Just a quick update for those interested, I joined the red and black wire where the cigar lighter was. The - terminal on the starter was moved off the post and a jumper to the starter. I set it back to stock and it fired right up still have the p0705 and 1698 codes but I know the NSS is good. Back to wire chasing. It still doesn't shift but I think I can rule out the CKS and CPS b/c it starts. Maybe TPS or TCU?

 

P1698 means the trans computer isn't talking. That along with no shifiting usually means you don't have power to the trans computer.

 

After doing some reading, I'm starting to suspect that the airbag control module or it's ground may be the culprit. I know the clock spring wires to the airbag have been cut and both bags were deployed. The problem has to be electrical b/c I unplugged the TCM and still only get the lunch forward even when I put it in reverse. Any thoughts?

 

Quite the opposite - it can't be electrical because reverse should work, regardless of whether the TCM is powered. I assume it doesn't roll with the transmission in park and rolls in neutral, which eliminates the xfer case and says the trans shifter is still connected and doing something. Have you pulled the front bellhousing covered and verified the torque converter bolts are not sheared? There is a port on the drivers side where you can connect a gauge and see if it's generating the proper hydraulic pressure to help diagnose a failed torque converter or pump.

 

You're correct about P and N. I pulled the TCM connecter hoping to get manual function but that didn't happen. Just a CEL. I didn't think to look at the torque converter but I will. Please tell me more about the port and what type of gauge I need to verify pressure. Thanks.

 

The other thing I thought of was dropping the transmission pan to check solenoids and get more of that brownish fluid out...

 

I was wrong - the test port is on the passenger side. FSM says use a gauge that can read up to 300-psi, the pressure in D at idle should be 61-70 psi, and at wide open throttle in D with the brake on should be 173-209 psi.

 

Awesome! Thanks man. I'm hoping to get under the Jeep tomorrow after work.

 

Lawsoncl, any idea what the thread is on that port? I need to get a gauge set and want to be sure what size thread and/or adapters. I did poke around at more electrical stuff and I'm positive my shift issue is transmission related. I got the XJ to start using the key like it should. I'm still getting p0705 and p1694 though. I went back to my NSS & noticed that there was a very touchy "sweet spot" for my back up lights to come on in within the Reverse range on the shifter. Aligning the NSS was way easier on my 97 but I don't have any play on the 97's shifter. Since all shift positions make my 98 lunch forward and I have a good amount of play in the shifter do you think that my problem may be that the shifter cable might just need to be adjusted? Sorry I haven't been on here in the past few days but I've been working wierd hours and it's been really hot this past couple days.

 

I just realized that I said it was throwing p1698. I meant 1694 (voltage high tachometer, I think) which is odd b/c it's an SE with Idiot lights.
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The other thing that is a possibility is the airbag control module. I read that gives comm issues the airbags were deployed and the wires to the clock spring we're cut.
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https://naxja.net/forum/showthread.php?t=941116

 

https://naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1131885 says M8-1.0x10mm, which sounds familiar. The best way to eliminate electrical as an issue is to unplug the trans computer. With it unplugged you'll get 1st gear in (1-2), third in (3), 4th in (D), reverse in (R) and no torque converter lockup. Reverse is engaged purely mechanical, so if reverse isn't working it's not electrical anyway. The touchy reverse lights usually mean the NSS needs cleaned, but can also be an indication that the shift cable is messed up. The P1694 means the trans computer isn't talking to the engine computer.

 

Thanks for the quick response, bro. I unplugged the TCM and the Jeep acted the exact same way except it actually lit up the CEL and added another code, p0700 I think. The NSS is squeaky clean and wires are in good shape. When I perform the NSS test, the resistances are all out of whack. I forget to mention that. So the prime suspect is now the shifter linkages. The adjustment procedure is rather vague from what I gather but I'll give it a go this afternoon when I get home at 15:30.

 

Well I ran out of daylight to get under the XJ today. I do wonder about whether raising the vehicle is necessary. Being that it's on an incline can I get away with just getting it up barely off the ground so the wheels can spin? I guess it's to make sure the driveshaft doesn't move when in park?