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AW4 trans issues

Old Jan 16, 2010 | 09:45 PM
  #1  
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Year: 1986
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Default AW4 trans issues

Well i have been doing some searching, reading and crying. LOL

Here is what is going on with my AW4, When i shift to drive "D" it take some high RPMs to get my jeep moving. If i drop to a lower gear it takes off fine and it also shifts fine to 3 gear this is done by me shifting it my self. Once i shift from 3 to od its feel like is slipping.

This are the things i have done to it trying to fix the issue.
1. I have checked my TPS and it falls between the ideal specs.
2. I have changed out the transmission solenoids.(all three) ouch!

I don't know what else i need to check before i get a new trans or take it in to get it rebuild.
I have 196k on it. i just bought it in April and i did changed out the fluids when i first got it. Any help?
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Old Jan 16, 2010 | 09:59 PM
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it might be your tranny filter, mine did almost the exact same thing, if it continues after the filter change , rebuild it or get a new one
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Old Jan 16, 2010 | 10:01 PM
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Could be the Torque converter...
But, it would pry be more cost effective to just buy a new trans if thats the case.
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Old Jan 16, 2010 | 10:08 PM
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Originally Posted by kreatos909
it might be your tranny filter, mine did almost the exact same thing, if it continues after the filter change , rebuild it or get a new one
x2, start easy and cheap. Change the fluid and filter, if it gets better...well then you know....and if it does it again after that change it again....and again.....so on so fourth until your fluid is clean!

If you do a F&F change remember, DEXTRON III!
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Old Jan 16, 2010 | 10:18 PM
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Sorry i forgot to list the fluid and filter change also.
There was no change.

I also read about the TCM or PCM replacement. Is this true can this go out and cause trans shifting issues?



Do you guys know a website to buy a replacement aw4 at a good price?
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Old Jan 16, 2010 | 10:28 PM
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So, from what I can get from your post It will shift from 1-3 fine but will not shift into 4th? It also takes alot of gas to get the jeep moving? The 1-3 but no OD sounds almost like a TCU issue, but Im not an expert...

Originally Posted by LanShark
Do you guys know a website to buy a replacement aw4 at a good price?
Just go to the junkyard and get a low mileage one (from same year if you can) for like 200 bucks... Alot of junkyards/salvage places will give you a warranty too..
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Old Jan 16, 2010 | 10:37 PM
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what did it run you for the 3 solenoids?
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Old Jan 16, 2010 | 10:41 PM
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the only way i can get it to shift from 1-3 is if i shift it my self.

Now if i buy a trans from the Junkyard, does it has to be from a 4x4 or will a 4x2 work. I know that the tail end of a 4x2 is different, but can the tail end be taking off and used on a 4x4?

My jeep is a 1987 so im guessing it has a 21 spline output.
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Old Jan 16, 2010 | 10:42 PM
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Originally Posted by nw-xj-scott
what did it run you for the 3 solenoids?
The solenoids kit cost me 180.00 out the door. Local Trans shop.
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Old Jan 16, 2010 | 10:44 PM
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I too am having a similer issue, My jeep has to be manually shifted when trying to downshift, I replaced my kick-down cable, and now its time to do a tranny service.

Already have a 93 ZJ i need to do a tranny on.. really hope the XJ dont need one too.. two trannys is alot of work
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Old Jan 17, 2010 | 12:52 PM
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well sisnce you just bought it in april that usually happens from when people nuetrial drop it you need to just have your tranny built theres no way out buddy i have extra aw4 i bought cause i thought i felt it slipping but it never dropped on me
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Old Jan 17, 2010 | 01:38 PM
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There is three solenoids in the transmission, if transmission shift manual with out slipping
I would pull transmission pan check the ohm on the solenoid they should read with volt ohm meter 11 to 15 ohms
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Old Jan 17, 2010 | 02:52 PM
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sounds like your trans has low line pressure......and it isnt shifting the spools on its own...
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Old Jan 17, 2010 | 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by 98 JeepJeep
sounds like your trans has low line pressure......and it isnt shifting the spools on its own...

If thats the case, the first FREE action would be to check/adjust the TV Cable.



To adjust the TV cable you:
1: Push in and hold the release button
2: While holding in release button, push "conduit" in as far as it will go
3: Release button
4: Rotate throttle to WOT, some people do this with the gas pedal. Others do it from the engine compartment.
5: Hold at WOT for a few seconds, cable should ratchet out a click or two.
6: Your TV cable should now be properly adjusted, take it for a test ride.

Here is another post about it on NAXJA
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1015963
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Old Jan 17, 2010 | 04:01 PM
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Default AW4

I would just check trans filter n run another change n go through all the specs but for future reference when it comes to old transmisions u dont want to play with them tomuch they tend to get themselves adjusted to certain runs after awhile. Just add little fluid every now and then and add some stop slip lucas.
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