The 1996 Cherokee I purchased a year ago has an AW4 transmission. When the shift lever is in the "1-2" position, it will not shift into 2nd gear until the lever is moved to the "3" position. I like this condition as it stays in 1st when on steep logging roads, but I am concerned that the shift cable is out of adjustment. When I went to adjust the shift cable, the adjustment clamp is different from those shown in my manuals (see attached picture). Any ideas on the adjustment of this type clamp?

 

Normal behavior on these things is for the 1-2 shift very late. REALLY late.

It will downshift back to 1st too soon as well

 

Yup. That's why it says 1-2 and there's not an indicator separating the 2 gears.

 

How many shift positions are there supposed to be ???


The lower numbers on my shift indicator are worn/faded. I thought that it was hitting the end of the slot before getting all the way into "low 1" but maybe that's all the notches that there's supposed to be ...


So you can't force it to stay in the lowest gear on steep downhills?

 

AW4 has

P
R
N
D
3
1-2

 

Thanks! I guess mine is working fine then.


I just thought it would be like our 91 GMC that has P R N O D 2 1.

 

seems like a good time to point out that the AW4 is fully electronic, so a lot of people wire up push-buttons so they can lock in the gearing. google for it if you are interested

 

Interesting! I will have to look that up.


Seems like it might be a good use for the power/comfort switch once it is hardwired to the power position.


Incidentally, the power mode seems to eliminate the transmission "hunting" around 35mph which is of course the speed limit on our county road, and also many city streets.

 

Cottect. comfort stinks.