So I finally got my 88 running after replacing the fuel pump and ballast resistor. After I put the fuel pump in of course I wanted to take it for a drive but, when i went to put it in drive it will not move. When in drive it acts like its in neutral if you push the gas pedal it raises the RPMs but still does not go. 1-2 and reverse work just fine, I have not tried it in 3rd yet. Anybody have any ideas as to why D will not work?
1988 Limited 4x4 Im guessing it has the AW4 in it.
Thanks!

 

Also I know there was a recall for the shift interlock cable. It never got taken in to the dealership to get replaced so you can shift out of park with having your foot on the brake but I do not think that would have anything to do with this.

 

Wow no help yet haha. A little more information, I pulled the TCU fuse and it shifted fine while manually switching between the gears. Im now sure its starting in 3rd or overdrive while driving in auto it'll start moving once the RPMs are high. I replaced the TPS and its still not working right. Any help?

 

These are symptoms of low fluid level or incorrect fluid.

 

my 90 was doing this when i first bought it. i drove it like that for a few years, shifting through the gears. i thought it was the fuse, so i changed that, the tcu then transmission (i wore out the seal from another problem), then i was told to replace the TPS. that fixed it.
so your TPS may just need to be adjusted.

 

This is going to sound crazy, but I had the same problem... ended up FINALLY solving it when I found the broken alt field signal wire in the main harness.

Love our XJs, but everything from the alternator to the brake light switch can give you weird transmission "problems".

 

TPS is easy to test. Start there. Search this forum or Youtube for how. CCKen recommends using safety pins as probes. Works great.

Also, just because it's easy and free, adjust your kickdown cable. Again, search for how-tos.

 

Good advice.

Also, go to www.cruiser54.com and performs Tips 1 and 10.

 

It was 3am east coast time. Need to be a little patient.

 

Don't do it.

 

Wow!Thanks for all the help! @SteveMongr That was the first thing I checked it was full of fluid.
@Caged Thank you! I'll definitely adjust my TPS.
@TwistedWrench do you know which wire it was(color or location)?
@Crusier54 I dont plan on taking it haha just wanted to rule everything out.

 

I first posted this back in January I think that's pretty patient haha.

 

OK so I've tried before to adjust my kickdown cable before but instead of it ratcheting into place it stays in the same location and there seems to be a thump from the cruise control cable. Any help as to why it doesn't self adjust?

 

Spray lube the ratchet part til it loosens up.

 

I don't know if it's me or both of my 90's, but that self august never works for me. (did Rubics Cube though!) I set mine manually with no tension. Sometimes I leave the thickness of a dime between that deal on the end of the cable and the lever to be sure it's not pulling on the cable.