I've got an odd one, hope someone has seen this before. I also hope it's an easy fix!

Ok, 95 XJ SE with AOD trans. When in 2H, I can't take off in D, I have to shift down to Low (1-2) to take off from a stop. Once moving I can shift up into D at any time and as long as it's still rolling, I have no need to manually downshift, the trans upshifts and downshifts fine on it's own. It doesn't seem to be slipping though, it just won't engage. If I come to a complete stop, I have to manually downshift to Low and repeat. Not that big of a problem, but it can catch unsuspecting people off guard so I have to leave a note in it if I leave it with anyone. BUT...if I have 4WD engaged, low or high, it runs just fun in D and can take off from a dead stop and act as normal. So...what the hell is going on here?!

 

Yeah that's weird. Check your fluid level and condition (not burnt, bright red). The biggest suspect is the shift solenoid(s). You can check their resistances, although I'm not familiar with where the TCM on a 96- is.

 

Odd one, indeed. Chrysler used the AW4, which is electronically controlled. The AOD is a Ford transmission, which is 100% mechanical. Did you swap a 5.0 into your XJ? Just looking to clarify what you have.

 

No, it's all stock Chrysler. I was using AOD to refer to an Automatic with Overdrive. (Fairly new to Chrysler and Jeep lingo here) But, I was told somewhere along the line that this may be a different trans, possibly beefier, for fleet use...but still stock Chrysler

 

Nah, all XJs have an AW4. It's the best transmission available to the 4.0.

 

Where would one find the shift solenoid(s)? Is there just one, or are there multiples?

 

They're in the transmission pan, but you can check them through the wiring from the TCM. There are 2 shift solenoids and one torque converter clutch solenoid.

Check out xjjeeps.com for the service manual. They have downloadable pdf files that you can search. It'll also give you the info for solenoid resistances too.

 

Almost all XJ's have the AW4.
At least that is what it looks like in my '00 parts catalog.

They did take the time to list it in the parts catalogs so....
Looks like a 2WD only tranny according to the codes.
And for some reason I think only 4 cylinder ones on top of that but it does not specify that in the parts catalog.
Just thought I would throw it out there. LOL.

 

Ah yeah. You're right. I definitely forgot about 4 cylinder XJs

Yeah the 30RH is a Chrysler transmission... not so great.

And of course there are manuals too. AX4, 5, 15, NV3550... That was a big overstatement lol

 

And the 84-84 automatic was an A904 3-speed.