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Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (2000) P0725, P0320, P0700 and P0731-P0734: Transmission Jerking, Front Wheels Not Engaging, ABS Sensor Issue

Model: Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Fault Code: P0320 Posted: 2010-05-23 08:45

I recently purchased a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with a 4.7L V6 engine and an automatic transfer case. During the first week of ownership, I began receiving several check engine light codes: P0320 (Ignition Distributor Speed Input Circuit Malfunction), P0715 (Input Turbine Speed Sensor Malfunction), P0725 (Engine Speed Input Circuit Malfunction), and P0731 through P0734 (Gears 1–4 have incorrect gear ratios). My wife drove the vehicle one day, and during acceleration, it began jerking—specifically when downshifting. I took it to a shop where they removed and cleaned the transmission pan, finding metal flakes inside. As a result, I had a used transmission (with 40k miles) installed. For several days after installation, the vehicle drove smoothly. However, on my first day back with the truck, I noticed an O2 sensor that hadn't been present before—upon inspection, it was disconnected and reconnected. After this fix, all engine-related codes cleared and have not returned since. On the second day, while pulling out in the rain, the rear passenger tire lost traction and spun continuously. Notably, there was no sound or power transfer to the other wheels, which seemed unusual. I took it to a Cross Jeep dealer for a new key and they diagnosed the ABS light as being caused by a front right wheel speed sensor—this part I had previously purchased. While installing the wheel speed sensor tonight, I noticed that in park with the nuts loose, both front wheels spun freely. This seemed abnormal, so I backed into a small ditch, forcing the passenger rear wheel to spin—the other wheels did not move at all. When I lifted the vehicle 3 inches off the ground, started it, and put it into gear, neither front wheel spun. With the engine off, both front wheels spin freely when manually turned by hand. Additionally, I can turn the front driveshaft by hand with no resistance. After realizing that the front wheels were not engaging during operation—similar to what happened before transmission replacement—I drove to work and experienced the same jerking under acceleration due to downshifting. After turning the ignition off and on three times, a new code appeared: P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction). I am seeking help in understanding: - How the front wheels engage with the drivetrain in this vehicle, - What sensors are located inside the transfer case and transmission, - Whether the current symptoms point to a faulty transfer case, transmission control module, or sensor issues, - And whether the original transmission replacement was necessary given these recurring problems. Any insights on common causes of P0725, P0320, and P0700 in 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited models would be greatly appreciated.

Related fault codes
P0320P0700P0725P0731P0733P0734
Comments (3)
Anonymous 2010-05-23 11:04

Firstly, the vehicle is a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with a 4.7L V6 engine and an automatic transfer case—this is critical information for diagnosing transmission and drivetrain behavior. The codes you're seeing (P0320, P0725, P0700) are not directly related to the transfer case but may indicate issues with engine sensors or transmission control systems. A P0320 code often points to a faulty crankshaft position sensor or distributor circuit—common in older 4.7L engines. The P0725 and P0731–P0734 codes suggest transmission gear ratio problems, which may stem from internal wear or improper installation of the used transmission. Your observation that front wheels do not engage when driving—especially with no resistance on the driveshaft—is highly concerning and suggests a potential transfer case failure or driveline disconnection. The P0700 code indicates a broader transmission control system malfunction, possibly due to sensor input errors or communication faults between modules. I recommend checking for any additional sensors in the transfer case (such as wheel speed sensors) and verifying that all connections are secure. A full diagnostic scan with live data should be performed to confirm whether the transmission is properly engaging gears and if the front axle is receiving power. For this model, ensure you verify the transfer case type (automatic vs. manual), as it directly affects drivetrain operation.

Anonymous 2010-05-23 12:10

This vehicle is a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with a 4.7L V6 engine and an automatic transfer case, which is common for this model year and trim level.

Anonymous 2010-05-24 15:18

The 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited has an automatic transfer case (also known as the 'Auto-4' or 'T-case'), which allows for four-wheel drive operation with seamless engagement. This type of transfer case includes internal sensors and gear sets that control power distribution between front and rear axles. The front axle engages only when the vehicle is in 4WD mode, and power flow to the front wheels depends on proper sensor input from wheel speed sensors and transmission feedback signals. If the front wheels spin freely with no resistance or fail to engage during driving, it may indicate a failure in the transfer case's internal clutch assembly, faulty wiring, or miscommunication between the T-case and transmission control module. This could also explain why the vehicle jerks under acceleration—indicating that gear engagement is not occurring properly.