1997 Cherokee Limited, transmission or computer?

Hey yall, I'm new to the group! My name is Franki and im from Texas. After 10 long years, i finally got my first car back. 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 5.2L V8. Its my pride and joy, and the previous owner took pretty damn good care of her. However, considering it is a 22 year old tank, theres been a few issues. Im not sure if its the transmission at this point or a computer problem. It started with just driving, and the jeep would start to rev and buck randomly. Just here and there. and then it started to get worse, im revving, but im not accelerating, im going from 2000rpm to 5000rpm and back down until it finally slams back into gear, and then a few minutes later it does it again. Now it will also rev super high for no reason, when hitting the breaks. IAC has been replaced. all fluids are golden. but its making it difficult to drive. HEEELPPP

 

first I would check the fluid, level colour, might offer a clue.

What do you know about trans maintenance she has had?

The 5.2L were a bread apart, I will need to check trans model to add details.

The computer is not always the boogieman they are misunderstood.

I will ck back later.

 

Welcome @Lilgirlon34's any comments from previous owner about how long this issue been going on? Banging into gears doesn't bode well for the transmission.

 

Hello Franki, welcome from Oklahoma.
The issue could be the shift solenoid(s), they are generally pretty easy to replace.

 

back to your 1997 ZJ. good news is we have a nice computer on this SO I strongly suggest we start with a SCAN - trans issues may not show with key on off trick and the CEL may not illuminate, MOST auto part stores do scans for FREE as a customer service, get codes scanned and post ALL of them.
You do not know till you look, so scan.

Any chance you have a scanner with live data?