won't go into park
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 86
Likes: 4
From: Puyallup
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
So if i shift normal it won't go into park or first gear. Never had this problem before. If i slam it (and i mean almost break my wrist) it will go into park or first. I don't wanna keep doing that. So i need someones assistance.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7,387
Likes: 10
From: City of Trees, CA
Year: 93 2 door
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
The way you worded that has made it impossible to tell, which transmission do you have?
There's obviously something wrong. But with my stick shift I always had good luck getting it into first by slowly letting off the clutch until it popped into gear
There's obviously something wrong. But with my stick shift I always had good luck getting it into first by slowly letting off the clutch until it popped into gear
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,686
Likes: 6
From: Hudson, FL
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6
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CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,411
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From: northlake IL
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
check neutral safety switch put it in reverse and then check if the reverse lights come on in the back if they do then check that off your list
if not then you need to clean it or get a new one and adjust it.
i had this problem were it wasnt going into park normally i had to push on it twice as hard with the key off.
if not then you need to clean it or get a new one and adjust it.
i had this problem were it wasnt going into park normally i had to push on it twice as hard with the key off.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 860
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From: middleburg fl
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,613
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From: Summerville, South Carolina
Year: 99
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Originally Posted by smeltmaster1
check neutral safety switch put it in reverse and then check if the reverse lights come on in the back if they do then check that off your list
if not then you need to clean it or get a new one and adjust it.
i had this problem were it wasnt going into park normally i had to push on it twice as hard with the key off.
if not then you need to clean it or get a new one and adjust it.
i had this problem were it wasnt going into park normally i had to push on it twice as hard with the key off.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
From: east mesa, AZ
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: rebuilt 4.0
I didnt see you say if it was automatic or not but if it is auto. try just hitting your fist down onto the gear shifter( seriously) mine does this were it wont go into park and stay in reverse and all i do is this and pull back into drive then it slides right back into park. Hope this helps you
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 86
Likes: 4
From: Puyallup
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
The nss was just recently rebuilt and cleaned. Reverse lights come on. It will only go into park with the key off and if i slam it. I will try hitting my fist down on It tomorrow morning thanks for everybodys help. Its is an automatic aw4. By the way.
Disconnect the linkage from the transmission entirely. Now see if the transmission will go into park. If it won't its internal. Otherwise its the linkage.
I am betting on the linkage or colum.
I am betting on the linkage or colum.
Last edited by holycaveman; Sep 18, 2012 at 09:20 PM.


