HELP MY XJ trans issue
#1

Hi everyone new to the community i recently bought a 89 xj 4.0 aw4 auto. when i bought it the trans was bad so i replaced it with a 97 23 tooth spline trans that i had to splice the harness into it and but a newer transfer case. my problem is that when is shifts from 1st to 2nd the jeep bogs wayyy down and the trans shakes if anyone has any knowledge please let me know thanks, colton
#5
Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 167
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L L6 PowerTech (stock)

If you are having shifting problems in the shift with the greatest difference in gears, then maybe you are just low on transmission fluid. Did you replace all of the fluid? Did you replace the filter? What was the condition of the previous fluid?
#6

replaced every thing u asked except trans mount because it was still solid no cracks to splitting i'm beginning to think it's a solenoid problem because it goes from first to over drive
#7
Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 118
Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Must be illuminating the CEL light, then. Try to get a diagnostic done to see if any codes are stored. Also, does it normalize after 2nd gear or have you not attempted to run through the gears yet? Low fluid symptoms 1st-2nd are a very hard shift (slam) to a non-shift shuddering condition, lessening dramatically with acceleration if it does shift to 2nd.
Last edited by Idunno; 02-03-2019 at 06:33 PM.
#8

Must be illuminating the CEL light, then. Try to get a diagnostic done to see if any codes are stored. Also, does it normalize after 2nd gear or have you not attempted to run through the gears yet? Low fluid symptoms 1st-2nd are a very hard shift (slam) to a non-shift shuddering condition, lessening dramatically with acceleration if it does shift to 2nd.
#9
Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 167
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L L6 PowerTech (stock)

The free scanner at O'Reilly's should have a connector for that, but it will also require the power from the cigarette lighter which is also a part of the kit.
Did you check the fluid from your fill on a flat surface with the engine idling? The fluid has to fill the torque converter (much fluid) and the radiator (little fluid). Older transmissions require more friction when the fluid and filters weren't changed enough or the fluid was overheated.
Did you check the fluid from your fill on a flat surface with the engine idling? The fluid has to fill the torque converter (much fluid) and the radiator (little fluid). Older transmissions require more friction when the fluid and filters weren't changed enough or the fluid was overheated.
Last edited by gat; 02-03-2019 at 08:47 PM.
#10

The free scanner at O'Reilly's should have a connector for that, but it will also require the power from the cigarette lighter which is also a part of the kit.
Did you check the fluid from your fill on a flat surface with the engine idling? The fluid has to fill the torque converter (much fluid) and the radiator (little fluid). Older transmissions require more friction when the fluid and filters weren't changed enough or the fluid was overheated.
Did you check the fluid from your fill on a flat surface with the engine idling? The fluid has to fill the torque converter (much fluid) and the radiator (little fluid). Older transmissions require more friction when the fluid and filters weren't changed enough or the fluid was overheated.
#11
Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 167
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L L6 PowerTech (stock)

5 quarts total in the system sounds low.
"Description: AW4 4-Speed Automatic
Type: ATF+4
Capacities: 3.5 Quarts / 3.3 Liters (Service Fill) 8.2 Quarts / 8 Liters (Overhaul Fill)" - https://www.morris4x4center.com/knowledge-base/jeep-cherokee-xj-fluid-capacities-type
I'll try to find a second source.
"Description: AW4 4-Speed Automatic
Type: ATF+4
Capacities: 3.5 Quarts / 3.3 Liters (Service Fill) 8.2 Quarts / 8 Liters (Overhaul Fill)" - https://www.morris4x4center.com/knowledge-base/jeep-cherokee-xj-fluid-capacities-type
I'll try to find a second source.
#12
CF Veteran
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: PA
Posts: 1,723
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L

5 quarts total in the system sounds low.
"Description: AW4 4-Speed Automatic
Type: ATF+4
Capacities: 3.5 Quarts / 3.3 Liters (Service Fill) 8.2 Quarts / 8 Liters (Overhaul Fill)" - https://www.morris4x4center.com/know...apacities-type
I'll try to find a second source.
"Description: AW4 4-Speed Automatic
Type: ATF+4
Capacities: 3.5 Quarts / 3.3 Liters (Service Fill) 8.2 Quarts / 8 Liters (Overhaul Fill)" - https://www.morris4x4center.com/know...apacities-type
I'll try to find a second source.
#13
Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 167
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L L6 PowerTech (stock)

The Chilton's shows 17 pints which is 8.5 quarts. The older A.T.F. is what was made for it at the time. I have exchanged my old fluid with A.T.F. 4 without a problem. It is backwards compatible.
#14

5 quarts total in the system sounds low.
"Description: AW4 4-Speed Automatic
Type: ATF+4
Capacities: 3.5 Quarts / 3.3 Liters (Service Fill) 8.2 Quarts / 8 Liters (Overhaul Fill)" - https://www.morris4x4center.com/knowledge-base/jeep-cherokee-xj-fluid-capacities-type
I'll try to find a second source.
"Description: AW4 4-Speed Automatic
Type: ATF+4
Capacities: 3.5 Quarts / 3.3 Liters (Service Fill) 8.2 Quarts / 8 Liters (Overhaul Fill)" - https://www.morris4x4center.com/knowledge-base/jeep-cherokee-xj-fluid-capacities-type
I'll try to find a second source.
tcu,tps,solenoids,bad wiring etc.????