My 1988 yj automatic won’t go into gear. When I start it and go to lit in gear nothing, it’s not even engaging park, reverse, any gears. So my first thought is the shifter cable snapped? I’m not to familiar I just got this thing, any help suggestions or knowledge, tips would be greatly appreciated
1988 YJ automatic not going into gear
- Thread starter Jake 88yj
- Start date
There are a few things you can check before jumping to the conclusion that the shifter cable has snapped.
Check the Shifter Linkage: Sometimes the linkage can get out of alignment or disconnected. Inspect the connection between the shifter and the transmission to see if everything looks intact.
Transmission Fluid Level: Low or dirty transmission fluid can cause shifting problems. Check the fluid level and condition—if it's dark or has a burnt smell, consider changing it.
Neutral Safety Switch: This switch prevents the vehicle from starting in gear. If it's faulty, it might stop the transmission from engaging altogether. You can try bypassing it temporarily to see if that solves the problem.
Brake Pedal Position Switch: On some models, if this switch isn’t working or is out of alignment, it might prevent the transmission from engaging. Make sure the brake pedal is correctly activating it when pressed.
Shifter Cable: While you mentioned the shifter cable might be the issue, it’s worth a thorough inspection to confirm if it’s broken or just badly adjusted.
Transmission Issues: If none of the above resolves the issue, there may be a more serious problem within the transmission itself.
I hope one of these suggestions helps you get to the bottom of the issue! Keep us updated on what you find. Good luck!
