Hard shift from first to second

1996 JEEP CHEROKEE
160,000 MILES • 4.0L • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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COLOMACC
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  • 1 POST
No codes have been thrown, don't know what to look for.
Sep 20, 2019 at 8:00 AM
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KASEKENNY
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  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi,

More than likely this is a valve body issue. What does the fluid look like? It should be pink and not smell bad. I assume you know what burnt fluid smells like so just make sure it is in good condition.

If it is then this could be the valve body causing the harsh shifting. Your vehicle has a transmission control module which controls the solenoids in the valve body but I don't think that would cause an issue on one solenoid even though you have separate shift solenoids. You could potentially have high line pressure which is causing the harsh engagement but I would suspect a valve body before anything else.

Lastly, take a look at this attachment. It explains the inputs to the TCM that determines shift points. If we have an issue with the TPS or speed sensor then that could effect shift quality. However, the fact that we don't have codes keeps bringing me back to a mechanical issue with the valve body. Please review this material and let me know what you think. Thanks
Sep 20, 2019 at 5:31 PM
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MASTERWRENCH
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  • 258 POSTS
Good morning,

I would also check the adjustment of the Throttle Valve cable which is located on the throttle lever under the hood. A hard up-shift as your describing is commonly caused by a Throttle Valve cable that is adjusted too tight. Please see the adjustment procedure below along with two attachments of the cable/adjuster components.

Transmission throttle cable adjustment

1. Shift transmission into Park, shut engine off and raise hood.

2. Press cable release button (See Attachment)

3. Push cable conduit back into cable sheath as far as possible

4. Rotate lever on throttle body to wide open throttle position. Cable will ratchet to correct adjustment point as lever is rotated (See Attachment)
Sep 21, 2019 at 6:33 AM
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