i have a 98 cherokee classic 4.0, auto that is in limp mode.i cant figure it out. i have been told that there is a inline fuse going to the TCU but i cant find it. i replaced the TPS and that did not fix it. any help would be great!

Newbie
You need to be more specific as to what you mean by "limp mode". Back firing, jerking, total loss of power, stalling,etc.
it will not shift once put into drive. it goes right into 3rd. but i can put it down in 1-2 and it runs in first but will not go into 2nd. i pulled coeds off of it. miss fire, 02 sensor and a ground falt. my gauge cluster does not work properly either. i am starting to think that it is my TCM. no back fires, no clanks or anything. just sluggish and no shifting unless done manually.
CF Veteran
You are probably stuck in 4th. That's what the trans defaults to when the solenoids aren't working.
I believe the TCU inline fuse was gone by '98, if you have one it'd be in the harness just before the TCU itself, passenger's side roughly underneath the glovebox.
Your fuse is more likely in the PDC under the hood, or perhaps the interior fuse panel. You might also check the integrity of the trans electrical connectors and harness, including the plug near the trans dipstick.
Not having 2'nd in 1-2 is normal. It'll eventually shift if you get the revs high enough, at least the older units did.
You do need a solid ground between the battery (-), engine/transmission and chassis and a quick visual inspection isn't enough. Either unbolt the connectors, clean and tighten, or check resistance loss with a DVM.
I believe the TCU inline fuse was gone by '98, if you have one it'd be in the harness just before the TCU itself, passenger's side roughly underneath the glovebox.
Your fuse is more likely in the PDC under the hood, or perhaps the interior fuse panel. You might also check the integrity of the trans electrical connectors and harness, including the plug near the trans dipstick.
Not having 2'nd in 1-2 is normal. It'll eventually shift if you get the revs high enough, at least the older units did.
You do need a solid ground between the battery (-), engine/transmission and chassis and a quick visual inspection isn't enough. Either unbolt the connectors, clean and tighten, or check resistance loss with a DVM.
Senior Member
Here's everything you could possibly have for the 98 (the full shop manual 1724 pages) I don't think you need the parts list.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0cztwywshk..._1997-1999.pdf
It takes a little bit of getting use to but once you get the hang of it, all the information is there.
good luck.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0cztwywshk..._1997-1999.pdf
It takes a little bit of getting use to but once you get the hang of it, all the information is there.
good luck.
Senior Member
Quote:
Karl you da man!! I have been searching for that manual but kept finding only dead-end links. Thanks Alot
I looked high and low for the free manual and got so frustrated that I just bought it. I got all from 1997 to 2001 including part lists. Originally Posted by 98CheapJeep
Karl you da man!! I have been searching for that manual but kept finding only dead-end links. Thanks Alot You are welcome. If anybody else downloads it, let me know. I just like knowing how many people I get to help.
i down loaded it, a little hard to read and understand, but the info is awesome! Thanks! i am now trying to find out what could cause my jeep to go intio limp mode so i can use that info to fix it. im trying to locate all the grounds that are conected to the TCM, too see if i have a short or a bad TCM. the one in my jeep now has around 230k on it. 

Senior Member
While you are looking into this, take a look under the vehicle. There is an O2 sensor at the back of the catalytic converter. It's wire harness is usually held up inside the trans tunnel by a plastic clip. if it's not held by that clip, it can fall onto the rear driveshaft yolk. Mine had done that and i just replaced the one wire that had been worn through. This permanently stopped the Check engine light.
If you do find this, there will likely be a small 15 amp fuse in the underhood fusebox that is blown.
My AW4 had also tripped that light a few times. (limp mode) Manual shift worked to drive until it cooled off again. I came to the conclusion it was probably one of the two shift solenoids. But I installed a small trans cooler and that never happened again. I never did replace the solenoids.
If you do find this, there will likely be a small 15 amp fuse in the underhood fusebox that is blown.
My AW4 had also tripped that light a few times. (limp mode) Manual shift worked to drive until it cooled off again. I came to the conclusion it was probably one of the two shift solenoids. But I installed a small trans cooler and that never happened again. I never did replace the solenoids.
Member
Quote:
You are welcome. If anybody else downloads it, let me know. I just like knowing how many people I get to help.
Thanks Karl. I'm new to Jeeps and need all of the service information I can get. Now if I could only find a pdf or scan of the owners manual!Originally Posted by karl4x4
I looked high and low for the free manual and got so frustrated that I just bought it. I got all from 1997 to 2001 including part lists. You are welcome. If anybody else downloads it, let me know. I just like knowing how many people I get to help.
Senior Member
Quote:
Just go to my link. It's thereOriginally Posted by mudshark99
Thanks Karl. I'm new to Jeeps and need all of the service information I can get. Now if I could only find a pdf or scan of the owners manual!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0cztwywshknalk0/Jeep_Cherokee_XJ_1997-1999.pdf
Member
Quote:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0cztwywshk..._1997-1999.pdf
That link is for the Shop Manual, right? Now what I'm trying to find is the Owners Manual that usually comes in the glove box.Originally Posted by karl4x4
Just go to my link. It's therehttps://www.dropbox.com/s/0cztwywshk..._1997-1999.pdf