how to test solenoids without dropping the pan?
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 434
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Ok just tested it at the tcu
Number 11 torque converter is 13.5ohms
Number 12 i get no reading at all ???
Number 13 is 13.5ohms
So number 12 is the problem i get nothing from it so now should i check it at the engine connecters by the dipstick next?
Number 11 torque converter is 13.5ohms
Number 12 i get no reading at all ???
Number 13 is 13.5ohms
So number 12 is the problem i get nothing from it so now should i check it at the engine connecters by the dipstick next?
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jun 2010
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
i check the connector by the dipstick, Not sure if i did it right. But the female part one gave me no readings at all.
the male connector with the pins gave me the same readings 13.5ohms on B and C and nothing on A.
Im not sure which part goes where but i did make sure to check the right pins im just dont know if the male part one goes to the TCU or the transmission.
But I think it is the solenoid.
the male connector with the pins gave me the same readings 13.5ohms on B and C and nothing on A.
Im not sure which part goes where but i did make sure to check the right pins im just dont know if the male part one goes to the TCU or the transmission.
But I think it is the solenoid.
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Canton, MI
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Looks like you found the bad guy.
Personally I wouldn't be bothered checking the resistance from the connector at the dipstick but I would check to see if the connector is secure and free from oil and other crap on it. Generally there haven't been issues with the connector itself but the wiring from the connector down to the transmission have been found to be chafed badly, causing problems. Worth a look.
There's lots of threads about replacing solenoids, pulling the trans oil pan, what kind of gasket to use, what solenoids to buy, and the real PITA - splitting the dipstick tube. Do some searching.
Good luck mate.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2010
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Thanks already looked into on how to take the pan off and stuff just needed to make sure that was the problem.
Il check out the wiring first and then its time to order the solenoids and get to work now that i know the cause of it lol
Il check out the wiring first and then its time to order the solenoids and get to work now that i know the cause of it lol
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From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jun 2010
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
thanks for the help CCken appreciate it.
http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....315943&jsn=375 looking on getting these from rockauto good price $168 for all 3 solenoids.
Also going to replace the tranny filter while im down there.
And probably get this filter and gasket http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....sn=394&jsn=394
http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....315943&jsn=375 looking on getting these from rockauto good price $168 for all 3 solenoids.
Also going to replace the tranny filter while im down there.
And probably get this filter and gasket http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....sn=394&jsn=394
Last edited by huntsman; Aug 21, 2016 at 10:55 AM.
CF Veteran




Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,863
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From: syracuse ny
Year: 1997 230,000 miles
Model: Grand Cherokee (ZJ)
Engine: 4.0, new lifters valve job with new springs and exhaust valves, preload set with shims
imho, checking is always best, but, with a 98 and no history of past maintenance you might spend your time better just ordering on ebay and replacing. No shift to 2nd is by far and away a solenoid issue. Changed them on my 98xj in a couple hours and shifted like new.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,357
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From: Canton, MI
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
CF Veteran




Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,863
Likes: 201
From: syracuse ny
Year: 1997 230,000 miles
Model: Grand Cherokee (ZJ)
Engine: 4.0, new lifters valve job with new springs and exhaust valves, preload set with shims
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 434
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Hmm so popped the trans pan off the dipstick is a pita but got it out as a whole one piece. Will separate it later.
Tested the solenoids and solenoid b the one im the back by itself is dead.
Idk if the chart you gave me is off or not but when i tested it at the tcu pin 12 gave me no reading which ended up being solenoid b not a when i dropped the pan. Just letting you know fyi from my testing.
Either way the solenoid is bad.
Tested the solenoids and solenoid b the one im the back by itself is dead.
Idk if the chart you gave me is off or not but when i tested it at the tcu pin 12 gave me no reading which ended up being solenoid b not a when i dropped the pan. Just letting you know fyi from my testing.
Either way the solenoid is bad.
CF Veteran




Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,863
Likes: 201
From: syracuse ny
Year: 1997 230,000 miles
Model: Grand Cherokee (ZJ)
Engine: 4.0, new lifters valve job with new springs and exhaust valves, preload set with shims
Right about the dipstick tube, on my son's xj I couldn't figure it out for the life of me, ended up hacking it with the old hose patch and a couple clamps as I recall. Was really worried but in the 3 years since, never a single drop leaked or problem.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,357
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From: Canton, MI
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Hmm so popped the trans pan off the dipstick is a pita but got it out as a whole one piece. Will separate it later.
Tested the solenoids and solenoid b the one im the back by itself is dead.
Idk if the chart you gave me is off or not but when i tested it at the tcu pin 12 gave me no reading which ended up being solenoid b not a when i dropped the pan. Just letting you know fyi from my testing.
Either way the solenoid is bad.
Tested the solenoids and solenoid b the one im the back by itself is dead.
Idk if the chart you gave me is off or not but when i tested it at the tcu pin 12 gave me no reading which ended up being solenoid b not a when i dropped the pan. Just letting you know fyi from my testing.
Either way the solenoid is bad.
Interesting. I'll look in to it.
Thanks.





