Car Troubles: Cherokee Transmission
 

Here's what I got:
'94 XJ 4.0, 2x4, bone stock, 116k miles, drive daily

2 weeks ago my auto tranny went manual in a sense. Now, If I accelerate from a stop in the "D" position its like starting in 2nd (maybe 3rd) gear with a manual tranny, very slow acceleration (although he engine revs are good). If I want normal acceleration I have to start in "1-2" and shift up to "D". I've also noticed that at highway speeds in the "D" position I dont have a passing gear. The tranny is not slipping like Ive known others to do and I have not had the tranny serviced, outside of a fluid change about a year ago. My wrench told me to get a bottle of Friction Modifier and dump it in...I did with no noticable difference. $12.00 well spent. I tried the TV calibration suggested by my service manual...no difference there either.

Any guesses?

I wouldn't have driven it an inch once I noticed symptoms. Once I created $1500 worth of damage on what would have been $200 by driving. Expensive lesson.

Of course that doesn't help you today....

You might try the forum at Jeeps Unlimited

http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/index.php

Usually when something goes wrong with those XJ autos, it's in the electronics, like a sensor, switch, etc.

Your tranny is in what is called "Limp in mode".
The PCM (computer) has detected some type of problem automatically makes it to where you only have @2cnd and reverse gears. Sometimes after 10 or 15 restarts (can't remember exactly how many) it will start working ok until it detects the same problem again. You need to have it checked out by a shop. They can read the codes with a diagnostic computer and let you know what the cause is.
Could need rebuilt or could be one of the sensors.
Just go have it ck'd out.

Most companies try to build their product so it WON'T break down.

Open it up and look for yourself.

Great way to learn.

Too bad they make cars hard to work on.

I had a Honda civic and had the head gasket blow out.

I decided to try and fix it myself but there were so many damn little hoses and zero space for your tools.
It was like they don't want anyone to work on their cars.

Advantage american cars , although big accords look easier to fix.

thanks...will do