CochiseCherokee

After several years of owning the 1997 Cherokee, I have come to the conclusion that the error codes related to the transmission can be rather imprecise in so far as ID'g the real problem. Of course this "Toyota" transmission is notorious for a bad neutral safety switch so that is the first place to go to work if you have not serviced it. Good video on line and yes, mine was a bear to remove as well.
However, after a couple years, I began to get error codes and a lock out of OD once a check-engine light came on (read earlier post). It seemed to be associated with hot weather, and since I could work around it (shut off engine and restart--even with CEL on, it would now shift normally) so I didn't let it bother me. However, in the last couple years I loaned the Cherokee to a family member and wanted to get it in good shape, including fixing a recent coolant leak--which turned out to be a bad water pump. I had that fixed at a garage and the mechanic suggested he flush the radiator. End result was a new HD radiator installed. Conclusion: no error codes and no CEL in two years (knock on wood). Could just be coincidence, but I think this tranny is quite sensitive to higher than normal temps. Recommendation: if you plan to keep your Cherokee for a long time (who doesn't) service the tranny, validate solenoids are working properly or replace, adjust bands, flush the tranny coolant path through the radiator coils, and fill with a quality synthetic that is more capable of handing the heat.