ojcool

I bought a 96' Grand Cherokee 4.0 which has a major transmission problem. The guy of course was going with the "it needs a solenoid" routine which I've come to know as "it needs a transmission" For $200 it is worth the risk. I don't mind putting a few bucks in it even with a total trans replacement.

My question is this, it doesn't move at all, we trailer'ed it to the house, it started right up with a battery, engine looks sounds flawless. This transaction happened without meeting the owner, he claimed it drove, but would not go over 40mph and "his mechanic buddy" said it needed a solenoid.

Well, it doesn't move at all. If you put it in gear you do see a noticeable change in RPM, but small blip of gas does not net any movement in any gear. No noise though.

1)is it possible that this could be anything fixable without pulling the trans? I don't know much about this trans so any insights would be appreciated. My last Jeep was an XJ with the AW4 which I loved.

2) As far as replacement units, there is a used one nearby that is out of a 2002 Grand Cherokee, is there any differences between the 42RE and the close by years for these? Can someone give me an application range for looking for a used unit?

3) It sucks that I have two good 4l60e sitting in my garage from chevy projects but of course that does not help me. I would love to find a trade...

dave1123

Nope, 98 is the newest one that will drop into yours. Changes were made in 99 that may or may not work for you. The trans shifts by cable and the speed sensor is internal. They may work with some wiring changes. Talk to a transmission shop. They may be able to install a rebuilt and swap you for your GM transmissions. (Hopeful best case scenario) Do some pressure checks. I could just be a blown turbine in the converter.

ojcool

I've been researching rebuilding this trans. Bottom line is if I have to take it out anyway it's insane not to. Anyone here had much experience with this trans. From what i've read the only truly "special tools" necessary is the spring compressor if you are doing to do the overdrive unit.

I've rebuilt engines, but never a transmission. I've heard guys say this one is hard, and others say it's relatively easy..

I'm just trying the balance the cost and risk of getting a used trans vs the parts to rebuild it.

It looks like the big solenoid kit is around $180 and i'm wondering if it's worth putting that in while the trans is still in the vehicle and see if that fixes it.

A master rebuild kit with steels is about $160. A cheap kit is under $100.

Please anybody who is an expert on this transmission advise me.

ojcool

Also, anyone know where you can download the service manual for free or cheap? I see the book cost about 35...

dave1123

You can download a Factory Service Manual from pacificcoastmanuals.com for $7.95 plus tax. It's 93MB of pdf files and has about 140 pages on the transmission. It is year specific for your vehicle and covers all systems, explanations of how they work, troubleshooting diagnoses, and even wiring diagrams. Well worth the money! You can print out just the section you're interested in and trash it when you get it covered in oil! LOL!

ojcool

Bump