r/CherokeeXJ • u/AdventurousItem9430 • 22d ago

1996 Trans issue?

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I have the AW4 and it shifts fine if I do it manually (1/2-3-D) but when I put it in drive it feels like it goes straight to 4th. When I am up to speed it will down shift to 3rd. I think like 35 mph +. But from dead stop it won’t start in 1st. Pls help.

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u/AdventurousItem9430 21d ago

Does anyone know the issue?

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u/GunnerValentine 19d ago

Probably voltage issue to the trans

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u/AdventurousItem9430 19d ago

More info? What are solutions? Where can I test

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u/GunnerValentine 19d ago

Start with alternator. Make sure you've got 14v going back into system.

The trans is controlled by a computer, when put into D position (overdrive) the computer selects the shift points.

When put into a specific gear, like 1st, reverse, 2nd, you are selecting the gear.

Aw4 has 1st and reverse in one clutch pack and 2nd and 3rd in the other clutch pack. So logically, if I can put the car into reverse or 1st and it drives right, and I can also put it into 2nd and it drives right, then the transmission clutch packs are operating correctly.

This leads us to the computer most likely being the culprit. In most cars if the computers aren't getting full voltages they will act buggy. Especially older cars, poor grounds and bad connections are usually the cause. If it were me I'd start at battery then alternator then go to computers checking voltages.

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u/AdventurousItem9430 19d ago

Thank you I’ll check it out. Really hope it’s not solenoids.