Wont go into 3rd gear

hmmhoyhoy · 11-16-2005, 10:36 AM

Hey guys, I have an 87 with the 3 speed auto. I havent driven it in a few days and the weather has been in the 20s. I drove a mile today and eventually the thing had nothin goin up a small hill. It wont shift into 3rd at all. I figured it could be tranny fluid but it shifts smoothly into and out of the other gears. Thanks

87 YJ I6 Auto Tranny

paintguy · 11-16-2005, 10:43 AM

When's the last time you did replace the fluid AND the filter in the tranny?
I can't think of anywhere else to begin. Oh wait -- the detent mechanism that shifts the trans according to accelerator pedal position -- check that on the side of the trans -- maybe it got disconnected!
Good luck and keep us posted with your findings/progress!

hmmhoyhoy · 11-16-2005, 10:53 AM

the fluids were all changed about 3-4 months ago{not many miles since}.

wolf3902 · 11-16-2005, 11:15 AM

Sounds like the shift cable got out of adjustment. Should have a slide adjuster (operates like a zip tie) up by the throttle cable at the throttle body.
You can depress the clipping part and slide the cable casing in or out. Slide it back away from the end, the grab the throttle linkage ant push it up tp full throttle..you'll see/hear the cable self adjust. If it's an older tranny then you may have to adjust..drive..adjust.so on till you get it where you like it.
If none of that works it may be time for a rebuild.

11-16-2005, 11:15 AM	#4
wolf3902 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 1,138 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Sounds like the shift cable got out of adjustment. Should have a slide adjuster (operates like a zip tie) up by the throttle cable at the throttle body. You can depress the clipping part and slide the cable casing in or out. Slide it back away from the end, the grab the throttle linkage ant push it up tp full throttle..you'll see/hear the cable self adjust. If it's an older tranny then you may have to adjust..drive..adjust.so on till you get it where you like it. If none of that works it may be time for a rebuild. __________________ '93 YJ 2.5 Jasper; 5 speed All stock, waiting to be reborn. 6/19/05 ...2" BDS suspension lift...the rebirth has begun!!! ONE NATION, UNDER G O D Support It, or Leave It!

11-16-2005, 10:43 AM	#2
paintguy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Castleton, NY Posts: 1,267 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	When's the last time you did replace the fluid AND the filter in the tranny? I can't think of anywhere else to begin. Oh wait -- the detent mechanism that shifts the trans according to accelerator pedal position -- check that on the side of the trans -- maybe it got disconnected! Good luck and keep us posted with your findings/progress!