Got you. When the selector is in 1-2 that's the only time it revs that high to get 2nd gear. When in 3rd or D it should select it at a much lower and normal speed and RPM range.

When driving normally with the shifter in D, do you get 1st gear then 4th (OD) missing 2nd and 3rd? If so, it sounds like Solenoid #2 had died which is exactly what I had. I don't think I had to go to 3k revs though, it may have got to 2-2.5k then it'd try to change gear and end up in 4th.
If you try to set off in D and it barely moves, Solenoid #1 will be problematic. A solenoid not working could either be it's simply failed or an electrical fault.

You can test the shift solenoids from the connector in the engine bay but I only have pictures of the process for the older model. It's also late for me but I can look up the pins tomorrow and post back if you'd like.

 

My initial reaction to responding to your first question is to say it's not missing those gears as I accelerate in D. It seems to start out with a normal amount of torque and then it shifts through the gears, BUT I will need to test drive and pay close attention to how many times it shifts by the time I reach freeway speeds. Assuming it's not missing 2nd & 3rd, do you know if it's by design that it takes 40 mph or 4600 rpm to shift to 2nd when in 1/2? This XJ s not my daily driver and it sees a lot of off roading and I find that I'm always reaching for the 1/2 position to control my speed, instead of using my breaks on some mild uphills and downhills.

I'm not sure if I would know what to do with the pin information, but I appreciate you offering.

 

The high rpm 1-2 shift point is by design. Mine use to shift out of first at a bit above 2K rpms. It was a real pain going off our hill which is a 150+ yard 9% grade. Years back someone from England posted saying in order to keep it in first you needed to barely move the vehicle in drive then shift back to 1-2. It was hit and miss and as I found out later it was not how it was suppose to work. I didn't get the quick shift issue resolved until I needed to service my NSS due to no back up lights and not wanting to start in park at times. Ever since I serviced the NSS and when in 1-2 it doesn't upshift in to 2nd until 4K or a bit above.

I have seen threads around here about a wiring mod with a switch that can be done to keep the trans in 2nd. Goggle is your friend. I may have something saved on you tube about it. If so I'll post it.

 

I just saw the wiring mod last night (NickInTimesFilms youtube channel for one). By the way, I've never met Goggle. Can you introduce us?

 

By the way, I've never met Goggle. Can you introduce us?
Seriously? lol

Anyways the youtube link you have is the one I have saved. Here is a detailed write up on the mod:
https://articles.jeepforum.com/XJ_AW4_TCU_Shift_Mod

 

Thanks. I appreciate the written write up with some simple pictures. Did you do this mod to yours?

 

Your welcome.
No I haven't done the mod and doubt I will. Been very few instances over the years where I would have used it. I've seen videos where it would be a definite benefit where 1st is to low causing the vehicle to slide on a decent if the ground was wet,loose,frozen,etc.
The 4L60-E trans in our '96 Blazer 4X4 has a separate 2 position that lets you start out in second and stays in second. Rarely use it.

 

I'll wait to hear back how your test run goes as it can be a bit of looking into wiring diagrams if you don't need it. Being a 98, I'm sure if something electrical wasn't working as expected, it should throw a fault code your way.

 

Okay when in D, it's hitting all gears, so I guess my solenoids are good. I guess at this point, the only other thing left to check is to determone at what rpm or speed it shifts to 2, while in 1/2.

 

Yep, everything working in D means it's electrically operating fine.

 

mine used to hold high RPM in 1st when I first bought it (had been off the road for an unknown time)

this was throttle dependant...it would only shift up at ~2500rpm if I held the throttle to near feather

I adjusted the throttle/kickdown in the engine bay and completely swapped out the old trans fluid

It now will change up from 1st to 2nd in a much more normal way