Took a trip last week on I 15 into Utah, Jeep wasn't overloaded and the temp was only 93. Taking uphill grade and transmission temp light came on. Engine slowed as I expected and we pulled off and waited about thirty minutes. Started car, light off and never came back on again. Completed trip with city driving in 100 deg plus temps for two days. Local mech ran diagnostic showed the P0741 code for torque converter clutch. They checked the fluid, it was full but very dark. They suggested drain and change filter. I know Scotty doesn't recommend it too often, but is it better to do that and hope that solves the problem. Can't afford another car for about two years. If it is the torque converter, how long could it last with about 12k miles per year? I'd buy something if I had to, but prefer to wait. Thanks for any help.

2009 Jeep Patriot, 4-cyl

automatic.

161K mileage

VIN 1J4FT28B39D178021