It’s a ‘95 Sahara 4.0 automatic that shifts hard into reverse and 1st gear. 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd work fine. I first noticed the issue after doing a bunch of work on the drivetrain. I re-geared from 307 to 410, replaced the transfer case drop with an SYE, new rear driveshaft, new u-joints and a Detroit locker. I also changed the transmission fluid, filter and adjusted the bands. I adjusted the TV cable but had to do it manually. Mine didn’t do the “push the button, pull the black piece out, push the accelerator and bang, it adjusts automatically”. I just took all the slack out of the cable. Once in a blue moon it will shift into Reverse and 1st gear smoothly which gives me hope it can be fixed. If there is anything else I can do or anything I need to redo please let me know. Thanks.
Hard shift into reverse and 1st gear
- Thread starter JoeTex
- Start date
Since you mentioned manually adjusting the TV cable, make sure it’s set correctly. A mis-adjusted TV cable can create harsh shifts. If it’s too tight, it may be causing the hard shifts into reverse and 1st gear.
I'd also double-check your transmission fluid level. If it’s too low or too high, it can affect shifting. Make sure you’re checking it while the engine is running at operating temperature for an accurate reading. Seems obvious, but you know how Occam's Razor works!
A sticking valve in the valve body could also be causing the hard shifts. If you’re comfortable, you might want to drop the valve body and inspect it for any debris or damage.
A worn or damaged transmission mount can cause a harsh engagement into gears, especially under load. It might be worth checking to see if that’s the case.
You also mentioned adjusting the bands, but make sure to follow the specific procedures for your transmission. Double-check that they are set to the correct specifications.
Just trying to cover the most obvious stuff that comes to mind first. I usually find that in situations like this it ends up being the most obvious answer (Occam's Razor, again!).
Since you see a smooth shift every so often, it might indicate that the components aren’t fully failed but could benefit from some adjustments. Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress!
Rechecking will be my project for this weekend. That’s not a bad idea after stepping away from it for a few weeks, I’ll be able to look at it with clear eyes. In the mean time I’ll be brushing up on the Big Juicy Garage videos.
zebraranger
Member
When I first got my YJ it did the same thing, it would grind going into 1st and reverse. I replaced the fluid with Redline MT-90 and its been grind free and smooth as butter ever since, that was four years ago.
It’s an automatic and by “hard shift” I mean “aggressive”. It’s like a shift kit was installed. I did get the TV cable I adjust automatically and the fluid level was off (a little low). The transmission mount is nice a supple, almost too supple but I have nothing to compare it to. I’m not afraid of dropping the valve assembly but between my wife’s JLU and my YJ I’ve had it with swimming in tranny fluid for the time being so for now I’ll let it ride. If the pan had a drain plug that might be a different story. I guess I could pump the fluid out through the dip stick with a hand pump…..
Turns out it was the backlash on my newly regeared rear end. When I got it back from the shop I just checked the pattern and it was spot on. Being overly excited to bring this year long project to an end I forgot to check the backlash. I bought some Lubelocker gaskets awhile back and finally got around to installing them and while I was down there checked the backlash. It was horrible, something happened. Looks like I’m going to learn how to set up a rear end. I failed miserably last time but I’m retired now and have nothing better to do than lay under jeep for hours on end until I get it right. Wish me luck.
