Will not drive or reverse?

Hi,

How low was the fluid? Was there any change when you added fluid? Let me know.

Also, I attached a pic below showing where the shift linkage attaches to the transmission. Make sure the vehicle is secure and unable to move. Have a helper shift through the gears while you watch on the transmission if the cable is moving the lever.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

joe

See pic below.

The fluid was really low, turned the vehicle on added it let it sit for a while hoping that was it. I’m not good with vehicles at all, could you explain where this picture is located? My father usually does the work, but he’s gotten of age and now I’m on my own and I’m as lost as ever.

Hi,

You're never alone. We will always be here if you need help.

As far as the picture is concerned, that is at the side of the transmission, under the vehicle. It is aproximately the same distance back as the front door of the vehicle. There will be a transfer case as well.

Now, the reason I suggested checking the linkage is that you indicated the shifter just moves back and forth with no click or resistance. In my mind, which indicates the linkage has come disconnected and is why I suggest you check if that is the case.

Tell me this. Does the gear indicator show the correct gear when you place the shifter in any of the gears? Also, as you are aware, when the vehicle is in park, you can't move it. If you place the shifter in neutral, can the vehicle be moved?

Let me know.

Joe

Hello, I have the vehicle listed above it doesn’t show the gear on the dash like newer cars. But I did check the linkage and it moves when gears are changed so my dad said then it’s not that. He tried helping me, but he doesn’t know transmissions at all. Would you have any other ideas or suggestions on what to look at? I’m a single mom of three. This is the only vehicle I'm able to afford right now honestly that’s why I'm trying to fix it. Thank you for helping!

Hi,

I completely understand. I'll try my best to get you going again.

Now, if there is no engagement forward or reverse and the linkage is connected and moving, I have a few more questions. You mentioned that the shifter has no resistance. Is that correct? In other words, it doesn't feel as though it is connected.

Also, I have a concern about transmission line pressure. Was the transmission serviced on a regular basis?

One more thing, when you place it in gear, are there any noises and if it is shifted to park, does the vehicle still move as if it was in neutral?

Let me know and sorry about so many questions.

Joe

Hello, no, there doesn’t feel like any resistance in the shifter. I click the side button to move the shifter without any movement from the jeep or the shifter. It just glides to each gear with no noise. I have only had the vehicle for a year. It has been sitting for a while and I had changed some things out in it for it to run. I don’t remember doing anything with the transmission. I get oil changed when it’s due every time and get them to do checks on fluid etc., the around the transmission does look like it’s “oily” around the outside. The fluid was low, but I added fluid how you’re supposed to. Thank you so much for working with me and trying to help the best you can without actually seeing my vehicle.

Hello again, I went back to the jeep and messed with the gear shifter. When I do click the button and put it into reverse or drive it does sound like it’s getting into that gear but when I go to drive or reverse etc… nothing.

Hi,

If there is no resistance, something has come disconnected or has broken.

I have one more question. When the vehicle is placed in park, you shouldn't be able to move the vehicle. Does it move? If it doesn't, when you place it in neutral, does it move?


Let me know.

Joe

Hello, I went out and checked it out, it won’t move in drive or anything but I’m neutral I’m able to roll it back by pushing. Thank you!

Hi,

So, I understand, you are unable to move the vehicle in any gear but neutral. Is that correct? When you say you can't move it, does it feel like it is in park and not moveable?

Let me know.

Joe

Yes, it feels like it’s in park in any other gear then neutral.

Then we have an issue either with the linkage adjustment or internal.

Here is where I am: Since it stays in park in all gears other than neutral and there is no resistance when you shift, I suspect there is an issue with the manual lever assembly in the transmission. If you look at pic 1, I circled the shift lever. The manual lever assembly is on the opposite side of that internally. If the retainer clip has come apart, the park rod may not be moving when it should. Pics 2 and 3 show the internal portion of what I am talking about. Please understand, this is a theory but is where I would start.

Since you determined the shift cable/linkage is working, the next thing to do is remove the transmission oil pan and remove the lever assembly internally.

Let me know your thoughts and what I can do to help.

Joe

See pics below.

Thank you. I will definitely try this when I have the time. Thank you for helping and being understanding. I hope if I can check this out and get to you when I do and be able
To still connect with you about the jeep, if that’s not what is wrong.

Hi,

No problem whatsoever. You can come back anytime. I'll be here. If you run into any trouble, have questions, or just need to scream at someone (LOL), let me know.


Take care and let me know what you find.

Joe

Hello again. I have not been able to get to what you showed me, but I was writing back about the moving in any gear. I had a little more help this time and my jeep will move in any gear when it’s being pushed. I don’t know if that might change things or help. Thank you!

Any gear? Does that include park?

Let me know.

Joe

Hello! I tried it finally and it definitely will not go when in park. Any other gear the jeep will move when it’s being pushed. Thank you!!

Hi,

Thanks for the update. You have now confirmed it isn't a linkage-related issue both externally and internally. So, the next thing we would need to do is check to see if there are diagnostic trouble codes. This vehicle has an OBD1 system which doesn't require a scan tool to retrieve codes. It is all done at the ignition switch.

Follow the directions listed in this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jeep-diagnostic-trouble-codes-for-car-built-on-or-before-1995-odb1

If nothing is found, we need to check line pressure which will require a gauge and a bit of time. I have a question. I assume the vehicle isn't near you. Is that correct? I feel like a pain in the neck if you are running back and forth. However, I don't want to overwhelm you with a ton of testing until I know which is the best direction to proceed to after we get the results from the first test.

Let me know.

Joe

Hello, I’m not away from the jeep I just work 12 hours shifts so I usually get your messes before work and then after it’s a little hectic. I’m thankful someone is trying to help me. I have already checked the code system when it first broke down and it doesn’t pop anything up unfortunately. Thank you.

Hello again, I went back out there and redid it. It’s bringing up 12, 17 and 55 which I know is the end of the sequence. Thank you!

Hi,

Okay, those aren't relevant. At this point, we will likely need to check line pressure. What has me most confused is the pop you felt. I'm questioning if we should go to the trouble to test pressure or if something internal has failed.

I know you added transmission fluid, but when you check it since running the engine, is it still clean? Does it have a burnt smell? I would almost rather remove the transmission pan and see if there is evidence of damaged parts in it.

Let me know your thoughts. If you are comfortable removing the pan, that would be easier, but I don't know if it will be conclusive.

I will watch for your reply.

Joe