mo8414

I had a fuse that was bad but didn't know it. I thought it was my nss because my reverse lights didn't work. But it also made my trans not shift quite right. I would be in 4th then all of a sudden it would down shift into 3rd. When it happened I would have to pull over,turn off my car then restart it and it would shift right again for a while. This is in a 01 cherokee and it was one of the fuses in the paasenger side panel. Might wanna check that out.

moparado

No, its my bad as i slap the side of my head!

Got Transfer Cases on my mind as i'm about to try and figure out today whats going on with a leak in my XJ TC in addition to changing the engine oil.

Is the shifter detent solid for each gear select?
In other words does the shifter stay firmly in Drive with just a little front to back wiggle room?
Thats where my issue was when it wouldn't go into 4th gear at any speed SOME of the time.
Didn't always throw a CEL either, only once as i remember.

Don't know if you mentioned this already, but did you change the TPS?

tacklebox

I believe so, at least isn't any slop that has been noticeable but I will take a closer look...


Yes TPS was replaced and it SEEMED to remedy the issue for the first couple hundred miles but then it came back.

moparado

When the shifter is put in Drive, you want a little front/back slop. That way you'll know its 'saddled' in the Drive detent. Also in Drive, the stick should be more or less aligned with the 'Drive' logo on the console.

Which brand TPS did you use? On the older XJs, the TPS has to be adjusted. Can't recall off hand what year you have.

Only other things i can think of are:
Does you speedometer read accurate or fluctuate? Could be the speed sensor.

The NSS or tranny range switch can become soaked in oil causing intermittent shift problems.

tacklebox

Shifter checks out fine..


Can't recall the brand of TPS, I'd have to check the box but was supposed to be an OEM? My XJ is a 96, no adjustment on the TPS.


Will possibly pull and clean NSS this weekend while flushing cooling system before moving on to solenoids just to eliminate that. Had planned to do axle u joints but....


Drive home yesterday I had no TC issues, this morning it messed up couple times. Pulled over and cycled key, continued the drive without further issue...

tacklebox

Think the ol XJ did a self diagnosis today. It was givin me lock up hell on way home. Pulled over to do a key cycle and wouldn't start.....



In park . Shifted to neutral and bam. Gonna pull and clean NSS in AM. Flushing cooling system at the moment

tacklebox

For giggles not used to working in the drive to the garage

tacklebox

Stupid pic

MWMahoneyJr

Good-looking XJ. Too bad it's broke.

moparado

Yeah, nice looking XJ you got there!

Hopefully cleaning (or replacing) the NSS will fix your issue.
Once you get it fixed, it'll run as good as it looks.

Good Luck!

tacklebox

Pulled and cleaned NSS it was pretty funky. It SEEMS to have fixed the lock up issue but I'm gonna not hold my breath till it gets a few more miles on it after the cleaning. But. So far so good.

BONUS. It also appears to have fixed my issue of not being able to turn of cruise control AND my volt gauge is reading better as well. Was always hanging out around 12. Solid 14 now

Weather turned cold again so guess it'll be awhile before I find out if the coolant flush and hose replacement had any effect on my highway overheating issue. System seemed pretty clean so not super confident on that one.

Thanks to all who chimed in!!!

tacklebox

So....... got about 120 miles on it before it slipped in / out of OD again. I do think it is quite a bit better though so kinda scratching my head. This AM it acted up right away, did a key cycle, shifted from D-P-D, drove the remaining 60 miles without issue.


Grrrrrr..... wondering if those lil springs are just to worn and I should try replacing NSS next before moving to solenoids.

MWMahoneyJr

Dude, that's gotta be frustrating as hell. You think you found something, Finally!, but no, that wasn't the solution.

Keep hunting. We're pulling for you!

moparado

Do you think cleaning the NSS made somewhat of a positive difference overall?
If so how did you clean and inspect the switch guts?

The spring loaded contacts themselves could be worn down or their springs are now too short or weakened.

What i would do if cleaning it did make a difference is to pull the springs apart a little to lengthen them to create more contact tension. Then clean the contacts with alcahol and burnish them with 600 grit sandpaper then wipe clean again with alcahol. Might want to lube them a little with dielectric grease.

If this second attempt makes a better improvement or fixes the problem, i'd be looking into replacing the whole switch.

tacklebox

Yes there was definite improvement. In fact I got another 150 miles out of it yesterday without issue until the last 5 miles. Also after cleaning my CC went back to operating correctly that ended after the first time the TC lock up occurred again. After cleaning my Volt gauge also was reading higher for awhile.


To clean I followed the basic procedure. Disassembled, cleaned with parts cleaner and a brush, touched up all the contacts with fine paper, wiped out remaining cleaner and sprayed with compressed air, then reassembled with DE. I did notice the 2 contacts that ride the spring both had some obvious wear spots / grooves. Both only on one end. I didn't notice these till it was time to hit them with the sand paper so I am unsure where they rode on the unit before hand.


Those springs are mighty dainty for my big paws but that does sound like it is worth a shot!