2001 cherokee sport 4.0 automatic 4 speed. It shifted fine yesterday, started it up this morning was 6 degrees out, heard a noise that was pinging intermittently, almost like a valve, warmed it up and it won't move in reverse drive or anything, fluid level good. Any info would be greatly appreciated, it's my only vehicle.
Thanks much,
Gene

 

4wd? Transfer case in neutral? Won't move meaning it revs up like it's in neutral, or won't move like the parking brake is on?

 

Got your PM. It sounds like either the flexplate-to-torque converter have sheared off, or the flex plate is broken where it meets the crank. You need to remove the thin aluminum cover on the lower, front half of the bellhousing and inspect. Sheared t/c bolts should be obvious, and you have a completely broken flex plate if you can spin the flexplate by hand. While you're there, check that the bolts that hold the bellhousing to the engine block are tight - you'd be surprised how often I run across that, and that can cause the flexplate to fail.

Other things to possibly check under there, verify the transmission shift cable is working and the lever on the side of the trans moves when you move the shifter. If the cable or the mount broke, you might just be stuck in park.

 

Some pictures of the inspection plate, btw.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/ho...ocking-125547/

 

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/ch...xplate-172081/

 

OK but even if the flexplate is missing entirely, wouldn't it not be able to start, but still be able to shift (which I guess would be kinda academic)?

 

Thanks Captain Obvious!! That's what I get for responding to threads before my coffee.

 

Sure! Blame me!

Still think it's a good idea to pull the inspection plate to look for pieces tho.

 

Doh! Making another cup of joe for myself as well.....