I have a 2001 GC, 4x4 4.0 and the problem i am having is that it will not always downshift, i will hit the throttle to pass and it doesnt, or be stopped and when going to pull out still be in second gear. If i move the shifter down it will shift, and sometimes even by itself. I have a few suspects and just wanted to see what the experts thought. Thanks in advance for any and all help.

 

Could be the bands need adjusted maybe ??? Check trans fluid??

 

fluids good, changed fluids and filter as soon as problem occurred, it shifts fine WHEN it shifts, nice and smooth. What do you mean by adjusting bands, i apologize but im not a transmission man, i was thinking tps or speed sensor for the simple fact that it will shift fine and dandy sometimes and not others, it does get a little jerky when going into reverse until i give it some throttle, i don't know if im just diagnosing so much as hoping though about it being a sensor

 

Sounds like the governor pressure solenoid and sensor(in valve body). Can you get any TCM codes via the OD light by turning the key "on" and "off" 3 times(ending in "on")

 

I have the same problem. I was driving the other day and when I took off again it was in 2nd gear. It did it for a bit then stopped and hasn't done it since, but its only been 2 days now. Fluid was good as I checked that immediately. Just wondering what it could be before I go and change fluid and filter for no reason. No check engine light either? Any help is greatly appreciated!!!

 

Seriously? No one has ever had this problem? huh, must be one of those freak problems that only bug a few of us. Maybe I just need to hit it with a big hammer.

 

Could the transmission bands need adjusting? I believe there two adjustments one for the forwards band and a second adjustment for the rear band.

Just a thought.

 

Like i mentioned above,starting out in 2nd is usually a sign of the governor pressure sensor/solenoid,assuming you have a 42re and have adjusted the kickdown linkage and done a fluid/filter change.

It won't throw a CEL but codes can be retrieved via the OD light from the TCM,which won't always throw a code either.

 

I haven't adjusted anything yet. That solenoid is in the range of 230 bucks at my local parts store, so I want to rule that out for obvious reasons. I will do a fluid change since I haven't done that yet. It still hasn't done it again. Very strange though.

 

Well,unfortunately the solenoid/sensor is usually what causes that problem but $230 seems ridiculous...what jeep do you have? Just to be clear i am referring to grand cherokees with the 42re trans.

 

Never had to look, but its the AISIN model. Should be the stock autotragic for 1996 XJ.

NEW symptom: Hunting for gears in 3rd. Its like the torque converter is locking up then unlocking, cause the RPM's vary by 300 going from 2000 to 2300. Is that still that solenoid? Where can I get a cheap one, and can it be accessed by not removing the trans?

 

This seems a lot like my issue. What is the correct name for that sensor?

 

You're talking about the AW4 then,i'm afraid i don't too much about that trans.

 

That's a bummer, I think I will swing by a trans shop here soon. I don't want to destroy something for a simple problem that can easily be fixed. I hope that's what it is. This new stuff sucks, ALL my old transmissions have been through heck and back with not a single problem. I have only ever had problems with new garbage. Just my luck I guess.