I just purchased a 1999 Jeep Cherokee 2WD, 4.0 L and 4 speed automatic transmissions. Currently the transmission only moves the vehicle in reverse at high RPMs. Also, when driving forward, it requires high RPMs to shift from one gear to another. Previous owner did not maintain the vehicle well. However, I found an invoice under the passenger seat that described the work a transmission shop did approximately 5K miles (1.5 years ago). According to the invoice the shop diagnosis was: found code 0050 (faulty vehicle speed sensor) and TPS reading too high. Based on the diagnosis, the following parts were replaced:

- TPS
- VSS
- RR trans seal
- Transfer case fitting
- Shift solenoid

Can anyone provide their expertise to the reason why I have to rev up the engine so high in order to move and shift gears? What is the possible solution?

Can anyone tell me what does TPS and VSS stand for?

Lastly, the drain plug of my transmission has a “DII” on it…. Does this mean I should use Dexron II ATF?

I would appreciate any advice you can provide.

have your tried the atf levels and condition

Mine done same thing when the tps took a **** on me

based on the discription and i dont want to be the bad news guy but it could be low pump pressure. not good. if it has ever been run low on fluid or had water in it, it will destroy the pump. you could pull the pan and take a look for anything out of the ordinary but that won tell you if the pump is damaged. if you know someone who does tranny work it may be a good idea to have them check the pump pressure.

Check for codes is first thing.....remove trans kickdown cable from TB and try adjusting it. Mine acted like this when the transmission computer wen out. But it also threw tons of TPS/trans codes.

Thank you all for your input. The fluid level and condition was good. I will check the computer codes later this week when I get to work on the car. Thanks again and I will keep you posted.

Hi all,

I checked the OBD-II codes and I get a P0700 Transmission Control System Malfunction. Any idea what could cause this code? I had a mechanic told me that it was the Transmission Control Module (TCM). This mechanic also told me the TCM was located right next to the transmission???????? Any input from you guys?

Thanks in advance,
eric

I just purchased a 1999 Jeep Cherokee 2WD, 4.0 L and 4 speed automatic transmissions. Currently the transmission only moves the vehicle in reverse at high RPMs. Also, when driving forward, it requires high RPMs to shift from one gear to another. Previous owner did not maintain the vehicle well.

Update to my original post above:
Transmission fluid looks good and does not smell burnt.
I checked the codes in the OBD-II and I have a P0700 code. The mechanic said I need a new Transmission Control Module (TCM).
I removed the TCM and I will check on prices tomorrow.
I drove the Jeep and I do have reverse. When I put the transmission in "D", I realized that it takes high RPMs to make the vehicle move because the transmission is essentially in its highest gear. When I put the transmission in "1-2", it takes a bit less power to make the vehicle move. Also, the vehicle will shift manually from "1-2" to "3" and to "D". It also downshifts a bit rough from "D" to "3" and to "1-2".

Before I purchase a new TCM, can someone tell me if the above symptoms are in line with a TCM going bad.

Is there a way to test the TCM?

What else could it be?

Thank you all in advance,
Eric

i have this same problem, i fear mine may be a problem with the pump based on what Throttle Jockey said. I had a badly cracked cylinder head and a cracked intake manifold which i discovered in the teardown to replace the head. The cracked head put a large amount of water in my oil.

I noticed this problem after the car had sat for a few days after i had discovered the water in my oil. when i went to move the car to a better place to work on it it barely went into gears even at high RPMs. Its a little better now but will still die when i take my foot off the gas after getting RPMs above 3000.

Im going to drive it to my mechanic to have him pull my check engine codes and go from there.