connashio1

Hi guys, I own a '96 XJ. The car feels as if it is trying to use 2nd or 3rd gear at least when pulling away from stationary in Drive. Putting the car in 1/2 makes it pull away quick enough to spin the tyres (in 2 WD mode). Even flooring it hard in Drive it's really sluggosh. My local 4x4 garage say I need a new transmission. The fluid level is correct the box shifts as it should apart from the problem described. Any ideas before I get a box fitted?

Cheers, Paul

shintastrife

run some trans seafoum throw it, it sound like something is stock. is you have a vac line on you jeep unplug the 4x4 so it will only run 2wd, i have a 5 speed and it was doing that to me. come to find out my senser was bad in my t-case so it was saying i was in 4h not 2w

D3UC3S

flush the trans, replace filter, and substitute lucas oil trans fix for 1qt of new trans fluid.

captainofiron

dont throw it, a transmission it is heavy, haha

Before you start to think about rebuilding it,
FIRST check the fluid level
Many people do this incorrectly, they just pull out the dipstick similar to checking engine oil
The proper procedure is to warm up the vehicle to operating temperature, then place the transmission through all the gears, R for a few seconds, N for a few seconds, and D for a few seconds, (with your foot on the brake of course, haha) and 2 and 1 for a few seconds, then reverse, NOW you can check the fluid level in the transmission

I have seen many problems due to a low fluid level, especially poor shifting

I would get the transmission flushed, filter changed, and then check the vacuum modulator and the line to the modulator

D3UC3S

make sure the trans is in Neutral when you check the level

captainofiron

just curious, but where did you read or hear of that?

as far as I know there is no difference between park and neutral except the gearsets are locked in park

lestatsghost

x2 my manual (owners and shop) and the dipstick all say check level in park.

D3UC3S

My dipstick says check in neutral....weird...i wonder if it has the correct stick? I know its a newer tranny installed by the original owner.

caged

sounds like the tcu and the tps isn't working together.

check your tps first. or at least the inline fuse under the passenger side knee panel. that harness plugs into your transmission control unit.

connashio1

Hi, thanks, but where exactly is the fuse. I'm guessing on the passenger side of the transmission/center console. My car is right-hand drive over here in the UK

Cheers, Paul

caged

ahhh, ok, possibly on the passenger side just under the knee panel under the tip of the dash. there is a wire harness that plugs into a metal box that is bolted to the backside of that knee panel. in the harness a few inches from the box would be an inline fuse. check that first, if it's ok, you'll have to check out the tps output.

connashio1

I've found a local auto transmission specialist. He agrees it sounds like an electronis issue rather than the box. Taking it over 1st thing Monday. Luckily the 'box I've ordered from a breakers (english for junkyard) hasn't been despatched yet and they're happy to wait until I get this fully checked out. With a bit of luck it'll be done and dusted sometime Monday and I'll save the money I was having to spend getting the boxes swapped out.

Should have gone for a second opnion from a specialist straight away rather than jump in and just order a new 'box. Live and learn I guess.........

Thanks for the info guys, I'll let you know the outcome.

Cheers, Paul

mycherokee

Dont forget the TCM. In your lower dash there is a chance it could be faulty. When I replaced my dash I forgot to hook it up and I had to manually choose 1st and 2nd gears to get it up to speed. When I hooked it up I shift just fine with 200k miles. Just an idea to look at.

connashio1

Hi, is this on the passenger side? I had the dash apart to fix the heater (gearbox was already duff, so I've not left a wire off) and did see a box about the size of a pack of cigarattes there. What is the TCM? I guess the CM bit is Control Module....

cheers, Paul

McRay

Would check the shift solenoid #2 located in the trans with volt ohm meter for 11 to 15 ohm - If transmission shift manual though all gears. Remove pan should be 3 solenoid - if not sure witch one all are the same ohms, try unplug tcu some times that works.