88 xj trans problem

jcnoble

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Huntsville, AL

• Feb 19, 2006

• #1

I have an 88 XJ, sometimes the trans will go into a low gear (when starting from a dead stop or kicking the throttle to go up a hill) and stay there, about 25 mph max. I don't know much about trannies but this doesnt sound good to me, any recommendations??

 

rockwerks

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Chito Beach Resort, WA

• Feb 19, 2006

• #2

an auto should start out in first gear and kick down when you punch it or under heavy load like climbing up a hill

 

jcnoble

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Huntsville, AL

• Feb 19, 2006

• #3

yeah but it wont upshift. Stays in low. Its a random thing also, doesnt happen all the time.

 

rockwerks

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Chito Beach Resort, WA

• Feb 19, 2006

• #4

4 Cyl Or 6 Cyl

when was the last time the fliud was changed and the filter?

 

jcnoble

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Huntsville, AL

• Feb 19, 2006

• #5

4.0 liter, new fluid, not sure about the filter.

 

rockwerks

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Chito Beach Resort, WA

• Feb 19, 2006

• #6

how do you know new fluid then? when did this start? did you have it flushed?

 

jcnoble

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Huntsville, AL

• Feb 19, 2006

• #7

I changed the fluid late summer, didnt change the filter. This problem started about a week ago when i started driving it more often.

 

rockwerks

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Chito Beach Resort, WA

• Feb 20, 2006

• #8

what fluid did you put into it , dextron III I hope........have you looked at all the wiring harnesses to make sure they are plugged in? is the fluid good color and correct amount?

 

jcnoble

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Huntsville, AL

• Feb 20, 2006

• #9

Yes, dextron III, correct level. Is there a harness above the tranny? I cant see up there.

 

L

lawsoncl

NAXJA Forum User

Location

North Idaho

• Feb 22, 2006

• #10

jcnoble said:

I have an 88 XJ, sometimes the trans will go into a low gear (when starting from a dead stop or kicking the throttle to go up a hill) and stay there, about 25 mph max. I don't know much about trannies but this doesnt sound good to me, any recommendations??

Click to expand...

Check/replace the TPS (throttle position sensor). Next time it does this, try wiggling the shifter - if that fixes it you need to clean the NSS sensor. A quick web search and you'll find a good writeup. A fluid change might be in order as a sticking solenoid in the tranny can cause this. Another possibility is a bad speed sensor on the tranny output. That's the sensor on the back drivers side next to the xfer case shift linkage, but that's usually an all or nothing and not intermittent.