My 1997 Jeep Cherokee want shift outta reverse

post 2 times, why?
why not say, this,
my shift lever shows.
PRNDL (this is called and automatic)
drive is dead, low is dead, Reverse works. only.
in drive its reverse,
in low its reverse.
this can be a simple bad ,dead shift cable.
all it takes is looking at end of cable to find this truth, 2 persons, 1 shifts, other LOOKS. bingo.
or not. if not the cable the box is toast.

or
this is called a manual transmission. a stick.
gear 1,2,3,4,5,fails, but R, reverse is all i get out of my manual trans, (rare is hens teeth but fixed many like it) bad shift rails, or detents.

so you are saying, A/T transmission problems.
do elaborate, its a complex system there.
does reverse work ok.
did you check fuses first.
then check AFT fluid levels using oper guide method not guessing?
scan it yet, using any cheap scan tool (you or any shop)
if you see p07xx errors (DTC) those are real, post em.
last is a full flush and filter. inside,

the transmisson may be electronically shifted, like the AW4 is,
you never stated what trans is there, and that does matter.
if inputs to the TCM are wrong it will not shift at all.

You might still need to take in for service.

could be a few things. first off check the fuses next the bulbs. next is the reverse switch on the ****** or shift console

Neutral Safety switch out of adjustment or defective, located on shift linkage LEFT side of transmission.

shift select switch-faulty or out of adjustment.

Check your rear emergency brakes. A brake shoe pin could have broke and the shoe locks up in 1 direction. but not the other. The other problem you mentioned could happen, but if it is in reverse the trans shifted.

HI, It may seem obvious, but sometimes overlooked.... have you checked the oil level, as low oil can cause some strange things to happen! My 96 4 liter would be reluctant to move sometimes, but after I topped it up, it has been fine.

Check fluid in transfer case, make sure it's full and clean. Lube all external linkage and make sure it's adjusted correctly. Chances are there's a bit of wear in t-case components. When this happens sometimes rolling shifts are easier on unit.

Do you have back up lights in reverse? If not you probably have a bad NSS. Go here for inspection/cleaning and you should be good to go.

http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoNSSrebuild.htm
http://autorepair.about.com/library/a/1i/bl713i.htm