2006 DOWN SHIFTING

Hi guys. I bought an '06 Cherokee this summer, and initially couldn't figure out how to down shift it. Dealer said maybe it's not manually possible, to tap shift lever to the left, to do so? Didn't believe that one, but was kind of stuck. Then it suddenly started working, when i tapped shift lever to the left. I figured something may have been stuck/corroded/loose ground/etc, but was happy it was now working, as i live up in the hills, and really need that function. Today, unfortunately, it started to malfunction again My question then: What do i look for, that would cause this? Specific solenoid? Specific electrical connection? Specific shift switch? Any help would be appreciated........snow will soon be here
PS: No Quadtrac option.

 

Welcome to the forum...we will help if we can.

 

I would think the ESM (Electronic Shift Module) would be a likely culprit.

 

Instructional video time!

 

I appreciate the reply C2T, but unfortunately, the only internet i have, is Hughesnet satellite, and Youtube vids are not an option. I will attempt to get the instructions in text form, now that you have provided me with a good starting point. My Jeep repair manual has very little info on the tranny. I will post back, if, or when, i can come up with some results. Thanks again C2T

 

Jeeps answer to a shift module issue is replacement. That can be an expensive option...especially as just a test to see if it is the actual issues. (though is seems right)

The video is just a mechanic's hack on how to attempt to fix it yourself. If you have a laptop or a smart phone, maybe stop and have a Starbucks or a McDonalds coffee or some such WiFi enabled location where you can check out the video...its just a simple how-to. Hell, may not even be the issues but there is a good chance due to your description of the problem.

Again, good luck.

 

I gave the vid a shot C2T. It sucked my bandwidth, and took forever, but i decided it was worth it. I also decided to take it out myself, as vid was pretty straight forward. I kind of hoped maybe it was a loose or corroded connector, but no such luck. Re-installed it, and took it for a ride, and it still won't down shift tapping lever to the left. Priced part, and i'm looking at somewhere between $335-$400. I'm gong to dealer i bought it from Monday, to see if i can at least get him to split the cost of part. Oh, and i put my OBD scanner on it, and it showed "no codes"?, but it also doesn't show a code for the ESM in my Haynes manual anyway?

 

I assume it downshifts for normal "automatic" driving right? I am sure you would like to be sure this is really the issue before putting out so much $$. Wish I had better ideas on this....

 

I'm not really positive that it downshifts in normal auto driving, but i can tell by the tach, that it does up shift. Also pretty obvious to me, that if it didn't auto up shift normally, it would lack balls on take-off, or whine/strain like hell attempting to hit 65-70 mph, because it's stuck in 1st, or drive. I also wouldn't bet the farm on the belief, that the module IS the prob for sure. Will probably have to have it diagnosed with something more hi-tech than my OBD........oscilloscope /etc. That in itself will probably cost a buck or two. I'll let you know what i'm told by the dealer.

 

Why I ask is... if it is not downshifting properly then that is a different symptom than the bump shift. Then I would be looking at other than the shift module. I know there are some replaceable solenoids which can cause shifting issues but I lack any usable knowledge on them. I don't do transmissions... lol

 

I'll take it out on the highway tomorrow, and see if i can determine if it is downshifting normally, although i THINK it is. Never paid attention to any vehicle i owned downshifting, so i'm not sure if it will be noticeable on the tach? I know i can't FEEL the downshifting. If it is an internal solenoid, than doing it myself is not an option

 

Well, i took it for a test drive C2T, and it up/down shifts fine in normal auto. The next step is the dealer Monday. Stay tuned

 

I think that brings us back to the shift module. Hope the dealer gets it done for you. Good luck!!

 

Just a heads up C2T. Stopped at dealers today, and they made an appointment for Wednesday afternoon.

 

Cool....hope it goes well and is cheap to fix!!

 

Well, if it's the ESM, i know what it would cost me, and i'm sure it would cost them considerably less. Especially if they could get a hold of a known good used one, and i replaced it myself, it would reduce the cost all around. Will see Wednesday i guess

 

Took Jeep in this afternoon, and mechanic allegedly tested ESM, (us Peons aren't allowed into the mechanics "inner sanctum", so i have to take his word ), and relayed info to receptionist, that ESM was bad, who then said to me, "part will be ordered, and i would be called when it came in". What wasn't mentioned/discussed, was price, or WHO pays. When i'm called, and it's done, and she hands me a bill, then i'll go toe-to-toe with dealer.

 

Well....I hear there was a recall on that unit at one point...maybe that will be what is happening. Lets hope

 

I did a lot of searching, and didn't come up with any recall, for that part?

 

The dealer would know. I saw some posts on what looked to be a shifting issue for a small number of 2006 models. This was info in other forums and may very well be totally incorrect. As well, I did not know if it was a formal national recall or small enough to be just a Jeep dealer thing.

Any update on your progress?