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Automatic Transmission Slipping

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Old Feb 28, 2013 | 06:31 PM
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Default 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?
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Old Feb 28, 2013 | 06:35 PM
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start with checking the fluid level and color. also check to see if it smells burnt
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Old Feb 28, 2013 | 06:39 PM
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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.

Last edited by tjwalker; Feb 28, 2013 at 06:57 PM.
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Old Feb 28, 2013 | 06:42 PM
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Originally Posted by tjwalker
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.
sounds like its right out of the factory service manual haha, do what he says then take it from there, good luck and let us know how you made out
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Old Feb 28, 2013 | 06:42 PM
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assuming the fluid levels are good, is there something else I need to check?
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Old Feb 28, 2013 | 06:43 PM
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Originally Posted by xjfirefighter

sounds like its right out of the factory service manual haha, do what he says then take it from there, good luck and let us know how you made out
wish I had the factory service manual...
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Old Feb 28, 2013 | 08:46 PM
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Originally Posted by jmatta33
wish I had the factory service manual...
You do now: http://www.jeep4x4center.com/knowled...?utm_source=cj
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Old Feb 28, 2013 | 09:25 PM
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Try this 20 second fix while you're poking around.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/free-quick-fix-41821/
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Old Feb 28, 2013 | 09:34 PM
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[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....
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Old Mar 1, 2013 | 12:41 AM
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Originally Posted by jmatta33
assuming the fluid levels are good, is there something else I need to check?
Assuming you find good fluid at the proper level, next thing I'd do is disconnect the TCU (passenger side, sorta below the glovebox) and try shifting manually.
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.
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Old Mar 1, 2013 | 03:38 AM
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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.
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Old Mar 1, 2013 | 06:52 AM
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Originally Posted by jmatta33
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 ?
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Old Mar 1, 2013 | 07:07 AM
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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
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Old Mar 1, 2013 | 08:29 AM
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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.
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Old Mar 1, 2013 | 08:30 AM
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Originally Posted by kennzz05
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
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.
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