Uh-oh. Can't push in button on shift lever. Can't get out of park.
01-31-2015, 04:52 PM
#1
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Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Uh-oh. Can't push in button on shift lever. Can't get out of park.
Well, that ain't good. My button on the shift lever is not wanting to move at all. Life was fine yesterday, but today, it won't move. It's been sitting since about 8 PM yesterday, and temps last night were in the teens. It's been a little above freezing since midday.
Tried to move it about an hour ago and things are locked up tight.
Think this might be something icing up? Or ????
Tried to move it about an hour ago and things are locked up tight.
Think this might be something icing up? Or ????
01-31-2015, 06:56 PM
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Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I-6
Mine does this when it's cold outside. I let it warm up a bit and wiggle the shift lever some. Only does it when it's cold, I've never had it happen when it's warm out.
01-31-2015, 08:17 PM
#7
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Year: 1990
Model: Comanche
Engine: 4.0
Pop off the "T" handle (you gotta pull hard, but it just pops off) and see if you can push down the plunger. If the plunger is stuck, you've at least eliminated the button as the problem.
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01-31-2015, 10:13 PM
#8
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
02-01-2015, 07:23 PM
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Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Thanks for all the input, folks. I was away all day today, and it was quite a bit warmer today. I had planned to put a heater in the Jeep and maybe under it too, but when I got home and saw how much ice had melted, I tried the Jeep, and it's fine.
I have a windshield leak that drips right on the shifter, so probably it got moisture in where it wasn't wanted and froze in place.
Gotta get that leak fixed....
I have a windshield leak that drips right on the shifter, so probably it got moisture in where it wasn't wanted and froze in place.
Gotta get that leak fixed....
02-02-2015, 09:38 PM
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Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
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Engine: 4.0
Thanks again. Bobolink, the tip on pulling off the T was very helpful. The diagram was useful, too, Turbo.
It was warm last night - didn't freeze at all, so no problem this morning. However, when I left work it was probably about 20 degrees, and it took about 40 minutes of warming up the car before I could drive it. I think that confirms the freezing theory.
Once I got home I sprayed things down with WD-40. We'll see what that does in the morning.
One question on the diagram. I see only one cable (#8) which appears to connect to the ignition switch. It's called the Park/Brake Interlock cable. I presume this is to connect to the ignition switch so that the shift lever can only be moved once the key is turned.
My Cherokee (a '97) has TWO cables attached to the shifter mechanism. What's the other one?
I think my icing problem is probably in one of those cables.
It was warm last night - didn't freeze at all, so no problem this morning. However, when I left work it was probably about 20 degrees, and it took about 40 minutes of warming up the car before I could drive it. I think that confirms the freezing theory.
Once I got home I sprayed things down with WD-40. We'll see what that does in the morning.
One question on the diagram. I see only one cable (#8) which appears to connect to the ignition switch. It's called the Park/Brake Interlock cable. I presume this is to connect to the ignition switch so that the shift lever can only be moved once the key is turned.
My Cherokee (a '97) has TWO cables attached to the shifter mechanism. What's the other one?
I think my icing problem is probably in one of those cables.
02-03-2015, 05:48 AM
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Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
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Engine: 4.0
That is now my prime suspect. I went out a few moments ago (temps in the teens) and my first attempt didn't move the button. I was sitting uncomfortably, so I shifted my position (with my foot on the brake pedal) and the button moved normally.
Where's that adjustment? Top of the cable next to the shifter? Which one is it - right or left?
Where's that adjustment? Top of the cable next to the shifter? Which one is it - right or left?
02-03-2015, 06:31 AM
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
That is now my prime suspect. I went out a few moments ago (temps in the teens) and my first attempt didn't move the button. I was sitting uncomfortably, so I shifted my position (with my foot on the brake pedal) and the button moved normally.
Where's that adjustment? Top of the cable next to the shifter? Which one is it - right or left?
Where's that adjustment? Top of the cable next to the shifter? Which one is it - right or left?