94 Cherokee transmission problem: need advice

I have a 94 Jeep Cherokee SE 4L 6 cyl 196,000 miles. Symptoms: Abrupt, (jolting) shifting during acceleration, it’s very unpredictable. This weekend while at 65 mph it started shifting sporadically between 3rd and overdrive. Also down shifts unexpectedly, Car slows down, dragging feeling, similar to a manual I.E. if you deliberately down shifted from 4th into 3rd. Also seemingly unrelated, the car without warning will shut off, and can only be turned back on when in neutral. The neutral safety switch, which also controls the backup lights, has been faulty this last year, back up lights occasionally will not work, and sometimes I will need to start the car in neutral. It will need to be replaced for inspection (been holding out cuz of cost.) Has new fuel pump & filter, new trans fluid. Electrical & computer stuff all checked by mechanic. Wondering if the faulty neutral safety switch is the cause of any of this. Any input would be greatly appreciated. ( yeah, I know it has high miles) John moorglademover@hotmail.com

Sounds like the switch to me. It is easy to fix if you want to try. It is located on the right hand side of the trans. Remove the large nut and adjusting bolt. Disconect the wiring harness under the hood. Gently pry the switch off the shaft. Once removed from the vehicle take the back cover off the switch. Inside you will find the contacts. Remove the two spring loaded contacts and springs. Lightly sand the contacts with wet or dry sandpaper. Clean all of the sticky grease from the moveable arm. Be sure you get down into the slots where the spring loaded contacts go. Once everything is clean lightly grease the arm and reassemble everything. After reinstalling the switch, place the vehicle in neutral and adjust the switch until it will start in neutral. Be careful to block the vehicle so it doesn't roll while in neutral. Once adjusted tighten the adjusting screw and everything should work correctly.

Chris

I'm having a similiar problem. 94 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4. 6 cyl auto. At the moment I've been told to check crank position sensor, which I have just located. But sometimes mine won't start in park but will start in neutral. Did not know that this also controlled back up lights. I've been having trouble with back lights for a couple of years, so could this be my problem instead of the CPS? I can be driving along and it just stops, sometimes it will start right back up and sometimes I have to wait a while. Help please I need it to work. :crying:

I don't think the neutral safety switch would cause the engine to die once it is running. If the NSS is bad the engine won't turn over when you turn the key to start. If the crank position sensor is bad the engine would turn over but not start. The NSS is easy enough to repair to at least give it a try.

The CPS could be the problem... I just replaced mine and it fixed the same problem described. Until the car is hot / running at regular temp. the computer overrides the CPS readings allowing it to start and drive relatively fine till warm / hot...It could also be the TPS or fuel relay...Good luck

i put the cps on mine and it still wont start i am not geting any fire now

for the jolting and weird shifting try you throtel position sensor. mine went and the truck was shifting under acceleration to jolting and so on. hope it helps