Transmission not completely going into reverse but will shift into all other forward gears

JEREMY GENE CLAY

MEMBER
1997 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
5.2L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
208,000 MILES

When you start it in park it will lunge forward then will act normal in park. When I shift into reverse it acts like it's in gear but it seems like it's fighting against a forward gear. Rpm's are unable to rise when I depress the gas. But it will not go no where at all on reverse.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,489 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

If the vehicle feels like it's always in gear, even when it's in park, I have a feeling there is an internal issue. I have see where retainers on the low/reverse clutch has failed causing the clutch pack to stay engaged all the time.

With that in mind, make sure the fluid is clean and full. Next, if the check engine light is on, check to see if there is related trouble code.

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

If the fluid is clean and full and there are no codes (which would be odd), then you need to remove the pan and starting checking for evidence of damaged retainers, metal shavings...

Keep in mind, this could be related to a shift solenoid failing or failure in the valve body, but those both should have set codes. Here are a couple links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/automatic-transmission-problems

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-service-an-automatic-transmission

Here are the directions for replacing fluid and the filter specific to your vehicle. The attached pictures correlate with these directions.

_________________

NOTE: The service fluid fill after a filter change is approximately 3.8 liters (4.0 quarts).

REMOVAL
1. Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
2. Place a large diameter shallow drain pan beneath the transmission pan.

3. Remove bolts holding front and sides of pan to transmission.
4. Loosen bolts holding rear of pan to transmission.
5. Slowly separate front of pan away from transmission allowing the fluid to drain into drain pan.
6. Hold up pan and remove remaining bolt holding pan to transmission.
7. While holding pan level, lower pan away from transmission.
8. Pour remaining fluid in pan into drain pan.

9. Remove screws holding filter to valve body.
10. Separate filter from valve body and pour fluid in filter into drain pan.
11. Dispose of used bans fluid and filter properly.

INSPECTION
Inspect bottom of pan and magnet for excessive amounts of metal or fiber contamination. A light coating of clutch or band material on the bottom of the pan does not indicate a problem unless accompanied by slipping condition or shift lag. If fluid and pan are contaminated with excessive amounts or debris.

Check the adjustment of the front and rear bands, adjust if necessary.

CLEANING
1. Using a suitable solvent, clean pan and magnet.
2. Using a suitable gasket scraper, clean gasket material from gasket surface of transmission case and the gasket flange around the pan.

INSTALLATION
1. Place replacement filter in position on valve body.
2. Install screws to hold filter to valve body. Tighten screws to 4 Nm (35 inch lbs.) torque.
3. Place new gasket in position on pan and install pan on transmission.
4. Place pan in position on transmission.
5. Install screws to hold pan to transmission. Tighten bolts to 17 Nm (150 inch lbs.) torque.
6. Lower vehicle and fill transmission with MOPAR ATF+4, type 9602 fluid, or equivalent.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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