Automatic Transmission Slipping
My 95 4.0L Sport has recently started slipping while gears. when I take off, it barely moves unless I pump the gas until it starts to catch. same thing at higher speeds, it will get stuck in a gear and wont shift up unless i let off the gas. My question is, what could be causing this? Do I need a new transmission all together or is it cheaper just to have it rebuilt? or could it be something as simple as low transmission fluid?
CF Veteran




Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 117
From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Yup, agree with xjfirefighter; simple stuff first.
1. Fluid must be at the correct LEVEL on the dipstick with a hot engine, fully exercised transmission, level surface.
2. Fluid should be RED in color
3. Fluid should not smell BURNT
If you are not in compliance with above, start by resolving that. Use Dex/Merc III compatible fluid.
1. Fluid must be at the correct LEVEL on the dipstick with a hot engine, fully exercised transmission, level surface.
2. Fluid should be RED in color
3. Fluid should not smell BURNT
If you are not in compliance with above, start by resolving that. Use Dex/Merc III compatible fluid.
Last edited by tjwalker; Feb 28, 2013 at 06:57 PM.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 0
From: Rochester
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Yup, simple stuff first.
1. Fluid must be at the correct LEVEL on the dipstick with a hot engine, fully exercised transmission, level surface.
2. Fluid should be RED in color
3. Fluid should not smell BURNT
If you are not in compliance with above, start by resolving that. Use Dex/Merc III compatible fluid.
1. Fluid must be at the correct LEVEL on the dipstick with a hot engine, fully exercised transmission, level surface.
2. Fluid should be RED in color
3. Fluid should not smell BURNT
If you are not in compliance with above, start by resolving that. Use Dex/Merc III compatible fluid.
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::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,579
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Try this 20 second fix while you're poking around.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/free-quick-fix-41821/
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/free-quick-fix-41821/
[QUOTE="cruiser54;2340567"]Try this 20 second fix while you're poking around.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/free-quick-fix-41821/[/QUOTE
I'll give it a try first thing tomorrow after i check the fluid levels. Hopefully its something simple that doesnt require me to swap tranny's....
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/free-quick-fix-41821/[/QUOTE
I'll give it a try first thing tomorrow after i check the fluid levels. Hopefully its something simple that doesnt require me to swap tranny's....
Note that in 1-2 position it's normal to not shift to 2 until rpm's are pretty high.
If it shifts fine this way it's an electrical, solenoid or TCU problem, not a mechanical problem.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,170
Likes: 312
From: Australia
Year: 1997 (RHD)
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 ltr
TJ practically IS a FSM (+ many years of experience 
the quick fix might make diffence too. Its worth checking the TPS while you r at it, since this is also involved in tansmission characteristics. Let us know how you go.

the quick fix might make diffence too. Its worth checking the TPS while you r at it, since this is also involved in tansmission characteristics. Let us know how you go.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Glendale Az.
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Buzzen half dozen 4.0l
My 95 4.0L Sport has recently started slipping while gears. when I take off, it barely moves unless I pump the gas until it starts to catch. same thing at higher speeds, it will get stuck in a gear and wont shift up unless i let off the gas. My question is, what could be causing this? Do I need a new transmission all together or is it cheaper just to have it rebuilt? or could it be something as simple as low transmission fluid?
Big question when was the last time you did a service to change the fluid and the filter ?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 860
Likes: 0
From: middleburg fl
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
i must say im amazed that someone would create a post about a slipping transmission before they even opened the hood and checked the fluid. its like youre assumeing the worst case senario right outa the box
fluid is fine as i suspected. adjusted the cable which helped with switching gears. BUT when taking off in first the engine revs to about 4k RPMs before it starts going anywhere. it feels kinda like when youre driving a stick shift and youre trying to drive with the clutch still pressed down. once I get it up to speed its shifting ok in the higher gears, still have to let of the gas for it to shift every now and then though.
thank you for imparting your expertise, but the fluids had just been checked not too long ago and its not leaking any transmission fluid so unless someone got under my rig and started stealing transmission fluid, I just assumed that wasnt it.


