Newbe to the forum. I am experiencing a problem with a random down shift, at highway speed 65mph 2000 rpm the aw4 transmission will drop down to 2nd gear? 4500-5000rpm. I pulled over, turned off the vehicle restarted and the problem went away. Has anyone seen this before? shift solenoids?

 

My guess would be a bad solenoid or TCU (not sure if '96s still had a TCU). It could be a larger issue with the valve body or seals within your transmission but I would start with checking fluid levels/condition and solenoids. Someone with more AW4 experience is sure to chime in with additional advice.

 

Thx for the response, I've search several other forums and cannot find any one experiencing the same symptoms. I had sift solenoids replaced on a 98 xj due to failing to up shift. I'll tell you what it sure rattles your cage when your cruising down the hwy and your jeep drops into 2nd gear =[]

 

Here's something to try and it's free. While you're doing this, look to see if any wires are pulled out of the connectors.

Cruiser’s Trans Plug Refreshing

Over near the transmission dipstick tube are 2 rather large connectors. One is black and the other gray. These 2 connectors carry all the info between TPS, TCU, NSS, speed sensor, and transmission solenoids.
Unplug each one, visually inspect for corrosion or bent pins, spray them out with electrical contact cleaner and plug them back in.
　
Additionally, if your Jeep is an 87 to 90 Renix, it’s always a good idea to reach up under the glovebox area and unplug the connector to the TCU and spray it out along with the receptacle of the TCU. While you’re there, find the fuse right in that area for the TCU. Remove it and spray out it’s receptacle and clean any corrosion from the fuse.
Revised 9-10-2012

 

thx for the advice cruiser54 did that. from my research on aw4 transmissions driving down the road @65 mph sol-1 and sol-2 would be de energized in 4th gear something caused the tcu to power both solenoids to activate 2nd gear. the search continues=/

 

Might check your TPS for grins and giggles, it has a lot of influence on shifting. And the grounds as mentioned.
You could also disconnect the TCU temporarily and shift by hand to see if the problem stops. If it does it's an electronic problem, not a trans problem.

 

so far its only happened the one time. the jeep currently shifts fine I cannot duplicate the condition. considering the mileage is 173k I will replace the tps. I also read there was some kind of tps service bulletin in 96.

 

bump
i know this is somewhat of an old thread, but i'm currently having the same exact issue.
96 XJ automatic 2WD, downshifts at random while driving, happened for the first time a few weeks ago going 30 - 40 and again tonight on the freeway. the problem disappears when i turn the engine off and back on.
halp