If it is taking too long to go into gear the first thing to check is always the fluid level
your transmission is about to go, usually reverse goes first
I just read another persons witing on another site about this. He was having the same problem I am with his Pathfinder. We all wont go in reverse. His turned out to be the solenoids.
I'm having the exact same problem with my 96 Explorer.
Transmission problem. Take it to a professional.
Get it diagnosed and repaired.
The seal lips, in the transmission have been ripped - if the oil coming from there - seals would have to be replaced.
i haven't had problems with my 98 reverse, but my other gears have acted up. i believe that it might be the syncronizer. i sometimes cant get in 2nd or 4th gear. i have to shift it back and forth to work it in. SO, i might be having the same problem. a mechanic told me to either change the transmission fluid or to go ahead and get the syncronizer checked out. i haven't had problems with my 98 reverse, but my other gears have acted up. i believe that it might be the syncronizer. i sometimes cant get in 2nd or 4th gear. i have to shift it back and forth to work it in. SO, i might be having the same problem. a mechanic told me to either change the transmission fluid or to go ahead and get the syncronizer checked out.
the reverse idler gear runs off of first gear, on manual trannys, will not be discussed here. if only gets stuck in reverse then trans has internal problem, i do not rec. any one without tranny teardown exp. to attempt fixing problem. rec. having it diagnosed by a trained pro.if it is a automatic trans then could possibly be problem in valve body rec. having trained pro. diagnose as well. on automatics make shure to check shift linkage adjustment prior to taking it to shop.
On the side of the transmission. It is called a solenoid pack. To change a shift solenoid you must replace that. Having been in the transmission business for a long time you probably have more wrong than that with that particular transmission.
If your Cherokee isn't functioning right in reverse then you may have a bad transmission. You should contact a professional about having it rebuilt.
By having the problem repaired. Take it to a professional, as you have a transmission problem.
If the trans is full of ATF and the linkage is connected, the trans is blown.