How To: Replace a vacuum modulator on an A4LD through the access panel (center hump).

'94explorer sport, 2wd, auto xmission
edit: changed the .png to .jpg and another server, as suggested.
center console (2 phillips screws in large compartment
behind exposed rectange);
long rectangle step panel (2 phillips, 2 clips underneath):




right panel, removed:


1 phillips screw to loose panel underneath:


4 seatbolts, 1/2'':




plastic torx t50 cover to seat rail; push back part
through opening, while turning, to remove:




black spacer comes loose:


seat, removed:


interior without passenger seat:


carpet pulled up, with console to hold it; silver
panel with 4 bolts 8mm:




lightly tapped backside of panel, from underneath, to
loosen:



panel, removed:


8mm nut for heat shield. when loose, shield can be
moved, from underneath, for more room:


10mm nut for clamp. fluid will drain from the hose:


module removed with hose (the green o-ring is thinner
than the new one, probably from pressure); twist module to
remove (i used long file to push module away, while i
turned it, because it was slippery and wouldn't move
out; before i took module out, i attached a magnet to
the side to hold the pin; keep bottom upright when
out, so pin doesn't drop); the bolt shown here is
accidentally backwards:




new module, with old pin (they said to put vaseline
on pin to hold it in while installing); clean debris
from port before inserting module; replaced small
hose; coat o-ring with new transmission fluid;
as before, twist module to install. you'll have a
little of the end sticking out. install small hose to
vacuum end (not module, yet):




bolt on clamp. i did as one person suggested and ran
the engine for 60seconds with the hose off the
module, to get the fluid out, then
re-attached hose. bolt on heat
shield (loosely, so you can get underneath and
attach; couldn't really figure out the left clip, but
the right clips to the transmission pan). tighten
shield the rest of the way:


reverse steps to install everything (silver panel,
carpet, center console, seat, plastic panels). had to
use left hand for most everything (i'm right handed).
used floor cover to sit on the metal. opening is
sharp, so it scrapes your arm alot. [re-attach vacuum hose.]

Thanks COGS
I replaced the Module exactly as you did. I should have taken pictures.
However, I would suggest putting Console back first before the seats. as the slides on the seats require two nuts to be removed and are hard to get back on with the console in place.
This is neat to get information like this. Thanks again EXP Man8

you cant just remove the cross member and let the tranny down enough to get to it?

I've renamed your thread, and made it a sticky in the transmission section. Many people have been asking for a thread like this for years. A link to this thread is in # 56 in my list of useful threads.

No that didn't look practical to me as to where the tight spot in which the modulator was located and after accomplishing the task in the way I did it I would not concider doing it another way. It was simpler this way.

EXP Man8 said:

No that didn't look practical to me as to where the tight spot in which the modulator was located and after accomplishing the task in the way I did it I would not concider doing it another way. It was simpler this way.

Click to expand...

I'm about to change mine out that's why I asked.was the one you put in adjustable?good write up by the way

exp man8's was adjustable, but as you see in my pics, i got the non- adjustable one from o'reilly's. yes, i did put the console in before the seats, cause it has 2 long screws that i have to line up with the holes (putting the screws all the way down, and aligning them with the holes first).

cogs said:

exp man8's was adjustable, but as you see in my pics, i got the non- adjustable one from o'reilly's. yes, i did put the console in before the seats, cause it has 2 long screws that i have to line up with the holes (putting the screws all the way down, and aligning them with the holes first).

Click to expand...

Couldn't really tell from the pic.ill have to send him a pm and see how he adjusted it?

will Replace a vacuum modulator on an A4LD make my o/d work ?

You might have a problem with the overdrive band, servo or the valve body. The PCM controls overdrive, so it might be a sensor such as the TPS, MAF, or the VSS. Check for stored trouble codes.

2000 Vacuum Modulator

Does this change work for a 2000 2 door Explorer?

Welcome to this forum! Your transmission is a 5R55E, and it doesn't use a vacuum modulator.

Finally took the time to join and read through most of posts on this issue, but can you tell me if the center access panel procedure would work on a 92 Eddie Bauer with 4WD?

Thanks in advance.

Welcome to this forum! It should work since it has an access panel.

Thanks for the quick response, I'll make sure to take some photos in case I notice any differences.

1994 explorer vacuum modulator

I will be replacing the vacuum modulator real soon and I found your posting to be very very helpful and a real blessing. Thank you so much.

I replaced mine from under the truck. I just removed the heat shield and did it that way. Why do all of this work?

1994 explorer vacuum modulator

thegr8fisherman said:

I will be replacing the vacuum modulator real soon and I found your posting to be very very helpful and a real blessing. Thank you so much.

Click to expand...

Well I replaced the vacuum modulator and the hose through the access panel, When I went for a test drive the transmission still hesitates to shift from first to second, any suggestions? Thanks

Check the intermediate band. It might need to be adjusted. The governor could be going bad or the modulator might need to be adjusted.

A friend of mine had the modulator replaced on her 91 4wd 4.0 a4ld Ranger. Since then it overspeeds on the 2-3 shift...about 400rpm...could they have forgotten to put the pin back in? Other shifts are ok.