So recently purchased a new to me 1995 Jeep Cherokee XJ with the 4.0 and AW4 trans, the issue I’m having is when the trans is cold and drive is selected, it try’s to start off in 3rd, but only until the trans is up to operating temp, then there’s no issues whatsoever, I have replaced all 3 shift solenoids, done a oil and filter change on the auto, checked and cleaned the earths near the dipstick, in goes into first if selected on the shifter but only in drive selects 3rd. There’s power to the TCU, and all the way down to the trans, have adjusted the kickdown cable aswell. Jeep only has 100,000kms(60,000miles). Any help would be appreciated, thanks

 

It's possible that the TCU has failed, but I would perform Tip 10 at www.cruiser54.com first.

 

I'd guess trying to start in 4th versus 3rd. The symptoms sound like a bad #1 solenoid or wiring to the solenoid, which is why cruiser is hinting to look at the connector in the engine bay. It's possible, but not likely the TCU would be temperature dependent like that.

1st - Solenoid 1
2nd - Solenoid 1 & 2
3rd - Solenoid 2
4th - No solenoids
t/c lockup - Solenoid 3

 

I checked the engine bay connectors, they all seem to be fine. I think I might try swapping in another TCU and just see what that does. As for the temperature dependant, I think it’s gotta be more internal then external

 

measure the external resistance of cable and solenoid at the terminal like i showed in a previous pic/thread (in case you have high resistance wires in the trans solenoid harness)

you can also connect an LED diode (with 680ohm resistor), inside the cab

it will alight when 12V is applied by the TCM to the solenoid ..run a thin wire from that back probe like i showed