Arno

New to the forum and Jeep. Just got my boy a 96 Cherokee and it has the usual issues for a vehicle with 240k and Chicago winters. However, it would seem to be shifting from first to third or fourth gear, skipping second all together(auto trans). If you start from a stop, in D, it shifts out of first right into 3rd or 4th. If I shift manually it drops into 3rd from first. If I downshift from 4th to third it does this fine also.

Where to begin? Thanks in advance...

Radi

Check solenoid #2. It's used for second and third gear. Without it you get 1st and 4th.

Arno

On the trans, I assume?

Radi

It's inside the trans, you can get at them by dropping the pan. Before you do that, check #2 solenoid resistance- should be 11-14 ohms or so. You can do that at the TCU connector.
TCU pinout here:

Arno

Where is the TCU connector located? Thanks again for the help on this!

Radi

Plugged into the TCU, behind the passenger side knee panel below the glovebox on your year. Look for a metal box.

Arno

After further driving and shifting I would seem to be only missing second gear. Still likely #2 solenoid?

Radi

Second gear requires both solenoids 1 and 2 to operate:
1st Gear 1 on 2 off
2nd Gear 1 on 2 on
3rd Gear 1 off 2 on
4th Gear 1 off 2 off

If the solenoids are going bad the TCU may be able to supply enough power to pull either in individually but not both at once. No second gear.
Check the resistance of both of them and report back.
Also check power and ground to the TCU, wiring from TCU to transmission and transmission case ground.
Ever done anything with the TPS?

XJD4PEH

What if Jeep only has 1st and 2nd gear? Haha

Radi

Solenoid #1 stuck on?