Never had this issue until today. Took my Jeep for a drive to the smokeshop and about 5 minutes from my house I noticed that she was having some trouble accelerating in drive. I got her home and realized that the transmission would grab fine if I shifted it into 1-2 low (Automatic trans 2wd). However, in drive it struggles to take off and it seems like the tranny is slipping. I checked the fluid levels and they're fine. Fluid is not dark, regular red color. I also noticed that the engine started to overheat while I had it in drive. I read from a previous forum that it is usually a fluid issue and I should change it. However, my fluid seems to be fine and at the correct levels so I'm a little stumped. Does this mean my transmission is bad? I'm not very well-versed in transmissions, so I apologize if I'm not explaining the issue very well. Any help would be greatly appreciated, and I will be happy to further elaborate if anyone has any questions. Thanks.

1995 Jeep Cherokee 2WD.

 

That sounds like it's trying to start in 4th gear. If the transmission control unit (tcu) has no power, you'll be able to shift manually with the shifter. Start by checking the fuse for the tcu. It's a 10-amp fuse in the underhood power distribution center. The other possibility is a bad #1 solenoid in the transmission, or damaged wiring to it. You can check the solenoid resistance at the underhood connector.

 

Transmission controller, wiring or solenoid issue.

 

In reverse order or likelyhood. :}

It's not lupus the trans controller, except for that one very rare time.

 

That was in no order and yes it is usually not the controller itself, it not getting power or a loose ground somewhere is far more likely.

 

Just making fun of the people who immediately jump to the computer being the problem. :}

For the OP, the good news is that AW4 is pretty mechanically robust, and it's typically an easy fix even if it's a bad solenoid and you have to pull the pan.

I forgot to add to the list - check the throttle body to trans cable is properly adjusted. Not likely the problem here, but also a frequent cause of shifting issues.