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[Jonnycab]

Hi all, this is my first post & only owned a '99 Jeep WJ 4.0 Limited for the last couple of months. It's also the first 4x4 I've ever owned, so please be gentle, as I might sound a little wet behind the ears as regards to Jeeps  

The 1st problem is that from start-up, the Jeep stays in 1st gear way too long before it shifts into 2nd. After this initial hiccup it is fine shifting into 2nd. But if I switch the engine off & then restart, it will do the same again. It doesn't matter if the engine is stone cold or up to temp....it's the same.

Doesn't sound like a shift servo problem as it only does it after start-up when cold or hot....& doesn't sound like a filter problem as it goes into 1st fine from cold. The oil level is spot on & a nice pinky/red colour.

The 2nd problem is that the alarm doesn't seem to be arming. The red LED on top of the passenger side dash is permantely illuminated....even when driving. I've had to cover it with black gaffa tape to stop it dazzling me at night  

Could it simply be a door/bonnet switch problem or possibly the drivers door lock cylinder at fault ? Or is it something that is going to involve an auto-electrician or main dealer.......Indicators flash once on lock & twice on unlock with remote & drivers door will lock & unlock with the key.

Thanks in advance for any help....Jon  



Went camping in Norfolk last week in it (400 mile round trip in all) , & it drove lovely....such a comfy ride  

[Lornaben]

Go for a basic reset first. Make sure you have you radio code handy 
Disconnect the battery for 10 mins then reconnect it.
If that doesn't help then you may need a dealer to scan the system. I recall a few folks needing software updates from the dealers to cure similar issues.

If I'm talkin cobblers, those that know better will be along soon to offer other alternatives 

[Panic mechanic!]

you have already checked the fluids right?

[gazjeep]

Had the led light on permenently when I left the key in the ignition & then disconnected the battery, when wereconnected the battery the bloody light wouldn't go out.

Put key in ignition, disconnected battery, removed key, re-connected battery, light back to flashing when armed / off when driving 

Definately check the all fluid levels, autobox, transfer case etc

[Dave69]

As Panic says if its taking too long to change gear check the level of fluid in the gearbox. If low then it does take longer to change.

Engine at normal temperature and gearbox warm. Level ground gearbox in neutral then check the dipstick to see how much oil you have

Sent from my LG-P970

[Jonnycab]

Thanks for the replies & tips guys  

I've already tried the battery off for 20 minutes to reset the PCM back to factory settings, but it didn't work  

Regards autobox fluid level....That was the first thing I checked (up to temp, on level ground, in neutral) & if anything, it was a little high. Had to syringe half a litre out to get it to the right level, but it didn't make any difference.
It only holds 1st gear too long after you first start it (hot or cold) & after that, it is fine.

One thought had occurred to me.....that maybe the transmission may have had a partial oil, filter & gasket change at some point. The service history is a little vague in what jobs have actually been carried out over the years & the trans fluid looks a little too clean for a vehicle with 87K miles on the clock. Could it be possible that it's been filled with Dexron III rather than the recommended ATF+4 (not so widely available in the UK).
I've read that ATF+4 is the recommended fluid for this box as it's fully synthetic & has a friction modifier. Dexron III is part synthetic & doesn't have a friction modifier.

I'm not convinced that it is a fluid problem though, because as I said before, it only does it the once when first pulling away after starting from hot or cold...after that it's fine. It's as though it's programmed to do this at every start up whether hot or cold. I'm starting to wonder if Lornaben may have a point in that there is a dealer software update for my Jeep  

Thanks again for all the assistance folks,  best regards,  Jon