Can't move shift lever while car is moving

Hi I have a 2001XJ, and I can't manually downshift when the car is moving. I can downshift in my 97. Is this some sort of "feature" on the 2001? I'd like to disable it.

I have a 98 xj mine does same thing unless I lighty touch brake pedal with left foot I can manually downshift. Was told my shifter cable needs to be adjusted.

davebz1a said:

Hi I have a 2001XJ, and I can't manually downshift when the car is moving. I can downshift in my 97. Is this some sort of "feature" on the 2001? I'd like to disable it.

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Owners manual - read it

Yes, it's a safety feature to prevent you from inadvertently selecting a lower gear.
As posted, Over a certain speed, you need to activate the brakes before you can select a lower grear.

There is likely a soleniod under the console that prevents the button from being pressed.
You should be able to dissable it.

BTW: My 98' does not do it. Perhaps it is a late model year addition? My friends 99' locked out the downshift feature also.

Owners manual?? who reads that? I do read the service manual though. Thanks for the input. I think you are right the, soloniod is on the steering column. It also prevents you from moving the shift lever unless the key is on.

My 2000 doesn't do that, afaik. What is the speed at which it prevents shifting?