noob to the forum here ... hey everyone btw  

For no apparent reason, all of a sudden, the shift points on my '88 AMC XJ Pioneer, 4.0L, AW4 decided that they wanted to be much higher than they used to be.

I have been trying to research "AW4 shifting issues" and find various problems posted everywhere on the interweb but very few solutions.

One thing that I did stumble across was doing a TCM "manual test" in which you pull the TRANS fuse (presumably disconnecting power to the TCM) and then shifting manually in 1-2 to 3 and the tranny is supposed to go from 1st to 3rd.  If the shift lever is in 3 with the TRANS fuse removed, it's not supposed to shift at all automatically ... is that right???

Interestingly, while attempting this test, I have noticed that the trans acts absolutely no different in any shifter position with or without the TRANS fuse (yes, a good one BTW) in or out ... what the heck is the TRANS fuse supposed to do anyway???

Dunno if it matters or not, but I did notice that the light on the POWER/COMFORT dash switch quit working at the same time the shift points decided to skyrocket ... not that the light or the switch means a hill of beans to me, but I just found it peculiar ... coincidence?

The Hayne's manual for this model/year is all but useless in general, and gives absolutely nothing in tranny help ... no TCM wiring diagrams, nada ... anybody know of a real shop manual available (either book or CD) for these AMC vintage Jeeps?

Also, haven't been able to locate any kind of scanner or any other device that plugs into the pre-OBD I (or whatever it is) port(s) on this critter either ... anybody got any diagnostic device suggestions?  Or is it just a matter of an adapter cable???  I know no local auto-parts stores have them ... or know where to get anything  

K, that's prolly enough questions for this round ... LOL.

TIA.
Longman  

Just as a follow-up FWIW ... the TPS that seems to be a notoriously dastardly culprit took care of the high shift points and tranny shifting is back to normal.

Also, I located an CD version of a Shop Manual here:

http://www.manualsunlimited.com/product_info.php?products_id=8637

Dunno if it's any good or not yet.

Still unable to locate a DRB-II (or compatible) with appropriate adapter(s)/cartridge(s) ... yada yada.

Longman