Transmission is stuck in second gear...limp mode

Yes, that is the whole idea of Limp Mode. It limits you to first and second gear so you can limp slowly to the nearest garage without causing catastrophic damage to the engine. What you need to do is connect a good quality DTC code reader scan tool and see the real reason that Limp Mode has been engaged.

https://www.google.com/search?q=1999+jeep+cherokee+limp+mode+causes

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Have the codes read first. It is stuck in limp mode,second gear. Engine and transmission problems can cause this.

Hmm, are you sure its not second.This transmission does not have shift valves so the only way to have third is for the computer to command it.The default ratio is second (limp mode-no power to solenoids.This is common symptom with this transmission, any failure big or small will put transmission into limp mode.You could have a bad speed sensor( your trans has 3)or solenoid or something more major on the inside of transmission.You will need to have codes pulled in order to know which direction to go.If you will get me the codes and the CVI values i will tell you what is wrong.

That's called "Limp in Mode" Something in the transmission has failed. You may have lost 3rd gear, or reverse, or some other problem. The TCU (transmission control unit) has detected a fault, and has put the tranny in to 2nd gear. That way you can still drive it to the local dealer so they can repair it. Limp in mode keep you going so you don't have to have it towed. However, since it is only second gear, you won't want to drive very fast, probably no more than 30pmh, and you will want to get it checked out as soon as you can. Could be something as simple as a sensor failing or coming unplugged, or an internal failure with one of the bands, servoce, solenoids, or bands or clutch packs.

When you start it up and drive it the next time, pay close attention to how it shifts. Does it instantly put you into limp mode (First gear failure) or when it tries to shift into 3rd, and then put s you back into seond for limp more. this information will be important in getting an estimate. I appologize for any typpos here, as this form is not letting me see what I am typing.

The town and country vans are know for transmission problems and it would not be stuck in 2nd gear if it was in limp mode. Limp mode typically controls the engine. I have seen people do a transmission flush/filter and add lucas to temporary fix the problem. There is also a good chance that the transmission has a solenoid problem preventing it from shifting into any other gears but second. Hope this helps!

The transmissions available in your caravan are problematic for having a bad solenoid pack. Once the transmission is set in the LIMP IN mode, then you need to take it to a dealer to get the code reset from the transmission and to get it diagnosed properly. I'm sure there will be a code such as, "trans solenoid stuck in LR" which means " low range" if the transmission went into limp in mode, then that simply means it defaulted to second gear only. Which is telling you to have it looked at asap. I'm sure if you repalce the transmission solenoid pack and gasket and perform the re-learn procedure, then your problem will go away. good luck!

sounds like to prndl switch may be malfunctioning.
gear selector switch, which tells the transmission which gear it is in.

possibly one of your electronic solenoids in the trans has died

MCARTER859: check the connections where the transmission harness and engine room harness come together. Unplug them and reconnect them I have run into more than one case with the same symptoms as yours which ended up being nothing more than poor connections.
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