so if I google just the part num..I see this among others

https://www.fs1inc.com/engine-comput...m-pcm-oem.html

$187, plug & play, they program VIN, guarenteed

for that price, I would throw the money on the ground and set fire to it, considering you must have spent many hours & dollars so far

 

What does that even MEAN!!???

 

 

96 and 97 don't have a TCM

 

Oh no! I just bought 10 of these!

Mopar Part No.: 56041016

CONTROL-TRANSMISSION CONTROL
This part fits the vehicle you selected:
1996 Jeep Cherokee

 

.

 

Even funnier is that I bought 50 of the 56027951 (for the TCUs that aren't in the 97s).

 

Yeah that is funny because they didn't come with TCM's. Any interest in a bridge I have for sale? I actually have 3 cut you a deal.

 

Let's see - TCMs that aren't there, but are; bridges that are there, but aren't...

There can only be one explanation--

You must have taken the Brown Acid.

 

 

Omigod!! This conspiracy is worse than I thought! In the 1997 FSM, even the Chrysler people think there's a TCM in there!! It's the grassy knoll all over again!

 

Probably senior moment.

Anyway---

If you get a new PCM, what do you plan on doing with the old one?

 

I think you will find the 96 has a TCM mounted under PS plastic inside the cabin

we might need to double check the '97 FSM describing how AW4 gear changes are accomplished ?

I will spell it out..the OP has obviously spent heaps of time and money, why the hesititation in firing the parts canon at the likely suspect here?
No further diagnosis can be performed upon it.
$187 is not a lot of money..I spill that much beer on a weekend camping

PCM is a needed Spare Part anyway

I have personally seen XJ Jeeps obtained for nothing, have PCM installed by an experienced mechanic, and then onsold

Hopefully that makes my rationale clear

 

Not so fast grasshopper.

I find it impossible to believe that a "bad" PCM's only problem is that it's getting a bad crank/cam signal. Or forgot what the baseline is.

So I would do one more thing. Pull the PCM apart and check the soldered connections to make sure they are solid. I believe there are 3 (crank, cam, and the ground is common)(on 2000 anyway).

 

Somehow, I can't find comfort in that...