Will not shift out of first gear until 4,000 RPM's

BARRU

MEMBER
2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
4.0L
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

Will not shift out of first gear until approximately 4,000 RPM's then shifts into third or fourth (2,500 rpm's at 60 miles an hour) but no overdrive. Note: If I start off with shifter in first gear car accelerates and decelerates as it should, but if I start off in drive then stays in first gear but does not decelerate when off the gas pedal. When I take out the TCM relay switch have second gear and third or fourth not sure, but revs are 2,500 at 60 miles an hour. Is that third or fourth? Does not go into overdrive.
Replaced the throttle position sensor, but no change.
Any ideas to fix?

3 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good morning,

I would start by checking the adjustment on the throttle body for the throttle valve cable for the transmission. It may be out of adjustment.

I posted the procedure below for you to view.

I would change the fluid and filter as suggested as well as dirt in the valve body could also cause this issue.

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

Roy

ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE
1. Turn ignition switch to OFF position.
2. Remove air cleaner if necessary.
3. Disconnect cable end from attachment stud. Carefully slide cable off stud. Do not pry or pull cable off.
4. Verify that transmission throttle lever is in fully closed position. Then be sure lever on throttle body is at curb idle position.
5. Pry the T.V. cable lock (A) into the UP position (Fig. 244). This will unlock the cable and allow for readjustment.
6. Apply just enough tension on the T.V. cable (B) to remove any slack in the cable. Pulling too tight will cause the T.V. lever on the transmission to move out of its idle position, which will result in an incorrect T.V. cable adjustment. Slide the sheath of the T.V. cable (D) back and forth until the centerlines of the T.V. cable end (B) and the throttle bell crank lever (C) are aligned within one millimeter (l mm) (Fig. 244).
7. While holding the T.V. cable in the set position push the T.V. cable lock (A) into the down position (Fig. 244). This will lock the present T.V. cable adjustment.

NOTE: Be sure that as the cable is pulled forward and centered on the throttle lever stud, the cable housing moves smoothly with the cable. Due to the angle at which the cable housing enters the spring housing, the cable housing may bind slightly and create an incorrect adjustment.

8. Reconnect the T.V. cable (B) to the throttle bellcrank lever (C).
9. Check cable adjustment. Verify transmission throttle lever and lever on throttle body move simultaneously.