1992 explorer trans problems

[92xplorer2wd]

i have a 1992 ford explorer a4ld 2wd with 192,000 miles on it. recently it started blowing trans fluid out the exhaust, so i changed the modulator valve and it fixed the problem but shortly after it started hesitating before going into gear(forward or reverse) fluid level is ok.changed fluid and filter no change. the main problem is if the shifter is in the overdrive position and i go to take off it just slips wont move but if i put it in 3rd works just fine any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Vanquish502]

700R4 swap.

 

[Glacier991]

I am confused, there is no 3rd position on the shifter. Do you mean D (without the circle)? Or what ? explain ? The shifter is Overdrive, Drive, 2 and 1.

 

[TheFox88]

This is why i like mauals. Sorry i can't help with anything having to do with autos.

 

[monkeydude3]

amen to that. 1994 XL 4X2 5 speed. ;-)

It does sound like your trans is on the way out. I'd do a search for that topic, there are piles of trans threads with problems like you describe.

 

[92xplorer2wd]

yes i mean D. But what would the shifter position have to do with whether the vehicle will take off or not. when in 1, 2, or d you can accelerate fine but if you put it in overdrive it wont move (will engage) and you can idle around but if you step on the gas it just slips. if i need a rebuild then i'll have it done but i dont want to pay $1000 bucks for a 50 dollar part. i have heard about a shift lever position sensor could this be the problem. also what years trans will fit and from what vehicles

 

[92xplorer2wd]

ok does any body have any suggestions on this i will be taking it to the tranny shop on wednesday if not

 

[Glacier991]

The position of the shifter will utilize different parts depending on location, which is why I asked you that question. And the A4LD did not utilize a shift lever position sensor. (Sometimes called a Digital Transmission Range Sensor -DTR or DTRS) those came in with the all electronic models after 94.

So let me understand.... when you select the D (OD) position, you get nothing at all... using D plain, or 1 or 2, it is fine ?

 

[92xplorer2wd]

yes when in the od position it has no gears just slipps. in d it is fine

 

[Glacier991]

Now let me start this by saying I am just looking at the Factory reference manual. So consider me a conduit for info. The main difference in hydraulic circuitry between D and OD in gears 1-2 and 3 is this (highlighting the difference only, lots more going on):

In OD: "The manual valve (206) directs fluid to the governor, 2-3 backout valvwe (211) and the low resverse servo release side."

In D: "The manual valve (206) directs fluid to the governor, 2-3 backout valve (211), reverse engagement valve (207), 3-4 modulator (210), low reverse servo release side and the coast clutch."

In every gear 1,2 and 3 the difference is the same.....and of course because ethe coast clutch is energized there is engine braking.

The fact you have proper operation of the clutches, bands etc... I'd say you have a valve body problem, not a rebuild concern. (More and more thinking the problems in a lot of A4LD's and MOST 4R/5R55's are VB....and shops will not diagnose them.

All that said, your linkage deserves some attention in all this too. The "manual valve" has to move specified distances to make things work... all as a result of linkages. May be a good place to start.. no $$ involved.

 

[92xplorer2wd]

ok so i should rebuild the vb. i guess that i can use the rebuild diary. is there anything in perticular that i should be looking for. thanks for the info.

 

[Glacier991]

Well there is a separate rebuild diary for the VB too. do a search, "diary" is a common term. And I will show my age here. I have rebuilt countless carburetors....in most cases you didn't KNOW "exactly" what was wrong, only that once you rebuilt it, everything worked.... same is true of VB's. Clean em up good, carefully rebuild em, and voila, everything is fine. A good time to include shift kit upgrades, as well as a few others... all covered in great detail with pix in the VB rebuild Diary - now playing.

 

[92xplorer2wd]

ok thanks for the info and if i can ever get a day off i will give it a try.

 

[92xplorer2wd]

ok glacier991 i have looked through your valve body diary and i am going to attempt a rebuild on it in a few weeks. I have a few questions. First you say to buy the transgo kit can i get this at a parts store, offline, or tranny shop. Second does the shift kit include everything that i am going to need. Last what should i check on the linkage, in the vb or the linkage itself, and what am i looking for. Thanks for the help.

 

[Glacier991]

My advice is get the Transgo kit, AND the Sonnax Boost valve with O-rings at a minimum. Do a google search online or find a transmission parts house. your local Autozone does NOT carry this kind of stuff. You may need to purchase some numbered drill bits. Make sure you have some small snack size ziplock bags, buy a couple cans of brake cleaner and some spray lubricant. If you visit a trans parts house get some aerosol valve body and governor lube, otherwise use WD-40, some ATF in a pump can, or something similar to lubricate the VB as you go through it. Print out the diary and also print out the VB removal and reinstallation part of the main rebuild diary. You will also need some new Valve body gaskets... there are 2 and they are different. Same place as the transgo kit. In a perfect world you'd add the superior kit and the manual valve indexer. You will need an inch pound torque wrench and my "rats ass" assortment of things to get the spools out.

As for linkage, once you look at the pictures and stuff, the Z link becomes important.... just follow the movement from the cables to the shift lever, and then inside the transmission and you will see how it works... with the car off have someone shift the tranny while you watch with the pan off, you'll soon see how it all works...

ps, this is a good time to replace the filter too. Make sure you put the O-rings on it, and use the proper bolt to attach it.... pay careful attention when you remove the old one and it will be a snap.

 

[92xplorer2wd]

i just finished printing out the vb rebuild diary. i do understand the workings of the vavle body and the linkage but all of mine has been with shift kits in a turbo 350(used to a lot of drag raing). i have rebuilt a 700 r4 with the help of a friend but this is the first ford i have ever owned. Like i said before thanks for all the info you all have been very helpful.

 

[Glacier991]

well once you have the pan off, def check the movement of the manual valve as the Ex is shufted... be a shame to do more than you needed to.... though I doubt that is the issue.

 

[92xplorer2wd]

ok glacier i am in the process of going through my valve body and had a question about the check balls. I only have 4 and transgo says 5 but they dont supply one. Can i buy one or just leave one out, if so which one. thanks