1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee: stuck in gear or won't shift

6 of the 987 complaints about the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee describe stuck in gear or won't shift.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 1%
recalls: 1

Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 12 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Stuck in gear or won't shift by model year

2025
6
2024
2
2023
10
2022
3
2021
8
2020
10
2019
2
2018
4
2017
16
2016
10
2015
36
2014
47
2013
2
2012
5
2011
5
2010
3
2009
2
2008
11
2007
16
2006
15
2005
34
2003
3
2002
3
2001
2
2000
6
1999
4
1998
4
1997
6
1996
5
1995
4
1994
3
1993
3

What owners say

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Suspension · AR

Paint on vehicle appears bubbly. Power windows stopped working-replaced motor rear end has noise like a roar-diagnosed with bad rear end transmission does not shift like it should-diagnosed as bad brakes growling-

Filed May 9, 2002 · Body, Brakes · NY

*ak consumer states transmission does not shift the way it should, there is a delay when going into gear and it makes a noise, rear seal, pan gasket, and cooler lines leaking, humming in engine at 59-62 MPH, the wiper blades failed, while using remote there is a grinding noise coming from door area, the right front rotor is worn, the deqler replaced the front brake pads, and headlights need to be adjusted.

Filed Sep 13, 2001 · Transmission · CA

Transmission gear does not shift properly and stalls intermittently. Vehicle has been taken to dealer for inspection/repairs. Feel free to provide any further information.

Filed Aug 10, 2001 · Transmission · PA

When cold, the car started in drive would not go into gear. If shifted into reverse and/or park again woud go into drive sometimes jumping into gear. It was noted twice in warrenty period but dealership could never"duplicate the complaint" and now refuses to fix when it sporatically occurs still!period.

Filed Sep 2, 1999 · Body, Engine · OH

When driving at any speed vehicle wouldn't shift properly from first to second gear, and was shifting very hard. Lock on the driver's side door isn't locking properly. Also, water pump was replaced/ driver's side window motor went out, and there was a leakage in the sun roof which caused water to leak into vehicle on driver's side.

Filed Oct 15, 1997 · Transmission · NC

Vehicle does not shift properly, almost resulted in a collision due to improper shifting.

Service bulletins that may apply

Oct 2, 2005 Service bulletinAutomatic transmission diagnostic teardown procedure
Jul 8, 2002 Service bulletinSubject regarding revision in diagnostic procedures and labor operation times for re transmissions
Mar 16, 2001 Service bulletinAutomatic transmission fluid usage ATF+4
Jun 18, 1999 Service bulletinThis bulletin explains the operation and application of the leak detection pump (LDP) monitor test
Apr 30, 1999 Service bulletinVehicles exhibiting buzz, whining, or moaning like noise from cold transmission when reverse gear is selected
Oct 26, 1998 Service bulletinA thumping or creaking noise may be heard coming from the transmission tunnel area on acceleration or...
Apr 21, 1998 Service bulletinSpecifications and service procedures used in the current service manuals are being revised to provide...
Dec 19, 1997 Service bulletinThis bulletin involves overdrive unavailable in extreme cold temperatures, bypass kit installation,...

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shiftReported February 15, 2002 · 1,620,000 vehicles affected

What is wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles, if a driver has not placed the shifter lever fully into the "park" position and leaves the vehicle running, the vehicle may unexpectedly move rearward after seeming to be stable.
Risk: Inadvertent movement of the vehicle could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a secondary detent system to the floor shifter assembly. Daimlerchrysler sent interim notices to owners concerning this problem on march 22, 2002. Owner notification began september 23, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 02V053000 · Recall details

Questions about the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee won't shift

Is stuck in gear or won't shift a common problem on the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

6 of 987 owner complaints about the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee (1%) mention stuck in gear or won't shift. The model year with the most reports is 2014.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

There is 1 recall and 12 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

All model years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee

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