1996 Explorer 2nd gear start

[paul1orr]

I've got a 1996 Explorer with what appears to be a A4LD trans. The problem is this........

Starts in second gear from stop - everytime, even in manual low, hot or cold. OD light flashes and check engine light.

Here is what I have done and observed......
1. Changed the neutral/transmission selector switch.
2. Upshifts from 2nd to third if I lift from the gas slightly. Shift feels normal
3. OD and converter lockup appear to be fine.
4. Reverse works fine - so low gear clutch and seals are fine.
5. Even though it starts in 2nd the engagement from park is in a normal time - so forward gear/clutch pack should be fine.
6.Fluid level is fine with normal (slightly darker than new) color and normal smell (all new trans fluid smells slightly burnt compared to old dexron/mercon fluids).
7. No slippage observed at any time.
8. Shifts are never harsh or fast. normal in all respects.

Manyyyyyyyy........years ago I had a transmission shop. I still have the tools but no lift and really no interest in the subject anymore.....but, I do not feel that this is a hard parts problem, probably solenoid or gasket related at the valve body. I have no qualms about tearing into that if I have to. Just like to be forearmed before getting too dirty.

Any one experience this or have a typical solution?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[wood1]

Hi Paul, you have a 4R55E, the electronic version of the A4LD that was in the 2nd gen explorer. It has solenoids for each gear, and an EPC for line pressure.

I suggest you do a search in the transmission forum. There is a great deal of info on this trans.

I think they had a problem with seperator plate gasket blow out, but I'm a A4LD guy.

Did you check for any codes? I would suggest you check and adjust the bands too.

 

[paul1orr]

thanks

Appreciate your reply and I have searched 2nd gear starts, second gear starts, etc and came up with no matches. Obviously I am searching the wrong keywords, any suggestions?

I did see somewhere (not here) a mention of gasket blowout and no I have not coded it as I loaned my reader out and NEVER.......got it back. I know, stupit, stupit , STUPIT!!!!! I guess I will never learn.

Note:Yes I do know how to spell.

 

[Glacier991]

Well... you *could* have a bad sensor input... codes would help us here. But in my opinion more likely you either have some VB issue (probably a blown out gasket) or a bad or stuck solenoid.

Codes would be, as Wood1 said, the best place to start.

Could it be hard parts problem? Sure, but unlikely in my best guess.

 

[rlong]

BrooklynBay has a "List of Useful Threads" link in his signature. In that list, #62 is an article that mentions the likely cause of this issue.

 

[paul1orr]

2nd gear starts

Hi all, Sorry I didn't come back for so long.
I tore into the trans with the idea of looking for the blown valve body gasket but what I found was a broken 2nd gear band. The end that broke was the allowed the band to drag and overrun the low gear sprag and so the 2nd gear starts. What is funny is that manual 1st position still wouldn't allow 1st gear starts......weird. Well I tore it down to replace the band and did a full refresh and a Transgo rebuilder shift kit. It worked perfect 1st time out. Thanks for the replies.

Paul