Jeep Transmission problem

[Dennie]

I have a 1996 Jeep GC 4.0 2wd. Absolutely no transmission problems until driving down the road and it seems like it was put into neutral. The engine was running fine, but no forward gears. Reverse would work, but it would "whine". The jeep started and idled fine until later in the day when the battery went completely dead. I could hear a clicking coming from the glove box. Don't know if related or not.
Do I simply need a new transmission or could this be something else. Thanks!

[1BADGTO]

Somebody will probably try to sell you a new tranny but check the codes first......it might be a simple part.

[Dennie]

I'm a "lost ball in high cotton", what are codes? By the way, thanks for the speedy response.

[JDPascal]

Pull the dipstick and check the oil for color and smell

a clear red/brown color and a clean"oily" smell is normal. check a bottle of new ATF for reference.

If it is a dark dirty brown color and/or bitter/pungent smell, it likely needs some work.

Codes are set when electronic sensors and controls detect problems in the operating system. These codes are stored in the computer and read with another computer that the shop attaches to the vehicle. The codes refer to the failure of specific components or circuits and are a place to start the diagnosis.

JD