Help Transmission sometimes won’t shift out of first

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Sep 2, 2018 | 12:21 PM

Zackattack6644

Thread Starter

Newbie

Joined: Sep 2018

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

From: New York

Year: 1998

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0

Help Transmission sometimes won’t shift out of first

Hello all

this is my first post to this forum so please forgive me if it’s a little choppy

I bought my 98 Jeep Xj from my buddy last year and had to replace a few sensors on the transmission (after it was rebuilt a year before) until I discovered the problem was the output speed censor. Everything had worked fine but it was just to clear the CEL and get it inspected.

A few weeks ago the bolts on the flex plate came loose and tightened them up and the Jeep worked fine for about a day, thin I started getting the problem I’m facing now...

Sometimes when I’m driving my XJ the transmission won’t shift out of first and very rarely won’t do a 2-3 shift.

I replaced the TPS yesterday and disconnected the battery to reset the system, but today on a test drive it did it again.

If anyone knows what it could be please let me know.

Thank you everyone!

Zack

Sep 2, 2018 | 03:11 PM

Wabatuckian

Newbie

Joined: Aug 2018

Posts: 17

Likes: 0

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Hello,

Is the check engine light on? Even if not, are there any codes?

Edit: I'm assuming you have the 4.0.

Regards,
Josh

Last edited by Wabatuckian; Sep 2, 2018 at 03:15 PM.

Sep 2, 2018 | 11:10 PM

Zackattack6644

Thread Starter

Newbie

Joined: Sep 2018

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

From: New York

Year: 1998

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wabatuckian

Hello,

Is the check engine light on? Even if not, are there any codes?

Edit: I'm assuming you have the 4.0.

Regards,
Josh

hey josh

No CEL but haven’t checked the computer
I do have the 4.0

today I messed around with the infamous TV cable and went for a few test drives today. The xj acted fine the whole time. I’ll give it a few days and keep you posted if the TV cable was the suspect.

thanks guys

Zack

Sep 3, 2018 | 03:20 PM

smooth move

Junior Member

Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 84

Likes: 1

From: bayou vista

Year: 92

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

try a new TPS.

Sep 5, 2018 | 05:48 AM

Zackattack6644

Thread Starter

Newbie

Joined: Sep 2018

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

From: New York

Year: 1998

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0

Update

Hey guys
since I had changed the TPS the shifting problem happened again. I’ve decided to bring it to a transmission shop and the computer had showed that shift solenoid b is the suspect.

I would like like to thank everyone for the help.

zack

Oct 29, 2018 | 07:11 PM

Zackattack6644

Thread Starter

Newbie

Joined: Sep 2018

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

From: New York

Year: 1998

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0

Still happening!!!

Hello all

my plague with the transmission continues
ive exhausted all my options
tps
kick down cable
solenoid b
all the wires are good too

the transmission guy says it could be the tcm

im starting to get afraid to drive it in fear of blowing something up. When I drive it the rpms will go up around 30mph then the transmission will shift hard
is that cause of the electric problem and it’s shifting normally or is it taking a toll on the transmission.

please help

Zack

Oct 29, 2018 | 08:40 PM

Turbo X_J

CF Veteran

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 8,567

Likes: 20

From: ☼ Blackhole Sun

Year: My Jeep is a GMC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zackattack6644

transmission (after it was rebuilt a year before)

Rebuilt by whom? Do you have a receipt?

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Oct 29, 2018 | 11:11 PM

Jeepwalker

Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 682

Likes: 134

From: Good 'ol WI

Year: 1987

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

Well, there's the connector up by the throttle-body. When you changed the TPS, did you check the pins for oxidation ..and that the connectors fit right, and aren't coming unplugged (as in possible broken off retaining tabs)? It would be a good idea to double check a 'clean' ground-to-engine, Engine-to-body, and battery-to-chassis. Can the tranny shop take it on a test drive, hooked to their scanner (live) and 'see' what's happening ...or NOT happening, when it doesn't shift properly?

I'd probably check the TCM connector for oxidation and the pins are seating correctly and the fuse too. Any loose or 'bent' looking pins can be pried up with a small pick. It's entirely possible that it works better in the morning when it's colder out, but afternoon after the sun heats up the computer, or the TCM warms up due to internal heat ....then it flakes out. Electronics which are 'on the edge' typically act flakey first when warmer. Probably wouldn't hurt to try a different tcm anyway.

I don't have a whole lot of experience with your year ...just throwing out ideas..