Hi everyone. New to the site, and glad I found it!

I could use some help from some more, experienced, Cherokee owners.

I just bought an 88 from a friend, the issue is that it starts out in 3rd gear when I put it in drive... I think the tranny is ok though. If I put it down into 1st, then 3rd, then D it works fine and I can drive around ok. But when I stop, I have to repeat the process all over again. I am a little at a loss as to what the issue is here... And I would really appreciate some info!

 

You sure it isn't starting in 4th? That's what it does if the solenoids aren't operating.
First thing to check is TCU power and fuses. I think yours has a fuse holder taped to the TCU harness, sorta below the glovebox area. See if you have power there.

 

This^^. Find the fuse before doing anything else. Below the glovebox. Yellow tape on the harness holding a flat fuse just like the ones in your fuse box.

Here's what a TCU looks like on the workbench.

After you get this fixed, click on the "pink link" in my signature and get some preventative electrical work done. Cheap and easy.

 

Wouldn't it struggle to get going in 4th? (kind of like a manual)

 

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I had this happen in my wifes 97. It would start off fine would just feel like it was a noticeable lack of power. It wouldnt shutter or anything because theres nothing to let the power to slip. I changed all of my selonoids, It ended up being fine after that I changed them all while i was in the trans did not want to be doing it again for a different selonoid in a few months

 

That, and the trans plug refreshing.

Make sure there is power to both sides of the TCU fuse under the dash.

Here's a photo of the trans plugs:

 

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the help! I will dive into it this weekend and get back to you with my findings.

 

Well. Great news everyone! Found the TCM... And as I went to find the screws to take it out, I saw that it wasn't even bloody plugged in! So there you have it... Easy fix. Guess I got lucky with that one. lol

 

Send gratuities to www.freebeerforcruiser54.com.

 

Oooh. Beer Deee-nied.

 

I made up that website name.

 

Well, I will definitely have a couple cold ones in your honor cruiser54, lol

 

You should actually make a real website with a counter. You would see how many people would like to give you a beer that way haha.

 

If I could, I would. That would be fun. For now, just hoist a few up for me when you fix your Jeeps!!