I have a 1996 Cherokee Classic with the AW4. It seems like the transmission starts off in 2nd gear. Reverse gear works fine. I have to rev the engine up to 1500-2000 rpms for it to begin to move. When I drop it into 1-2 then it engages and goes like a son-of-a-*****. In normal Drive, it tends to lag as I described. As soon as it goes all the gears work fine.

As I am taking off (5-10 seconds after initial throttle push, 1500-2000rpms, not accelerating quickly), I hear a noticeable 'thud' and it seems like all is better and the Cherokee takes off. The RPMs tend to stay around 2000-2300 before this happens.

I think this could be an electrical issue and somehow connected to the TCM? I don't know if it is a fluid problem because 1-2 works just fine. All 4 gears are present, none are 'missing.'

Thoughts?

 

sounds like shift solenoid to me.

 

Agreed on the solenoid(s) being a good possibility. Start by measuring their resistance.

In D the solenoids do the shifting. In manual 1-2 it's done hydraulically in the valve body.

 

Thanks guys! Now let me throw a monkey wrench into all this: if it is the solenoid, wouldn't the computer throw a code that the solenoid isn't working? I currently do not have any codes.

 

2 bad solenoids here, no check engine light. You are having the exact same symptoms I had 2 years ago. I haven't had a problem since.

 

Hmm, good to know!

 

How many solenoids are there? If I am only having an issue with the 1-2 shift, should I only get the 1-2 shift solenoid?

 

Three:

#1 and #2 control the 1-2-3-OD shifts
3rd solenoid is the TCC Lockup.

First gear is #1 solenoid active.
2'nd gear is both #1 and #2 active.
Third gear is #2 active.
Overdrive is both solenoids off.