So my new 98 jeep made it through inspection, even with the check engine light. + $670 in repairs.

I have codes p0700 and p0740. I have not noticed poor performance, other when backing out of the driveway it seemed to take a few seconds before it started moving. After that it seems to perform normally. The codes first appeared to me when I changed the serpentine belt because it squeeked. The new dayco belt also squeeks BTW.

Help. I have owned the jeep for 4 days and I almost want to go cry in the corner.

 

P0700- Transmission Control System Malfunction (Basically a general transmission fault code)

P0740 - Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Malfunction.

It could be allot of things, wiring, solenoid, dirty fluid, clogged valve body, bad TCC, etc.

Start by making sure the transmission has the correct fluid (Dexron III) and it is full and not brown/dirty/burnt.

 

I looked in your profile to see what gender you were and how old you were. No data published.

 

I'm a 31 year old dude. Not really going to cry! But my wallet is!

 

I bought this jeep for my wife, we are expecting our first born this spring!

 

LOL

It has only started.

 

So from what I have read, it is possible that I only need to flush the tranny and change the filter? I shifted it into 4wd for the test drive and thought maybe that stirred some gunk loose BC it hasn't been used in a long time?

 

your belt is probably squeaking because it's not tight enough. Try tightening it some more

Also there is a "break in" period where the new belt will stretch a little

 

What is the proper way to make sure the belt is tight enough and if it is not, to rightem it? I have only changed belts on my chevys and they have automatic tensioners.

 

Starting with a fluid change is a good idea if you don't know when it was last done. I would not recommend a pressurized flush, they have a tendency to knock stuff loose than can clog up passages.

The AW4 has a drain plug so you can drain, refill (aprox. 3.5-4qt. DexronIII/Mercon), drive about 100 mi. or so, repeat until the fluid that comes out is bright red like new fluid out of the bottle (this may take 3-4 times if it is really dirty). You can change the filter but the (I would wait until it has clean fluid first) but the "filter" on an AW4 is just a screen which rarely gets clogged. Changing the filter involves dropping the pan.

As skife said the belt is probably just loose. The spec for the accessory drive belt on an XJ is 180-200lbs. (new belt) or 140-160lbs. (used belt). Make sure to check the tension with a gauge. Here's a cheap but decent tension gauge if you don't have one: . Note: if you need to replace the belt again the Goodyear Gatorback is recommended.

 

New fluids are always a good start. While my recently purchased '97 showed no signs of problems it feels "better" since I changed the tranny, TC & diff fluids. You'll have to take it one thing at a time and with the help of the great folks on this forum will figure out how to make that Jeep move well.

 

see this thread: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/tig...t-help-172730/

there is a pulley below the PS pump that adjusts the tension, loosen the set screw and turn the jack screw to adjust (see pic in above linked thread). Check the tension with a tension gauge again spec is: 180-200lbs. (new belt) or 140-160lbs. (used belt).

 

Thanks for the tightener info! I wasn't sure if I was doing that right, I bet it is loose. My 8 years older Chevy truck has the automatic adjuster!

 

Chevy got one thing right (the auto adjuster).....miracles never cease.

 

What repairs?