFQT)
Torque-Drive Synthetic Transmission Fluid (ATD1G)
Automatic Transmission,MP6......AF3
Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATFQT)
Torque-Drive Synthetic Transmission Fluid (ATD1G)
Automatic Transmission,MP7......AF3
Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATFQT)
Torque-Drive Synthetic Transmission Fluid (ATD1G)

Hi:

I don't know if you have an automatic or a 5 speed, but here is help for either one:

Automatic:

locate the auto transmission fluid dipstick, on passenger side of engine compartment. It should read full, while the engine is running, transmission in Park.

5 speed. There is a threaded plug on the side of the transmission. You need to remove the plug . the transmission should be filled to the bottom of the threaded hole, or till it runs out!

the transmission is slipping