1994 grand cherokee transmission

[jeepxj88]

I just purchased a 94 grand with transmission issues. It has the 42re with overdrive. The transmission works fine if shifted manually from first up through drive. Once up to freeway speed and put into drive the kick down works fine as well as the o/d on and off. When I come to a stop again I have to put into 1st again or the jeep will start out in the top gear. I suspect that this is more likely a electrical problem rather than internal tranny issues, But this is just a guess. If any one is familar with this system let me know. Thank you very much Nick.

[YtseJam454]

The RE means Rear wheel Drive E means electronically controlled as opposed to RH which would indicate hydraulic control. Fourth gear (overdrive) is electronically controlled and hydraulically activated. A variety of sensor inputs are supplied to the PCM, which operates valve body solenoids. The overdrive control switch is located in the instrument panel. In the On position, automatic shifts into fourth gear overdrive will occur. In the Off position, the switch overrides the electronic control module, preventing a shift into fourth gear. So what if you turn off the overdrive manually will it exhibit the same condition?

[jeepxj88]

Yes no matter if the o/d is on or off the truck starts off in fourth gear when placed into drive.

[xj31]

first thing i would do is check all the fuses.the re trans actually has an electronic governor as opposed to the hydraulic governor on a rh.Th rest of the trans is pretty much the same.Anyways,your jeep has a seperate trans controller or tcm.You can get codes out of it if you have a scanner.The diagnostic connector for the tcm is inside the jeep under/behind the ashtray.Most of the problems I have seen have been simple like a blown fuse,so check those first.I have seen a few controllers fail also,but it could also be a problem in the trans.
also are you sure its a 42re?That would be with a 4.0 liter.A 5.2 has a 46rh and those had problems with governors sticking.That causes the exact problem you describe

[jeepxj88]

Ya she's a 4.0 I love that engine and would not go any other way. I have a bit of knowlage on the xj and the aw4 but this zj and 42re are brand new to me . I appreciate your suggestions. Are the fuses you mentioned in the normal fuse box or els where ? I was also wondering if you know where the harness is connected to the tranny ? I imagine it would not hurt to check the plug and condition of the wires. Once again thanks for the help.

[xj31]

I don't have all the fuses memorized but I believe there is one in the pdc under the hood that is for the trans.

[jeepxj88]

Well so far no luck all the fuses are good. I checked and double checked with my multi meter in continity mode. I cheched under the hood and inside as well.