I have a 1996 Cherokee 4.0L auto, 4wd that we purchased new. It has 156K miles, has had the trans fluid changed at least 4 times. The problem started with an occasional not shifting to low when stopping at a light. It now won't shift into low when put into D, but WILL if pulled all the way down to 1/2. If I upshift into D at 2500 or so, it seems to shift OK until I come to a light or stop sign. Lately it seems like it won't go into OD, or if it does, comes out with the slightest increase of throttle. The fluid doen't smell burned, and never has.

It doesn't feel like the trans slips, and shifts seem pretty solid as it always did. I don't want to put a ton of $ into a trans rebuild, and particuarly if its something else, less expensive, and simple. Its been a good vehicle, and I would prefer to keep this old friend running. Any suggestions?

I should have mentioned that it was in the shop for a recall several years back, something to do with emissions (I think). The CAT failed during their recall/reprogramming, and was REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY.

 

I assume fluid level is ok? Could be TCU or converter issue.

 

The fluid has been changed since this started,and the level is fine. TCU? Please excuse my ignorance, I'm not a mechanic.

 

OK, after searching around the 'net it sounds like the TCU may well be the culprit. Where do I locate the fuse and the TCU?

 

OK, I found the TCU attached to the back of the lower dash trim under the glove box. The trans shifts fine (manually) with the TCU disconnected. It shifted sometimes when connected, so I guess the fuse, if there is one, is intact.

While looking for it I found out why my radio wouldn't play am/fm except for static. In someone's infinte wisdom they used a M/F connector with a spring between the two and an aluminum shroud over top. The shroud split and the spring pushed the connector apart. I tossed the spring, mated the parts, and taped them together.

I'm trying to source a replacement 56041016(TCU). The local dealer wants $403.37. I found new OEM on the 'net for $285 + $35 shipping. It really gripes me that they gouge for the shipping. Napa and Carquest had no cross reference, and Auto Zone would do a R&R for $267.