Griff5

Hello everyone!! Just made an account to figure this out!

I have a 1991 Jeep Cherokee. The ATF was really dark when I got in (about a month ago) so I changed it a few times just throng the drain plug. It kept getting dark again so I decided to change the filter and do a fluid flush. So I dropped the pan (had to wiggle it a ton trying to get off the dipstick tube), replaced the filter, cleaned all the stupid RTV off the pan, and replaced the gasket.

I installed the pan and disconnected the lower transmission cooler line to do a fluid flush. I flushed two gallons out, adding a little over a gallon in between.

The fluid started to come out super red so I thought it was good. So I added more fluid and went to take off. It took off super slowly, so I thought it was low on ATF. I added another two quarts and it still did the same thing.

When driving it around it takes off in 2nd. When I manually put the transmission into 1st it takes off normally. I replaced the transmission fuse already.

What is wrong with my jeep?

lawsoncl

You sure it's 2nd and not 4th? Starting in 4th is usually either power to the TCU or a bad solenoid. The shift solenoids are as follows

1st Solenoid 1 is on
2nd Solenoids 1 and 2 are on
3rd Solenoid 2 is on
4th No solenoids energized

Griff5

Update: I accidentally disconnected the 7 prong connector for the transmission when pulling the dipstick tube out.

gat

There you have it. I like to disconnect the hoses at the radiator to flush the system. I empty thru the drain hole, then refill that. I monitor the flow into a bucket while pouring new fluid. I signal the assistant in the cab to kill the engine once the fluid has changed color. Also, if you ever have to drop the pan again, then don't disconnect the dipstick tube from the pan. Instead, disconnect the dipstick tube from the block and let the tube drop with the pan. In general changing the screen in the transmission isn't required because it just screens larger particulars; it doesn't filter fine particles. I'm glad that you were able to figure what happened.

cruiser54

Another reason not to pull the pan!!!