I bought a 96 XJ with a bad aw4, so I bought a used one with a used torque converter. I then replaced the solenoids and stuck it in and adjusted the kick down cable. Now the transmission will shift fine if you manually shift it, but if you stick it into “drive” it acts like it’s stuck in 4th and doesn’t want to go. I’m scratching my head here, could the torque converter be bad or did I just buy a junk used transmission? This is my first time messing with the aw4 does any know what it could be?

 

My 88 drove like that when I mistakenly tried to drive it with the transmission computer unplugged.

 

I agree with above those are the symptoms of the trans computer not controlling the trans

 

I also agree with TCM, or are you sure you connected the AW4 harness up properly and if so, check for bad contacts in there.

The TCM can be found under the passenger side dash bolted behind the lower panel. It can be a bit awkward to get a socket on (8mm I think).

 

If you have a meter, verify you have power to the trans computer (D14 and D16). Then measure the solenoid resistances from the trans computer connector to verify that you have good solenoids and the wiring is all connected (C14, C15, and C16).

 

I double checked all connections and checked to make sure the harness was connected to the tcm, still nothing. Maybe the tcm decided to give up as well, I’m not real sure?

 

Follow lawsoncl's advice above.

 

I tested the tcm plug and I’m not getting power out of D16, the info I’m reading it seems like there’s a fuse but I can’t seem to find it.

 

With the ignition on, D16 should be getting power from fuse #12 in the power distribution center under the hood.

 

Okay, my 2000 FSM says D16 gets power from fuse 16 (15A) in the PDC and D14 gets power from fuse 11 (20A) in the Junction box. IDK if this is the same on your 96. One fuse is supply and one is ignition on trigger.

I think I saw something about a fuse under the dash next to the TCM, but I may be mistaken.

Okay, there is an additional fuse in the JB, fuse 10 (15A) that senses the trans shifter range selection and tells the TCM which has been selected. It also supplies the backup lights.

 

Makes ya wonder if the old trans was really bad............

 

No the old transmission case was cracked from the previous owner, but I did find after removing the fuse box that a mouse had chewed through a wire leading #12 Fuse, thank you guys I really do appreciate the help. The xj is now driving and shifting like it’s supposed to, I can’t thank you guys enough thanks again.

 

Glad to hear it!!

 

Nice. I'll admit I too wondered if the old AW4 was broken.

Now to find out what else has been gnawed through.

 

Yea same, this Jeep sat for 2 year before I bought it for 400 bucks, I just got it a month back and I’ve been working on it to make a trail rig. Only time will tell What else mice and time has done.