Will not drive or reverse?

Tiny
ODESSA2387
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 3.6L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 250,000 MILES
I was driving down the road on the way home like usual, I slowed down at a red light and it turned green. I went to accelerate, and it felt like a pop per se but then the vehicle wouldn’t drive. It was low on transmission fluid, and I filled that up, had her running a while but still she won’t drive or reverse. I can move the shifter into drive ETC but there’s no click no pull it just slides up and down... I need help ASAP anyone might have a solution?
Wednesday, January 11th, 2023 AT 3:50 PM

22 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
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.
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Wednesday, January 11th, 2023 AT 6:45 PM
Tiny
ODESSA2387
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  • 13 POSTS
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.
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Thursday, January 12th, 2023 AT 1:58 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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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
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Thursday, January 12th, 2023 AT 7:24 PM
Tiny
ODESSA2387
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
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!
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Saturday, January 14th, 2023 AT 10:27 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
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
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Saturday, January 14th, 2023 AT 9:12 PM
Tiny
ODESSA2387
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
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.
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Sunday, January 15th, 2023 AT 10:43 AM
Tiny
ODESSA2387
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
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.
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Sunday, January 15th, 2023 AT 1:37 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
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
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Sunday, January 15th, 2023 AT 6:46 PM
Tiny
ODESSA2387
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  • 13 POSTS
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!
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Monday, January 16th, 2023 AT 1:02 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
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
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Monday, January 16th, 2023 AT 4:54 PM
Tiny
ODESSA2387
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Yes, it feels like it’s in park in any other gear then neutral.
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Monday, January 16th, 2023 AT 5:28 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
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.
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Monday, January 16th, 2023 AT 6:01 PM
Tiny
ODESSA2387
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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.
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Monday, January 16th, 2023 AT 6:19 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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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
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Monday, January 16th, 2023 AT 7:52 PM
Tiny
ODESSA2387
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
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!
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Wednesday, January 18th, 2023 AT 2:44 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Any gear? Does that include park?

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, January 18th, 2023 AT 7:16 PM
Tiny
ODESSA2387
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
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!
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Thursday, January 19th, 2023 AT 6:03 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
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
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Thursday, January 19th, 2023 AT 8:52 PM
Tiny
ODESSA2387
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
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.
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Friday, January 20th, 2023 AT 2:38 AM
Tiny
ODESSA2387
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
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!
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Friday, January 20th, 2023 AT 2:57 PM

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