Vehicle: 96 Cherokee sport, auto trans, 2wd. Almost 200k miles.

Symptoms: sluggish acceleration after coming to a stop every now and then but is becoming a more frequent issue.

My evaluation: seems as though the the transmission isn't shifting into 1st and 2nd gear, doesn't seem to be an actual lack of power from the engine.

Any clue where I should start? The problem started only a few days ago and is happening more frequently. Changed out the transmission fluid today in an attempt to fix the issue.
Thanks in advance.

 

What was the ATF like? If is was dark/black, you need to repeat that drain/refill a few times.

What happens when you shift manually through the gears?

 

It was pretty dark almost like used motor oil with a red tint. I plan on repeating the flushing process. I've tried going thru the gears, sometimes it'll fix it, sometimes not.

 

I'd do a few more drain/refills till at least it stays red. Make sure you have the correct level (check level with warm engine, idling in Neutral). Overfilling can be as bad as underfilling

 

In the past day or so it's gotten a lot worse. It'll be fine for the first 20 mile trip or so of the day but then it gets pretty rough. I am able to manually go thru the gears. Along with flushing the ATF im going to look into replacing the TPS.

 

A little reading about Solenoid A.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/swa...lenoid-200690/

Are you getting a CHECK ENGINE light? Does the CEL bulb work?

 

No CEL, bulb is good. The solenoid is a likely culprit. I'm going to start with the TPS in hopes that it'll be the cheaper solution.

 

If the transmission fluid really looked like "used motor oil" that's a big problem. Just wondering have you checked the fluid level and condition in the past and this is something that happened suddenly?

 

I've only had the car for a few month so I'm a little unsure of past maintenance. I had check the levels and they seemed fine. The issue gradually got worse over time.

 

Mileage?

 

Bad transmission solenoid. Replace all 3 and change the fluid.

 

Solved:
Replaced the TPS with no improvement.
Replaced the shift solenoids (http://www.ebay.com/itm/191098398550?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)
seems to have solved the issue. While I had the pan dropped I replaced the filter.

This write up covers the process pretty well http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/a...errerid=265073
Dropping the pan was pretty much the hardest part due to the dip stick tube not wanting to seperate where it was supposed to. Ended up having to cut it and use some rubber tubing and clamps to repair it afterwards, made everything a lot easier.

 

Glad to hear you solved the problem anyway, good job!