Jeep trans issues 2004 auto.

Seems like the trans is holding first gear until 3100rpm @30mph and then skipping second gear.

Could this be the governor pressure sensor and/or the governor pressure solenoid?

If so where should I buy the governor sensor/solenoid?


The trans does not seems to be slipping.


Vehicle info 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0 liter straight six, auto trans, 4x4. 160k miles

Cycled the key for the codes and there are none. Runs okay otherwise.

If you get third then overdrive - before doing anything check the cable that runs from the throttle body to trans - make sure it moves freely all the way back and forth.
Then check at the trans - there should be a spring from the top lever to the bell or bracket to return it forward.

If this spring is broke or missing or the cable does not return forward it will give you high throttle pressure and shift late. It shouldn't skip second though but stranger things have happened.

I should have mentioned I checked the kickdown cable. I pulled the end off the throttle body and pulled it, seems to feel normal.




Basically trying to figure out if any of these sensors could keep it from shifting into second and not set any codes? A rebuilt transmission installed is more then the jeep is worth.

This trans is basically a newer 904 with overdrive, right?

Thanks for the reply.

If a shift valve is stuck you could get this complaint.

Let it get in to 3rd gear then pull the shifter down to 2nd - what happens. If it runs away or feels like it goes in to neutral the front band could be out - try that and post your results.
Yes, it's a light duty three speed with the overdrive on it.

I've seen this before. 2nd is just the front band apply. The trans doesn't know it's not working so you only have 1st until it's time for it to shift into 3rd.

problem with the second gear band or band apply. May be a simple band adjustment.

Generally if it's that far out of adjustment it's already smoked.

Not always; at the loose end of the adjustment, the band strut will sometimes pop out.

While I realize that is a possibility I've never seen it in the 20 years I was doing transmissions at the dealer. I've seen a broken strut once, a few sevo problems but generally once it's that far gone an adjustment is only a band aid.

I saw this a few times at the dealer. I also saw some second gear band struts break but I cant remember if the ones I saw broke were rear drive or front drive as I have seen this on the front drive also. Ron

Thanks for all the good info.




This was spot on. Locked out the overdrive and downshifted to second and the rpms went up(slipping or freewheeling).

Dropped the pan, and definitely something going on with the front band. I can move the lever downward by the servo a large amount(1.25 inches) then it meets resistance and seems to engage the band. Does a strut issue seem likely or a broken band?



I did not find band strut loose in the pan. Any chance this is sitting on top of the valvebody?

The band has to be grounded at both ends. One end has the strut attached to it then the strut runs to the operating lever. The other end of the band is attached to the case with a lug which the adjustment stud touches. If you see both the lug and strut tighten up the adjustment and see if the operating lever then clamps the band. If not the band is broken or the spot welds failed at either end.

Yes the strut or lug can land on the valve body.

Try adjusting it, you might get lucky.

1.25" is about 3 times the gap there should be. Doesn't sound good.

I have seen a video of a guy changing out the front band in the vehicle, only removing the valve body for access..

Check out u tube.

Some places used to sell what they called "slip in bands" for certain tranny's. It was so you could replace the band without taking the valve body out or loose. I remember years ago I put one in an auto trans but I forgot what brand car it was. What you did was cut the old band while in the trans with sheet metal cutters so you could slip it out. Then the slip in band comes with the one end removable so you could slide it in and around the drum. Then you put the removable end and the band strut back on and adjusted it. I only did one about 33 years ago as I don't even know if they still sell them type of bands. Ron

Band is broken.

I put a few of them in Ford C6's many years ago. I've never found them sold for anything else though.

Another Picture.

Thanks for all the help/suggestions.

I found the broken piece of the band sitting on top of the valve body. The small anchor lug or wedge I have not located yet. Maybe it is sitting on top of the band? Slight chance it is in the drain pan and I missed it coming out.(I will double check that.)


I am looking for a slip in front band so I can change it without pulling the trans out. Found this one for the 727.

Anyone know where I can find a slip in front band for this trans? Should be the same band as the 904, correct?

https://transmissioncenter.net/shop/slip...e-transmission/