96 Cherokee XJ transmission issue
 

Hey guys. I'm new to the forum here and I'm having a problem. I'm about to buy a sweet 96 Cherokee from this guy and he's saying there's something messed up with the transmission it drives perfectly 100% fine you just have manually shift it, if not it takes off hard almost like it's stuck in a higher gear but other the that it's mechanically sound. Also the check engine light isn't on when the jeep is being driven around. You guys ever run into issues like that? And if so what were your solutions? Thanks all

So sometimes the computer realizes something else is wrong, and puts it into what some manufacturers would call limp mode. In this case it's 3rd gear. So your issue is not the transmission at all. otherwise u wouldn't be able to manual shift it. But it could be something like spiking voltages(had mine do it from that before) or a torque converter issue(unlikely but possible). I'm not 100% sure about all the issues that could cause that, but it is rather common on cherokee with automatics.

My 96 XJ had the same issue a couple months ago. turned out the TCU wasnt getting power. Was a 10 amp fuse in the power distribution box under the hood. Fuse wasnt blown, just wasnt making a good connection. Cleaned fuse blades and box contacts. Been shifting perfectly since.

You have 2 choices buy really cheap or better yet take it to a transmission shop and pay them for and estimate to repair the problem "guaranteed" price.


Then return to the owner with the info and deal from there on a price plus a little more for extra repairs.

Very likely.

Ok I'm gonna have to try that and see if that fixes the shifting problem. Thank you

Ill try changing the 10 amp fuse and if that doesn't work ill take it to a tranny place. I'll keep you guys updated on what happens

Be aware that Ben Dover works at trans shops too.

How did you fix you jeep when it had spiking voltage? If you dont mind me asking

I dont like that guy very much

I actually haven't yet. Ive checked quite a few things and haven't found the issue. This includes battery, alt, and wiring, fuses, grounds ect. Voltage regulator is in the pcm sooo it could be that but that would be a shame. when I figure it out I'll post a thread about it. I no that's not much help for you. I was just explaining I'm 99% sure your issue is not a tranny problem but rather some other factor