To clarify, I have searched, and could not find any issues similar to mine.

I recently purchased a 95 XJ, 4.0 HO, with the Auto transmission (aw4). Has a 5" lift and 31's.

My issue is that even after checking and correctly filling the fluid, the transmission will not down shift in order to pick up the rpms so I can climb even a paved hill. I can hear the engine struggle to make power, and I start to hear a whining noise come from under the jeep if the accelerator is held almost WOT for about 5 to 10 seconds.

The engine revs fine and idles just right. It will upshift and drive around normally, on flat ground, without an issue.

Is there a 'limp' mode with the auto tranny ecu or something?

Perplexing issue, and if I could get some advice I would appreciate it.

 

Hmm....thats a tough one, could be any number of things from a stuck detent valve to a sensor. Has it done this ever since you bought it or did it just start doing it one day?

 

Not an auto guy at all, but is the kickdown cable adjusted?

 

Or maybe the TPS?

 

There is no cable on the AW4, and it would run horrible with a bad TPS (throttle position sensor)

 

Dang. Way off, then.

Guess I'll stick to my manual trans!

 

No, you're on the right track! Im thinking either internal valvebody issue or maybe bad connection to the ecu

 

I just noticed it for the first time yesterday when I was climbing a particularly steep hill by my house.

 

did you do a tranny flush or anything prior to that?

 

No i did not. I did check the tranny fluid level this morning, after noticing the issue yesterday, and the transmission was down a quart. But even after filling it perfectly, the issue is still present.

I will try to get you gentlemen more information about the issue today or tomorrow.

 

yea there is. and not necessarily. unplug the TPS and go for a drive, see if anything changes. if not, get a new one, theyre fairly cheap. as for the kickdown cable (with the motor off) push in the "button" on the throttle body (looks like a D) rotate the throttle to WOT, let go of the button, let go of the throttle.

its not the "right" way to adjust the cable, but itll kick down as early as possible this way.

 

Uh, what do you mean the aw4 has no cable?



Start with adjusting the kickdown cable.

 

Beat me to it.

 

Nice, I dont feel as foolish!

 

Ok, Im an idiot! I got my trannies crossed, your's SHOULD have a kickdown cable and proper adjustment is CRITICAL! I apologize for the confusion!