2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0 V - transmission ??

I have 2001 Jeep that has about 41,000 miles on it with an automatic transmission. Recently it has presented a problem that seems transmission related. When starting in the morning, occasionally, it takes a while before it will actually shift out of first gear (the rpms go up, but it doesnt change gears for about 1/2 a mile). But more recently, when driving around town, when I come to a complete stop, the engine seems to knock around a bit, physically moving the vehicle. When I go to take off, it has no get up and go power. Through troubleshooting, I found that it seems to be shift out of first gear and into second gear while stopped, or never making it to first gear, and when I take off, I am actually starting in second. I can manually start in first gear and everything is fine.
This problem does not occur every time I drive the Jeep, it happened about 2 weeks ago and then happened Sunday and this morning. When I took it to the shop, it didnt do it at all and the mechanic that tested it out for me said the problem did not occur for him. He has placed it on a diagnostic machine and ran codes on the Jeep and has not found a problem. So, does anyone have an suggestions on what steps to take now? I am not that mechanically inclined so I dont really know what to do now. It really seems as if some valve or something of that nature is "sticking"

Thanks for any input

Brad Did they scan the transmission computer for codes? I believe the transmission for your jeep is electronically controlled as far as shift points. It would seem that if there were an internal pressure or regulation problem it'd come up on a scan of the transmission computer.

The automatic transmissions they put in Jeeps are generally pretty tough and reliable... and you don't have many miles.

I assume the fluid level is ok, and the fluid isn't burnt or contaminated? They did scan it for codes and nothing came up. The levels of all the fuels are good, but as far contamination goes, I dont think it is contaminated, but I couldn't be certain. Since it didn't "act up" for them, I left it over night hoping that maybe if they start it cold in the morning, they will have more luck with it. Too often drivability problems are mistaken for transmission problems. I would definately have a drivability man look at it before condemning the transmission.


transman I just experienced a similar problem with my Jeep Grand Cherokee (51K miles). The vehicle seemed like it was taking off in second or third gear from a dead stop. I took it to my local Jeep/Chrysler dealership and they replaced a valve for the transmission. Parts and labor were approximately $800 with the valve costing around $600... The vehicle now shifts smooth and I can manually shift from first to second to drive without the transmission banging into the gears, as it has done since new. I am having EXACTLY the same problem with my 2001 Jeep at 42,000 miles. I've heard about people having the "transmission sensor chip" replaced, I have no idea what that is...any thoughts?
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