My 97 AW4 4x4 XJ started having problems shifting into overdrive today.

It just suddenly wouldn't go out of 3 into 4.

After sitting for about 15 minutes, it started working again.

I am suspecting the OD solenoid.

About a year ago it would not shift into 1, 2 or 3 unless I manually did it. Replacing the 1-2 and 3 solenoid fixed that issue.

Thoughts???

Fluid level and quality is good. Filter replaced recently.

Thanks!

 

I'm using this thread to pass down some info. There is a TC unlock switch down there by the brake light switch, (including 00, 01 even?).

If you have a tack and touch the brake for 1/2 sec or so at say 2,000 Rpm at 60 Mph, the tack should bump up. Unlocking the TC that way lets the rpm's pop up a second. That would indicate the switch is functioning properly.

Not seeing or saying that switch is often a problem, but just seeing it's there and cleaning the switch plug might be a thought with a TC lockup problem. It might be white. : )

TPS been to the car wash? They hate water.

 

Unplug TCU when this starts happening (yours is under the drivers side dash above the gas peddle). This will disable auto shifting, but you can manually shift from 1-3-4, you won’t have 2. If you can manually shift through all gears, it’s likely an electrical issue, you can check the solenoids from that TCU plug that you unplugged. If it still doesn’t go into 4, it’s probably internal.

 

This happened to my 97 last winter when it started to get cold. The trans cable to the throttle linkage contracted and got shorter. After It warmed up under there it started working right. I had to adjust it for a happy medium and then it worked fine. lol

 

I've heard maybe shift linkage needs adjustment?

Does that make sense, given that the shift linkage seems to control the 2 vs. 4wd?

Could it be involved?

Any good steps on how to do it?

 

Transmission shift linkage and transfer case shift linkage are unrelated, the transfer case is the 2wd/4wd shift lever.

I would follow the advice given to disconnect the TCU.

 

Do this just cuz.

But, follow Flintstone's advice on the pedal switch also.


Then do the TCU unplugging as suggested.

 

The video makes it nice & easy to see how the adjustment works.

One correction tho; he says a loose cable will cause late shifting where I'm pretty sure it'll actually cause early shifting.

 

Just used that video, thanks for posting. Didn't fix my issue but man that dudes hand is gnarly.

 

Hadn't noticed, it is pretty scary looking.

 

lol. That's a glove y'all

 

Yup. Part of a Halloween costume to be exact.

 

Looked fake, but way too real to be a work glove. Costume glove, now it makes sense.