mtyson

'97 cherokee.

It just started doing this: When in the 'D' position, it won't go into 1st gear (it just revs and doesn't move from a stop). If I manually shift into 1st, it works fine, and I can then shift into 'D' and drive as normal (until I come to stop, then I have to shift into 1st manually to get going again).

This was happening, then the car completely died on the road, and I took it in, and they replaced the computer, and it started running again, but the shifting problem remained.

I took it to a transmission shop, they replaced the MLPS switch, but the problem remains.

They want to take the truck for a week and do a bunch of diagnostics on it. They believe it to be something electrical at this point.

Any ideas?

dmill89

Definitely sounds like something electrical, when you "manually" shift it into first you are bypassing the electronics.


There are several possibilities including:
-Bad TPS (throttle position sensor), this would likely be a good place to start because it is cheap and easy to replace (and has a high failure rate).
-Wiring problems (anything between the TCU, sensors and trans is possible).
-Bad TCU (transmission control unit), unlikely, but possible.
-Bad Solenoid(s).

mtyson

I'll start with those suggestions - thank you very much!

CCKen

Sounds like the Solenoid A is sticking.

mtyson

You guys are awesome. Thanks so much.

I tried to replace the TPS yesterday, but succeeded only in striping the bolts that hold the old one in. I'm probably going to take it to a real mechanic for that.

I'll look into solenoid A - maybe I can handle that :P