So, to celebrate passing the dreaded CA smog test, I treated my 1998 XK8 to a new burl walnut gear shift knob with a Green Growler emblem from Saul Chaplin of British Autowood.

After a no-problem install, I decided to test the left side of the J gate which I have never before used. The first option is 2nd gear (so I'm guessing it's really in 1st gear and changes into 2nd by itself) anyway, I watch the revs and when it's close to 3000 RPM, I take my foot off the accelerator and change into 3rd. The revs drop, it clicks into 3rd - nice! The revs climb to 3000, I take my foot off the accelerator, pull the Green Growler into 4th but no go. I try accelerating again, take my foot off, pull into 4th again, again it just won't click into 4th, so, I shift over to the right side of the J gate and into D, the revs drop and all is well again. Any ideas?

 

There is a switch on the shifter module that tells the trans which gear is selected. You can access it by removing the gearshift surround. Check and see it it is closing with an ohmmeter or test light. It could be a cable adjustment also. Good luck with it.