Won't Shift From 2nd to 3rd 2000 wrangler sport

i've got a 2000 jeep wrangler sport with a inline 6 and an automatic transmission. i just got into offroading and took it out yesterday and and put it in 4wd low. i was goin about 10-20 mph with it in low and now it will not shift from 2nd to 3rd. what could be causing this and what's a good solution? i would take this to a mechanic but since i live on a military base, i figure they would just try to screw me.

Is it the 3speed auto, or 4 speed? I take it when you say it won't shift, that you're back on-pavement in 2wd?

Was it shifting into 3rd while off road?

its a 4 speed automatic and i wasn't going fast enough offroad to shift to 3rd. i pretty much found out about it when i got a flat tire and changed it and went back to pavement. i shifted out of 4wd right after we got done offroading and this was on gravel.

I'd check the linkage on the trans, make sure you didn't knock anything out of alignment (I know, unlikely). Then I'd change the fluid and filter; if you got into some deep water you may have gotten some in the trans.

After those two, if the problem persists I'd say you may need some trans service....how many miles on the transmission?

thanks, i will try that. its in the trans shop at the moment for an estimate and what the guy thinks is wrong but when i get it back if he hasnt suggested what u said i will do that and let u know how it turns out.

Welcome; hopefully it's something minor....

Turns out water got in there, and the guy found clutch pieces in the water so now he says its gonna be like 1800 to repair, so i reckon that jeep will be parked for a few weeks. :(

Bummer. Might be time to check out the sticky post at the top, tells how to waterproof. Here's to you being back on the road soon!