Jeep Cherokee (XJ): Adjustments

Gearshift cable

Check adjustment by starting the engine in Park and Neutral. Adjustment is OK if the engine starts only in these positions. Adjustment is incorrect if the engine starts in one but not both positions. If the engine starts in any position other than Park or Neutral, or if the engine will not start at all, the park/ neutral position switch may be faulty.

Gearshift Adjustment Procedure

(1) Shift transmission into Park.

(2) Raise vehicle.

(3) Release cable adjuster clamp (at transmission end of cable) to unlock cable.

(4) Unsnap cable from cable mounting bracket on transmission (Fig. 228).

(5) Slide cable eyelet off transmission shift lever.

(6) Verify transmission shift lever is in Park detent by moving lever fully rearward. Last rearward detent is Park position.

(7) Verify positive engagement of transmission park lock by attempting to rotate propeller shaft.

Shaft will not rotate when park lock is engaged.

(8) Slide cable eyelt onto transmission shift lever.

(9) Snap shift cable adjuster into mounting bracket on transmission.

(10) Lock shift cable by pressing cable adjuster clamp down until it snaps into place.

(11) Lower vehicle and check engine starting.

Engine should start only in Park and Neutral.

Fig. 228 Shift Cable Attachment At Transmission-Typical

1 - THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
2 - TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER
3 - SHIFT CABLE
4 - SHIFT CABLE BRACKET

Brake transmission shift interlock cable adjustment

(1) Shift transmission into PARK.

(2) Remove shift lever bezel and console screws.

Raise bezel and console for access to cable.

(3) Pull cable lock button up to release cable (Fig.

229).

(4) Turn ignition switch to LOCK position.

(5) Use a spacer to create a one millimeter gap between the shifter pawl and top of the shift gate.

(6) Pull cable forward. Then release cable and press cable lock button down until it snaps in place.

(7) Check adjustment as follows: (a) Check movement of release shift handle button (floor shift) or release lever (column shift). You should not be able to press button inward or move column lever.

(b) Turn ignition switch to RUN position.

(c) Shifting out of park should not be possible.

(d) Apply the brake and attempt to shift out of PARK. Shifting should be possible.

(e) While the transmission is shifted out of PARK, release the brake and attempt to shift through all gears. Release the shift button at least once during this procedure. The ignition key should not go to the LOCK position.

Fig. 229 Park Lock Cable Attachment

1 - PARK LOCK CABLE
2 - CABLE LOCK BUTTON
3 - SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLY
4 - SHIFT CABLE

(f) Return transmission to the PARK position without applying the brake.

(8) Move shift lever back to PARK and check ignition switch operation. You should be able to turn switch to LOCK position and shift lever release button/ lever should not move.

Transmission throttle valve cable adjustment

The transmission throttle valve is operated by a cam on the throttle lever. The throttle lever is operated by an adjustable cable (Fig. 230). The cable is attached to an arm mounted on the throttle lever shaft. A retaining clip at the engine-end of the cable is removed to provide for cable adjustment. The retaining clip is then installed back onto the throttle valve cable to lock in the adjustment.

A correctly adjusted throttle valve cable will cause the throttle lever on the transmission to move simultaneously with the throttle body lever from the idle position. Proper adjustment will allow simultaneous movement without causing the transmission throttle lever to either move ahead of, or lag behind the lever on the throttle body.

Checking Throttle Valve Cable Adjustment

(1) Turn ignition key to OFF position.

(2) Remove air cleaner.

(3) Verify that lever on throttle body is at curb idle position. Then verify that transmission throttle lever (Fig. 231) is also at idle (fully forward) position.

(4) Slide cable off attachment stud on throttle body lever.

(5) Compare position of cable end to attachment stud on throttle body lever:

Fig. 230 Throttle Cable Attachment At Engine

1 - TRANSMISSION THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
2 - ACCELERATOR CABLE
3 - CABLE ENGINE BRACKET
4 - THROTTLE BODY
5 - CABLE GUIDE

Fig. 231 Throttle Cable Attachment At Transmission

1 - RETURN SPRING
2 - THROTTLE VALVE CABLE
3 - THROTTLE VALVE CABLE BRACKET
4 - THROTTLE VALVE LEVER
5 - GEAR SELECTOR LEVER
6 - SHIFT CABLE BRACKET

• Cable end and attachment stud should be aligned (or centered on one another) to within 1 mm (0.039 in.) in either direction.
•  If cable end and attachment stud are misaligned (off center), cable will have to be adjusted as described in Throttle Valve Cable Adjustment procedure.

(6) Reconnect cable end to attachment stud. Then with aid of a helper, observe movement of transmission throttle lever and lever on throttle body.

•  If both levers move simultaneously from idle to half-throttle and back to idle position, adjustment is correct.
•  If transmission throttle lever moves ahead of, or lags behind throttle body lever, cable adjustment will be necessary. Or, if throttle body lever prevents transmission lever from returning to closed position, cable adjustment will be necessary.

Throttle Valve Cable Adjustment Procedure

(1) Turn ignition switch to OFF position.

(2) Remove air cleaner if necessary.

(3) Disconnect cable end from attachment stud.

Carefully slide cable off stud. Do not pry or pull cable off.

(4) Verify that transmission throttle lever is in fully closed position. Then be sure lever on throttle body is at curb idle position.

(5) Insert a small screwdriver under edge of retaining clip and remove retaining clip.

(6) Center cable end on attachment stud to within 1 mm (0.039 in.).

NOTE: Be sure that as the cable is pulled forward and centered on the throttle lever stud, the cable housing moves smoothly with the cable. Due to the angle at which the cable housing enters the spring housing, the cable housing may bind slightly and create an incorrect adjustment.

(7) Install retaining clip onto cable housing.

(8) Check cable adjustment. Verify transmission throttle lever and lever on throttle body move simultaneously.

Front band adjustment

The front (kickdown) band adjusting screw is located on the left side of the transmission case above the manual valve and throttle valve levers.

(1) Raise vehicle.

(2) Loosen band adjusting screw locknut (Fig. 232).

Then back locknut off 3-5 turns. Be sure adjusting screw turns freely in case. Apply lubricant to screw threads if necessary.

(3) Tighten band adjusting screw to 8 N·m (72 in.

lbs.) torque with Inch Pound Torque Wrench C-3380-A, a 3-in. extension and appropriate Torx socket.

CAUTION: If Adapter C-3705 is needed to reach the adjusting screw, tighten the screw to only 5 N·m (47-50 in. lbs.) torque.

(4) Back off front band adjusting screw 2-1/2 turns.

(5) Hold adjuster screw in position and tighten locknut to 41 N·m (30 ft. lbs.) torque.

(6) Lower vehicle.

Fig. 232 Front Band Adjustment Screw Location

1 - LOCK-NUT
2 - FRONT BAND ADJUSTER

Rear band adjustment

The transmission oil pan must be removed for access to the rear band adjusting screw.

(1) Raise vehicle.

(2) Remove transmission oil pan and drain fluid.

(3) Loosen band adjusting screw locknut 5-6 turns.

Be sure adjusting screw turns freely in lever.

(4) Tighten adjusting screw to 5 N·m (41 in. lbs.) (Fig. 233).

(5) Back off adjusting screw 7 turns.

(6) Hold adjusting screw in place and tighten locknut to 34 N·m (25 ft. lbs.) torque.

(7) Position new gasket on oil pan and install pan on transmission. Tighten pan bolts to 17 N·m (13 ft.

lbs.) torque.

(8) Lower vehicle and refill transmission with Mopart ATF Plus 3, Type 7176, fluid.

Valve body

CONTROL PRESSURE ADJUSTMENTS

There are two control pressure adjustments on the valve body;

•  Line Pressure
•  Throttle Pressure

Line and throttle pressures are interdependent because each affects shift quality and timing. As a result, both adjustments must be performed properly and in the correct sequence. Adjust line pressure first and throttle pressure last.

LINE PRESSURE ADJUSTMENT

Measure distance from the valve body to the inner edge of the adjusting screw with an accurate steel scale (Fig. 234).

Distance should be 33.4 mm (1-5/16 in.).

Fig. 233 Rear Band Adjustment Screw Location

1 - 30RH REAR BAND LEVER AND ADJUSTING SCREW
2 - 32RH REAR BAND LEVER AND ADJUSTING SCREW

If adjustment is required, turn the adjusting screw in, or out, to obtain required distance setting.

NOTE: The 33.4 mm (1-5/16 in.) setting is an approximate setting. Manufacturing tolerances may make it necessary to vary from this dimension to obtain desired pressure.

One complete turn of the adjusting screw changes line pressure approximately 1-2/3 psi (9 kPa).

Turning the adjusting screw counterclockwise increases pressure while turning the screw clockwise decreases pressure.

THROTTLE PRESSURE ADJUSTMENT

Insert Gauge Tool C-3763 between the throttle lever cam and the kickdown valve stem (Fig. 235).

Push the gauge tool inward to compress the kickdown valve against the spring and bottom the throttle valve.

Maintain pressure against kickdown valve spring.

Turn throttle lever stop screw until the screw head touches throttle lever tang and the throttle lever cam touches gauge tool.

Fig. 234 Line Pressure Adjustment

1 - WRENCH
2 - 1-5/16 INCH

NOTE: The kickdown valve spring must be fully compressed and the kickdown valve completely bottomed to obtain correct adjustment.