Hi folks... fairly new here (thanks to how sturdy our 98 XJ has been), searched but couldn't find this exact issue.
1998 XJ, 2WD, Automatic, 4.0L. When driving around in "D", it starts from a stop in 2nd gear. Shifts through the higher gears as it should...but never downshifts into 1st.
We can force it into 1st by manually shifting the lever into "1", and it stays in 1 until we manually upshift... but this is a young driver's vehicle and she drives in CRAZY traffic so we really need it to shift like normal.
Fluid is the correct color, viscosity, and age. Filter was 90% surely done 8 months ago (10% not sure about it though).
Any thoughts? Ideas? Old army jokes? I'll take hints or even tea leaf readings at this point.

Thanks in advance folks. We're pretty okay parts swappers, but lousy diagnosticians.

 

Starting in 2nd is very odd. The usual faults of no power to the trans computer or bad #1 solenoid, would have it trying to start in 1st gear. If the #1 solenoid is stuck on, you'd be shifting between 2nd and 3rd and not have 1st or 4th. You've adjusted the cable to the throttle body already?

 

Actually... no... we haven't. Guess that's our first order of business; I'll educate myself further and reply once I have something intelligent to add.

Thanks much!

 

 

Check the throttle valve (TV) cable that runs from the throttle body to the transmission. It's likely out of adjustment or has a broken plastic retainer. This cable controls shift firmness and downshifts. If it's loose or broken, the transmission won't know to downshift into first.

It's a very common failure on these Jeeps. The plastic clip holding the cable end breaks. You can get a new one at any parts store. Adjust it so there's a slight bit of slack when the throttle is closed.

 

Lawson: EXCELLENT... Sincere Thanks... I'm a visual learner rather than a book learner, so watching that video helped me understand exactly what to try next! Can't believe how simple it is... thank you again for the link! :-)

Roberto: You made that easy to follow and understand. I appreciate the explanation! I'll give this is shot and report back...

 

Most likely it’s not starting in 2nd gear but 3rd gear. It may be the 1-2 solenoid has failed. Search for the electrical test which is done at the TCM just above the drivers right foot. They reside inside the transmission and will require the trans pan to be dropped. About 200 bucks for the solenoids.

Ron

 

If the #1 solenoid has failed, it'll try starting out in 4th gear. A set of solenoids run about $60 on Amazon.

Solenoids
1st Gear - #1 solenoid on, #2 off
2nd Gear - Both #1 and #2 solenoid on
3rd Gear - #2 solenoid on, #1
4th Gear - Both off
Torque Converter - #3 solenoid
(The later year service manuals refer to them as solenoids A,B, and C)