I just replaced the transmission, didn't fix the problem. Damn.

[Cody D]

Like the title says I just finished swapping the 42RE transmission in my Jeep, I just finished tonight, I was sure it would work and it didn't.

The backstory:  I bought a Jeep that I knew had transmission problems, I figured I could fix it easy and give it to my brother in law who's having a baby soon and needs a 4 door vehicle.

The problem:  The Jeep won't move in first gear, Drive works, but I believe it is starting in second gear.  Reverse works fine.

What I've done:  I've spent the last two weeks swapping the transmission in my garage, I bought the replacement from Jeepstuff.

I fired it up tonight and tried moving it in first gear and it didn't budge, the thing that is a little different is that it is hard to start, it cranks a couple times then it won't crank at all, I think it is not reading that it is in Park, if I move the shifter into reverse then back into Park it will start.  Any ideas would be great.

Cody D.

[dunl]

Neutral safety switch?

http://www.jeepin.com/features/nss/index.asp

Article is for an XJ, but gives you an idea...

Good luck....you sound like a good bro-in-law to have. 

[mike s]

Give me a few more details and I'll try to steer you in the right direction.

[esi]

I'd chime in that your neutral switch need adjusting. For the problem if you have a nv249 tcase maybe the viscious coupler is shot, and a swap to a 242
t-case would be cheaper that a new VC plus you'll be able to select 2wd, turn easier and not lose any power through the t-case.

[Cody D]

Neutral safety switch?

http://www.jeepin.com/features/nss/index.asp

Article is for an XJ, but gives you an idea...

Good luck....you sound like a good bro-in-law to have. 

Thanks for the idea, I'll take a look at that tonight if I can.  I would love if it was that simple.

My brother in law is 20, his girlfriend is 19, and the baby is very unexpected, .

Give me a few more details and I'll try to steer you in the right direction.

Well the problem is that first gear completely doesn't move the vehicle at all, all other gears work fine, once I get it up to about 30km/hr the Jeep drives fine, but it won't go down to first gear.  Last night after I posted I tried to select the gear myself on the transmission, I pulled the selector cable off and I physically moved the mechanism for it, the car still didn't work in first.  This is the exact same problem as the previous transmission that I took off, so I don't see how it could be an issue in the transmission itself.  Would the Neutral Safety Switch disable first gear but not second gear?

I'd chime in that your neutral switch need adjusting. For the problem if you have a nv249 tcase maybe the viscious coupler is shot, and a swap to a 242
t-case would be cheaper that a new VC plus you'll be able to select 2wd, turn easier and not lose any power through the t-case.

Well I don't mind swapping the t-case, now that I've done one.  But would that only take out first gear?

[Cody D]

One other thing, is there some sort of "limp mode" where the ECU thinks something is wrong with the transmission and bypasses first?

I should also point out that I have no Check Engine Codes up, I have a scanner and nothing is showing up.

[WhiteOut]

There is a limp mode on the transmission.  Is the OD button to the right of the steering wheel lit up when you start it?  You can also check the Crank Position Sensor as well to see if it clears the cranking issue.  Call my cell, 403-862-7230, I can get you the repair manual if you have a Grand Cherokee

[Cody D]

Well I never made it out to the garage tonight, I really need a garage heater.  I will try again tomorrow, hopefully it warms up.

[cLAY]

I'd chime in that your neutral switch need adjusting. For the problem if you have a nv249 tcase maybe the viscious coupler is shot, and a swap to a 242
t-case would be cheaper that a new VC plus you'll be able to select 2wd, turn easier and not lose any power through the t-case.

The VC in the t-case wouldn't cause this problem. When  the VC goes the only thing you will notice is that it will be hard to do sharp turns, it will feel like it in 4wd lock.

You did put BOTH driveshafts back on right?

Give us the year/make/model.

[cLAY]

<NUDGE> go fix it....

[Cody D]

<NUDGE> go fix it....

Haha, I have one more 12 hour graveyard shift (6PM to 6AM) then I'm on days off.  I want to get this done pretty bad, having a huge mess in my garage is driving me nuts.  Your guys help is really appreciated.

[Cody D]

Okay guys I'm sorry it took me so long, my job takes up a lot of my time.

I went out today and tried a couple things, the transfer case fluid was low as well as the transmission fluid.  I hadn't moved the truck yet though, so that's good.

I pulled the Jeep out of the garage and down the driveway, reverse seemed to work fine but once I tried going forward it was worse than it's ever been, I barely made it back into my driveway, then I couldn't actually make it all the way back up my driveway, there is barely any slope.  Reverse seems to work the best though which is weird.

It's a completly new transmission and transfer case, it doesn't start in any position other than Park and Neutral so I think I can rule out the NSS.

[AV.NINE]

Is your e-brake on? or stuck on? I know it sounds dumb, but worth pulling your rear brakes off. Could be a seized drum/caliper (i have no idea whats on xj's).

[Cody D]

Is your e-brake on? or stuck on? I know it sounds dumb, but worth pulling your rear brakes off. Could be a seized drum/caliper (i have no idea whats on xj's).

After swapping the transmission, I am open to any suggestion.  I went out and put it in Neutral and it rolled so the brakes can't be stuck.  Thanks though.

[cLAY]

Whats it like in 4low? Sounds like its starting off in 3rd gear or drive......

Still not sure what you are working on.... I'm guessing a ZJ cause its got a 42re, but engine size and year would help....

Did you get a new torque converter or reuse the old one?