Just bought a 96 zj. Trans was rebuilt less than 20k ago. It's a 5.2 awd. It seems like it holds first gear too long. I've owned a 97 limited few years ago and I don't remember it holding first that long. Is there any adjustments I can do. Or is this normal. I haven't gotten it tagged yet so I haven't gotten to take it up the highway. I bought it had steering issues. I got a good deal on it so I bought it without driving it far. But the gentleman drove it to Miami from Chicago 7 moths ago. It's been sitting ever since. Maybe I'm just being paranoid. I fixed the steering but drove it around my apartment community. Any information would be greatly appreciated

 

Check/adjust the trans throttle cable. IDK the procedure on your model, but you should be able to find it on Youtube or a service manual.

 

The 96 5.2L has the 44RE transmission.

+1 on using the FSM or the ATSG manual.

The FSM says: fluid low / high; filter clogged; throttle misadjusted; linkage binding; gearshift misadjusted; clutch or servo failure; governor electrical fault; front band misadjusted or pump suction leak.

 

I'm going to adjust the cable now. All the fluids are bad also. What fluid does the 44re require? Changing fluid filter and gasket.

 

I hope it's nothing serious. It was claimed to been rebuilt recently!!!

 

In what way is the fluid bad? Is it contaminated? Yes, that would be bad.

Use ATF+4 fluid.

 

The fluid is bad as in its real black and it's missing 😂😂😂 I adjusted the cable and it's way better. Still holds first too long for my liking. should I try adjusting the bands next. And I'm sure it don't help that it's super low of fluid.

 

It is black from the very thin friction material having deteriorated off the clutch discs and / or bands, ending up in the fluid.

A fluid change / band adjustment won't restore the friction material.

It won't hurt, but it is likely that a rebuild w/ a new torque converter and line flush is required.

 

Will the band adjustment help with the shifting issues until I can get the rebuild. It's shifts really firm and fast. Doesn't waste any time between gears. And pulls real strong. Only issue I have is the lingering in first at low throttle. The cable helped a lot maybe I'm just being picky.

 

Try adjusting the cable one more notch either way from where it is now.

 

Ok. When I set the cable it only came out 1 notch. So I'll try it all the way in and 2 notches out and see what works best

 

Had the same problem with my AWD Jeep when I first got it. Took it to two shops and they both said the same thing, its normal. I finally had a shift kit and an adjustable heavy duty plunger in the valve body. Keep tinkering with the linkage and bands, you might find a place where you like the shift points.

 

I've gotten it adjusted real good. Still holds first a little longer than I'd like. But once warmed up it shifts like a brand new one!

 

exact same thing happened to my 97 GC and adjusting the rear band did it for me.