check engine light on and transmission seems weird

Hey all.

I have 1998 jeep cherokee. AT. 250K miles. It's mostly highway miles. I've noticed that the check engine light is on.. Also i noticed that sometimes, the rpm goes way up while accelerating before it shifts into another gear. and also in local driving what seems to be 1st to 2nd gear shift is bit rougher than it was before.

what do you think is the problem? If it's transmission problem, how much is it going to fix it?

Should I take into the dealer and see what the source of the problem is? What is the price for checking?

Are there any other mechanics shops that will be able to diagnose the problem? What should I look for?


Thanks for any info.

First thing I would do is go by one of the big auto parts chains and ask them to run the computer on it to find out why the check engine light is coming on. Most places like that will do this for free. After you find out track that problem down and have it fixed.

As for the transmission, I wouldn't bet on there being a problem or not, but I can tell you my f150 was doing the same thing and I had to get a rebuild that costed me $1500, but transmissions are strange and can be kinda odd and everything I have heard about the XJ trannys tells me that they are even a bit on the odder side. I would go to some local reputable mechanic shops and ask who the better/honest transmission places are and thats who I would take it to because you need someone that specializes in trannys. Plus dealerships usually charge way to much.

I am no pro, just going on some past experience and a lot of reading.

It could be that the trans could use a good flush and filter change. Also with that many miles the bands may need adjustment. The Jeep trans is based on older torqueflite designs. They are really pretty stout. Try the easy stuff first, that is after you find out why the check engine light is on.

Yeah, a flush and new filter, gasket, etc would be a good start.

Actually the problems went away on their own. I don't see the check engine light anymore. and the transmission seems ok.

Also. this did happen a couple of times before. Check engine light came on a few times and when I didnt do anything,. it went away on its own.

Transmission thing happens once before and it went away on its own then. and I don;t notice it now...

so.. what does that say about the problem the car has?

I would think that its a good sign that it goes away on its own, however next time that check engine light comes on make sure you take it to get it checked out. Could be something going bad or maybe even something that is clogged like an egr valve, etc. I would probably go ahead and get the transmission serviced to keep any problems from happening in the future. I hate to compair this to my F150, but my F150 ce light comes on and goes off. It is getting insufficient egr flow and I need to clean out some carbon from behind the throttle body. Just to give you an example from what I am talking about.

ok. the problems are back. it's been good and felt ormal for about 3 days. then today when i started the car, the light was back and the problem with transmission was back also...

maybe these two are related?

also asked how much it will be to diagnoise at the dealers and they said it will be 90$ and transmission flush will be $190.

Do these prices compared to other shops? and what options do I have in term of mechanics shop? (what type of shops do i look for?)