Joined: Mar 2018

Posts: 9

Likes: 0

From: Half Moon Bay, CA

Year: 1991

Model: Cherokee(XJ)

Engine: 4.0 HO

I recently got a ‘91 Briarwood in pretty good shape. The center console auto transmission shifter will move into all gears without using the button, even forward into Park while the vehicle is moving. This is obviously bad and needs to be fixed ASAP.

I took apart the console and removed the two cables from the stays and then the cable ends from the shifter mechanism. One cable runs up behind the steering wheel under the dash. I suspect the end I can’t see connects to the ignition system and is supposed to prevent movement of the shifter into reverse or park if the button is not depressed when the ignition is in the run position.

Am I correct in describing how this works or is supposed to work?
How can I fix this problem? Do I need replacement parts or can existing cable and it’s terminations be cleaned/repaired?

All other functionality of the transmission seems to be working fine.

Thanks in advance CF folks.

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 8,567

Likes: 20

From: ☼ Blackhole Sun

Year: My Jeep is a GMC

Joined: Mar 2018

Posts: 9

Likes: 0

From: Half Moon Bay, CA

Year: 1991

Model: Cherokee(XJ)

Engine: 4.0 HO

I will look at the key lock cylinder and compare to movement of the shifter. Maybe the cylinder is worn out and is affecting the operation of the interlock shift cable.