1994 explorer XLT. Possible torque converter issue. Need help.

[Dunson3963]

First off, I'm new to owning a truck you actually have to work on, but after owning new cars for 14 years and spending thousands of dollars and nothing to show for it, I gave up the new car gig and got me a $650 1994 Ford Explorer.

With that being said, yesterday I went to leave work, popped that sucker into drive and didn't move an inch. Thought to myself, lord Jesus there's an issue. Figured I had to get home so I dropped it into 1st gear revved up the engine and got it to go into gear then put it in drive. I can rev it up and get it to go into gear from drive as well. Once in gear, drives like a charm. No issues with switching gears.

This morning I dropped the transmission pan and changed the filter and added the CORRECT AMOUNT of tranny fluid. Still had the issue. Talked to a guy at an auto parts store, he said possible transmission modulator? Going to install that tomorrow. Talked to a buddy from work, he said it sounds like the torque converter. So I'm looking for some advice as to if I'm on the right teach here or if my issue is caused by something else? Just looking for input. Thanks guys.

 

[natenkiki2004]

Add some more fluid just in case.

Torque converters can fail but I don't see that being talked about much on this site. What I have read time and time again is that Someone goes into a store, comes back out and tries to drive and there's no gear. Happened to the previous owner of my Explorer, the transmission was rebuilt to fix it. Hopefully your case is different but I've heard this same set of circumstances leading to a trans rebuild.

The vacuum modulator has more to do with changing shift points based upon engine load. It will wait to shift if there's low vacuum (when you're heavy into the throttle). It shouldn't have an issue going into first gear even if the vacuum modulator was stuck or broken.

Does OD, D, 2 or 1 behave differently or are they all the same?

 

[Dunson3963]

The same.

All act the same.

 

[larrydd999]

Just joining this thread because I've the exact problem with a '94 Limited that I picked up cheap for parts. I'm considering rebuilding its transmission next winter just for the experience, and anything I learn before then will help (or make me decide not to do it).

 

[natenkiki2004]

Well then, the next easiest step is to probably hook up a pressure gauge and see what kind of readings you're getting. May be the pump isn't strong enough or there's leaking going on. I think any oil pressure gauge would work and you hook into the 1/4" NPT fitting on the driver's side, just above the pan lip. It's kind of hard to see but it looks like a regular bolt.

Compare that with readings from the ATSG manual and troubleshooting section to see about a possible direction.

ATSG Manual:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/464376/vehicles/1991 Explorer/a4ld_manual_atsg.pdf
ATSG Manual Update:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/464376/vehicles/1991 Explorer/a4ld_manual_atsg_update.pdf

 

[bigbadwolf078]

Have a similar issue.... When I put it in OD it won't move, act like neutral ... When in just D it acts fine but won't shift to OD... Not sure if it's the trans again or the TC... Any opinions

 

[natenkiki2004]

The torque converter puts power into the trans. If it breaks, nothing should work. It's likely a transmission issue. I don't see why it would work in D but not OD though.