Dr ZEE

OK, Guys, I was not even sure how title the thread , because I am not sure if I have problem or is it just the way it is for my jeep.
As I am pretty new to driving jeep, I have no previous experience nor an idea about how it should be normal.
My question is about Automatic Transmission shifting action feel while in STOP.

So I start the engine, everything is cool.
My foot is on the brake , ...next:
1. When I shift from P to R , it seems like it takes some sort of delay (a second or a bit less than a second) of no action first, then the "shifting starts" and sometimes (actually almost always, when I pay attention listening) I hear some (not too loud but easy to hear) squeak. It feels like the whole truck's body sits a bit down and backward.

next.
2. When I shift from R to N - no noise, and no "action" I can feel.

next
3. When I shift from N to D - the shifting action is much "faster" comparing to from P-to-R, AND! I get a pretty harsh kick forward and a bit up ... No squeak or any other noise at this action, just a kick up-forward.

Now when I shift from D to N - no "action" I can feel, and then again, when shifting from N to R, I get a short "delay", then squeaky "action" a bit down and backward. Also, that backward-down action is rather "soft" comparing to "kick" up-forward when shifting from N to D.

(I've had in the past automatic older olds, VWs, Hondas Accord/Civic, GMC sierra truck ...and I never had this or similar kind of "action".)

Also while I am driving Jeep, the auto-shifting seems to work just fine, and nothing ever bothers me.

So, my question is this. Guys, would you share some thoughts, does this seem to be a normal or do I have some problems or maybe "potential problems", if my "description" makes any sense to you, of course ...

My Jeep is '96 Sport, 4WD (4 position command), Auto (P/N/D/3/1-2), I6 4.0, 205K+, the service history from PO is unavailable .

Also, I don't think I am up to the task of doing anything major with transmission myself. But maybe there's something I could check/test for what it worth.

OH! Just as a note. I did check the transmission fluid level. It looks like "normal" color and the level looks right. I don't see transmission leak anywhere under.

thanks in advance!

**********
opppps, had to edit, as I screwed the "description" ...

mike albo

sounds just like mine,I have 260,000 on it and no problems

BuckB91XJ

I'm no expert but, your 96 sounds like it shifts just like my 91 does. Mine has 250K miles on it. Your Reverse (R) solenoid may be getting a little bit slow but, I'd say in your case "If it isn't broke, don't fix it". As long as it is still going into every gear and especially since you said it does the automatic part of the shifting perfect I would just drive it. Hope this helps.

Dr ZEE

Uh. Great! I. mean... nice to hear that I'm not alone
I guess, my "worry" is about ..should worry or should I just get used to it and enjoy squeak and kick under my rear end

mike albo

the only thing I would check is the tranny mount, other than that have fun driven it

Dr ZEE

thank you for sharing
Since you've said "..."If it isn't broke, don't fix it". ...", what happens when it's "dead" if it's comming to that point? Now that must be a real dumb question ..uhhhh

BuckB91XJ

Well, if you feel a jump between R and D or you hear a clunk, as said above it could be bad tranny or motor mounts. It could also be a bad U-joint in the rear drive shaft....and what I meant by if it isn't broke, don't fix it is this....you can worry yourself to death....and into spending a load of money on parts you don't need if you want to start throwing parts at it for every little squeak or rattle that it makes. There are plenty of shops and mechanics out there who will gladly charge you a bundle to troubleshoot your jeep everytime you bring it in because it's squeaking, rattling, clunking or making a "funny" noise. What you described as your possible problem sounds like what my Jeep has been doing for the last 5 YEARS that I have owned it and it still runs like a top, is unstoppable on the trail and averages 18mpg in the highway.

Dr ZEE

Right on!
This also reminds me my early years in med.school ..heh heh


Uh, that one to be avoided, for sure. Also I could not do this even if I wish , as I don't view myself any longer as a young and succesful gentleman on the block with a perfect credit score
However, I don't mind spending (or say, wasting) my own time (what I ever I have) on "fixing" things that really don't need to be "fixed" heh heh.

Speaking of mechanics. For one I have great level of respect for hard work that honest and experienced mechanics do and their wisdom.
Well, I had that "idea" at one point, that I need to learn cars so then I go to mechanics only when I know exactly what needs to be done. But it's easier to think about than to actually accomplish. There are still some areas that in my mind are something like deep black holes.
On the other hands, I can't believe that some relatively simple things, that you can DIY used to scare the daylights out of me.

Well, I gotta do some more crawling under and get dirty. That's unavoidable.

thanks again,

NewXJaddict

Mine makes so many rattles, squeaks and ticks its like a noise symphony on wheels.

Every Jeep sounds and rides different and they all kick a$$ .

darkfalcon9112

I have a 91 Laredo and i got stuck in the mudd up and over my axels two weekends ago. And my trans shifted like that before and after runs like a top and wont die. And usually Jeep and rattle and squeak end up in the same sentence quite a bit especially in our xj's