malibu_crawler

My zj is a 4.0 auto with the 3spd with OD. Today while driving I down shifted manually into 1st and when I put it back in drive the trans wouldn't shift out of first. So I pulled over and tried to shift through the gears. 1-2-D-N-R is all 1st
Gear and park is neutral. I haven't had the jeep long and haven't had a chance to service the trans. You guys think it's toast or you think I just need it tuned up (filter,fluids, band adjust)? Any advice would help. Really can't afford a new trans right now so hoping for the best.

Thanks guys

Bustedback

Have a transmission shop check it out, it may be something very simple. The advise you get from a forum may lead you on an expensive goose chase with no results.

malibu_crawler

This is a tech forum. I'm just seeking a little advice. Doesn't mean I'll take it. Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem

freegdr

Exactly start simple ....

dave1123

X2. It may be as simple as the shift cable.

jnicewan

Sounds like a strange deal to me. Do you feel detents when shifting each position? Is "park" position still neutral with the engine running? Seems like it could be a shift cable problem but I still wonder how you are getting neutral in park.

malibu_crawler

Yeah I feel all the detente. When in park I still need to use the brake to shift into gear. Also when in park the car just rolls freely, have to use the hand brake or it will roll down my street.

Bustedback

So, did you get your answer from this tech forum yet? Take it to a shop.

jnicewan

Since you feel the detents and cant engage park it sounds like a problem inside the trans at the valve body linkage.

If you are willing to drop the pan and/or have confidence with messing with the linkage inside the valve body, thats where I think your problem is. Its just hard to imagine you having this problem but can still feel each detent for the shift pattern. I have seen a few problems with the arm inside the trans at the valve body, sometimes they bend/break or simply strip out.

malibu_crawler

I fixed it. It was part of the linkage. Only a few bucks for the part at the junk yard,