Getting ready to replace the solenoids in my 96 XJ. It seems simple enough, (famous last words). My gasket is rubber not cork so my question is, should I use RTV when I replace the cover? If yes, which type? Thanks.

 

RTV can get squeezed into the trans, where it hardens, then breaks off, and then the fun begins!

I'd just get a new rubber gasket. Gaskets are much cheaper than transmissions. Folks around here seem to love the Fel-Pro brand.

 

A rubber gasket came with the solenoid kit along with a new filter as well. So no RTV, correct?

 

No RTV.

 

The hard part is the stupid dipstick tube. If you can spray where it separates ahead of time that might help. Some just cut it and put it back with tubing and clamps.You checked the resistance and found a bad one?

 

No RTV it will be then. Thanks.

 

No I didn't check the resistance. Don't know how to do that without taking it out. I already have bought the replacement solenoids so if I'm in there I just might as well just go ahead and change them. If that does not solve the issue then I will go on from there.

The tranny shifts fine from first to third and then on to fourth. There are no unusual sounds coming from the tranny. I'm just guessing it's the solenoid that controls that shift. The rest shift fine. I've read up a bit on the problem that I'm having and everything indicates a bad #2 solenoid that controls the shift from first to second. Everything was working fine and then one day it stopped shifting. I don't use the XJ off road or abuse it in anyway just normal driving.

 

I gather it's pretty easy, I haven't done it. There is a plug near the dipstick. Then even a cheap meter from Harbor Freight will work, if you don't have one. I don't have it saved, but if you know which sockets on the connector, you just check them right there, could maybe save you allot of time and money. There could be a problem with a wire or connection, could be the TCM, maybe even the TPS. You may well be on the right path, but it's a sure bet I myself would check them first.

OK, I found this, (in the link in my own sig). (Thanks CCKen). He is right at the pins on the tranny computer plug. I'd assume the check is done from there to ground, but don't know. I don't know the resistance ether, 15-18 Ohms comes to mind, but I'm guessing.

 

I have the factory service manual for 1995 XJ's and YJ's. It covers the AW4 tranny and there's a description as well as drawings on how to remove test and install them. The process is pretty straight forward. I do have a few multi meters.

 

Just sayen, you don't even need to go under the Jeep to test them. Ether at the wiring plug by the dipstick, or at the TCM under the dash, you can test them.

If you put cherokeeforum.com, in the "with these words" box, you can search here, maybe find CCKen posts with the pins on the connector by the dipstick. > https://www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en