Jeep Cherokee Forum

Jeep Grand Cherokee 1993-1998: How to Adjust Kickdown (TV) Cable

The repair for this can be really simple and free. Take just a second and find out how now.

By Mark Garrett - October 7, 2015
Contributors: Ratrace Loosers, Duma Jones

This article applies to the Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ (1993-1998).

The Throttle Valve (TV) cable on your Jeep lets the transmission know the position of the throttle. The transmission adjusts shift points and line pressure so you get in the appropriate gear for best performance. Some people call it a 'kickdown' cable, which it also does if the transmission senses that a lower gear is called for, but it does much more than that. A TV cable that needs adjusted can cause slow or no shifts, shifts that are too quick, and even bad mileage. New vehicles have a computer to control the shifting, so you can see that the cable is a big deal. This is so easy, you will not believe it.

Materials Needed

  • Small screwdriver
  • BP Blaster

Step 1 – Open the hood

There is no getting under the Jeep, so just open the hood.

Step 2 – Locate the TV cable

The TV cable is on the top of the engine near the throttle body. It is next to the throttle cable, and if you have it, the cruise control cable.

Figure 1. Throttle cable (1), cruise cable (2), and TV cable (3).

Pro Tip

There are a couple styles of TV cables, so don't be alarmed if yours looks different.

Step 3 – Find release clip or button

The TV cable has a button or clip that unlocks it. It has to be able to move in order to adjust it. One style has a clip that you take off.

Figure 2. TV release clip.

You can use a small screwdriver to remove the clip, or your fingers will work just as good.

Figure 3. TV clip pulled off.

Gently pull the bottom-back of the clip back a little and the front-bottom forward. The clip will nearly just fly off like in Figure 3. Set this clip aside, as you will need it in a second. The other style has a button that you push down.

Figure 4. TV cable with button.

To loosen the TV cable, you push the metal button down so the end snaps back. If it does not snap back, just push it back while holding the button down. You can soak the button with BP Blaster if it has gunk on it.

Figure 5. Push button down.

Step 4 – Adjust the TV cable

Now it is adjustment time. With the engine not running, take one hand and open the throttle wide open. While holding it there, push the white clip down into position so the cable stays at the length you adjusted it to. If you have the button style, when you open the throttle wide open, the cable will pull out and click as it locks. Make sure you have the throttle totally wide open.

Figure 6. Cherokee wide open throttle.

Well, that is it! You could do it at lunch. Take the Jeep for a test drive and see how it shifts. It should be much better and more fun to drive. That will normally fix it, but if it still feels funny, there may be a real problem; although, that is for another installment. Good job!

Featured Video: Adjusting the TV Cable on Jeep Grand Cherokee

Related Discussions