If the manual transmission in your Jeep Cherokee is not shifting properly, a few things can be checked to pinpoint and eliminate the problem. It is important to repair the Cherokee's shifting problems for road safety and transmission longevity.
If the clutch is worn or badly glazed in your Jeep Cherokee, shifting feels mushy and is slow. The only cure is to replace the clutch, which is a complicated procedure that should be handled by a mechanic unless you are experienced in auto repair.
If the fluid level in your Jeep Cherokee's transmission is low, a lot of heat is produced, which makes all the parts expand. This may cause you to experience difficult shifting or binding after the Jeep has been driven awhile. Transmission failure could result if fluid isn't added as soon as possible.
If the linkage from the shifter to the transmission is bent or loose, some or all the gears could be difficult or impossible to engage. The linkage is located under the vehicle on the driver's side. Consider having someone observe the linkage area while you shift the gears with the Jeep's engine off to determine whether the linkage is the problem. Bent or broken linkage twists or binds, especially where one linkage rod connects to another.
