Auto transmission will not engage!

consalvochris · 01-12-2009, 03:25 AM

My ZJ has had a hard time shifting this week (it needs to be in high RPM in order to shift) - but now it will not get in any gear. It feels like it is stuck in neutral. I checked the trans fluid and it is good. It has about 186K on it. Is this a common problem? If so, what is the solution?

**sadass** · 01-12-2009, 03:35 AM

Make sure your transfer case is not in Neutral by mistake.

**sadass** · 01-12-2009, 03:39 AM

That is a nice Jeep! Sorry if I insulted you! I saw Japan and a low post count and well , you know!

consalvochris · 01-13-2009, 01:17 AM

Yeah thanks, bump for some help

waarp8nt · 01-13-2009, 05:41 AM

If it needs higher RPM to shift into 2nd gear it is usually a Kick-down band issue, either adjustment or a delaminated band.

If it needs higher RPM to shift into 3rd gear it is usually a Front clutch seal issue, seal is simply worn out.

Delayed or not 4th gear can be a Seal worn out as well.

Most if the time if it doesn't move at all the Torc converter clutch (tcc) splines have been stripped, mostly caused from miles, us and time.

All the above complaints require the Transmission to be removed for repair. Good luck with it, hope you get it running soon.

consalvochris · 01-13-2009, 04:27 PM

Thank you for the help, is it difficult to remove the trans?

cb2630 · 01-13-2009, 06:46 PM

my 97 zj did same thing with 127,000 mi. on it...i dropped trans pan, changed filter and jeep started shifting fine...there will probably be piles of clutch material in bottom of pan, so clean it all out...most debris will be stuck to circular magnet in the bottom of the pan...on a filter change, it will require 4 qts. of trans fluid to be put back in...also while the pan is off, adjust your bands...good luck, hopefully that will get you a few more miles out of it, before an R&R is needed...

spidermonkey · 01-13-2009, 07:15 PM

I should have adjusted my bands, if only I knew how. The only bummer bout the ZJ verses my XJ is the stupid mopar crap trans. The AW4 in the XJ should have been in there. VERY tough. Ah well, I love the cushy ride. Good luck, mine has been acting up a little too. Of course, it was -25 when I drove it this morning.

consalvochris · 03-08-2009, 04:39 AM

Alright well here's an update....I don't care what is wrong with the tranny - I am just going to pay someone to rebuild it. I would do it myself but the ZJ is in AZ and I am in JapanZe (I can rhyme like a MF). It is in the shop now, Charlie's Transmission in Cottonwood, AZ - talked to charlie himself, very cool guy and hooked me up for $1500 and he will install some aftermarket shift kit. Think its a good price?

waarp8nt · 03-08-2009, 04:52 AM

That price doesn't sound too bad, if he is removing the transmission. The Dealership I used to work at started at $1600 and went up to $2400 depending on what was wrong. Be sure he is installing a new Torque Converter as they caused some problems.

consalvochris · 03-08-2009, 06:12 AM

I hope he is, all I have is his word....I wish I had ties to the mob