i just bought a 96 xj 4.0 i6 4x4 and it drove like a dream for the first few weeks. seemingly out of nowhere, the transmission wouldn't shift out of first. after shutting the engine off, i had no power (lights/buzzers/starter/etc) and had to jump start. the transmission shifted perfectly after that for a while. the shift problem doesn't happen every time, and is sometimes as rare as a week with no problems or as often as every time i try to drive for a day or two. the only connection i can make as to the times that it happens is that it seems to occur during or after rain (might be a stretch due to overthinking). the transmission fluid levels and color are good, and it operates perfectly when it shifts so i'm at a loss. the only thing i've checked other than fluid is the fuses for the t.c.u. and they were good. i've read everything from battery cables to throttle position sensors so any help and advice i can get will be appreciated.

 

I'd put money on the TPS starting to go bad.

 

x-2 on the TPS. Also a bad or loose ground may also be an issue.

 

any ideas on why a tps from napa (which looks identical to what's offered online) wouldn't match up with the male wire plug in my jeep?

 

so it turns out my jeep was after a transition that occured in 96, and uses the tps of the 97 and up engines. replaced the new sensor no sweat and things seem to be running good, but my oil pressure seems sporadic...getting up to 60 psi in idle...

 

Welcome to owning a '96 Little bit of this, little bit of that....

 

swapped the tps, rained last night....and i now have a transmission that has shifted every time i start her up. think i got it fixed, thanks for the advice