1994 explorer A4LD slow into drive

[tk1251k]

Transmission re built 25,000 miles ago. It never seemed to have enough pressure going into any forward gears but plenty in reverse and reverse is still fine. But now it is hard to get going into drive unless rpm's are high then it does just fine, Would the forward clutches be ok if it does not slip after initially getting it going forward.I can unhook the modulator valve it it gives it more pressure and helps some. Not sure what it needs. thanks

 

[BrooklynBay]

Connect a 0-300 PSI test gauge onto the test port, and check the pressure in all of the gear ranges.

 

[tk1251k]

Thanks I don t have one but will try and find one. I have not dropped the pan yet as I am alittle afraid to change the fluid but it appears ok from the dip stick.Will taking the pressure help pinpoint the problem maybe as I stated it has always had low pressure in forward gears as far as going into gear but fine in reverse. thanks

 

[BrooklynBay]

A pressure reading will give you a better idea of what the pressure is in each gear range. Don't drop the pan until after you take pressure readings.

 

[tk1251k]

Thanks for the help it might take a day or so to locate one somewhere but I do appreciate the help. This thing does great except for getting to go go forward. If everything is shifting fine no slipping when changing only at start in drive could the forward clutches still be bad just wondering. thanks

 

[BrooklynBay]

Autozone might have one. They have a tool loaning program.

 

[tk1251k]

Thanks I will check with them today and get back and thank you for all the very helpful information you provide us with it is appreciated.

 

[tk1251k]

Checked a few places around here no one has a pressure tester. I would order one but I dont know just yet. I'll keep messing with this thing till I figure something out . I cant see where forward clutches could be gone when it goes forward fine once it does engage no problem but then again its an a4ld.Does the low reverse servo have anything to do with forward engagement . Most things I have read seem that it doesnt not sure on that one.

 

[BrooklynBay]

It controls low gear as well as reverse.

 

[tk1251k]

Once it jumps into drive it works fine. Would the no engagement until engine reved up indicate a low reverse servo problem although reverse is fine. Just wondering if it actually controls engagement into drive or once it goes into drive. Thanks

 

[BrooklynBay]

Check the hydraulic pressure, since revving it increases the pressure.

 

[tk1251k]

Thanks whats the best way to check hydraulic pressure?

 

[BrooklynBay]

You need a 0-300 PSI test gauge.

 

[elbow2342]

HI I had the same problem with my 94 xlt and as suggested ran a pressure check on the trans, it ran 60 to 70 lbs in park or neutral and around 160 lbs 1n gear with the brake on at idle.I dont know what that means but another member suggested a trans fluid additve because he had a similar problem and solved it this way.I went to walmart and bought a bottle of Bars leak transmission repair for around 8 bucks and dumped it in and could tell a difference in the way it shifted right away .my slow engagement problems was only on cold starts .once it did its thig there was no problem until the next cold start.But the additive made a big difference and may be worth a try. Good luck--Elbow

 

[tk1251k]

Thanks I might get a bottle of that stuff and try it. Like I said reverse is fine its when you put it in drive it sits I rev it up a few times 2000 rpm it slams into gear and works fine until I take it out of gear.It seems to me forward clutches would be fine since I have no other problem.Seems like a pressure problem in forward gears not sure where. I did add Lucas and it helped with stronger shiftd and od. Not sure whats next I dont like reving too much and slamming into gear.I forgot to add I have had a loud whinning coming fron I thing is the pinion but know wondering if it could be a clogged transmission filter causing the pump to whine.

 

[tk1251k]

Well finally got it repaired. Mechanic said sprag was broke although he suspected forward drum. Forward clutches burnt up as well. Total cost 475.00. Goes into drive better than ever. With sprag being broken I still had overdrive does that make sense. thanks

 

[BrooklynBay]

Thanks for the update! I assume for that price you removed the transmission, and installed it yourself while he did the actual rebuilding of the transmission?

 

[tk1251k]

No he removed it at his shop.He did not do a complete rebuild though. It was re-built about 25,000 miles ago and I did pull it out then but not this time. This guy bought all my dads transmissions he had built up and alot of tools at a very good price and I think he just gave me a deal on mine.I have noticed alot of times final results on problems are not posted so I thought this could be helpful to someone. thanks