1998 stock 4.0 sohc automatic transmission problem

[Glacier991]

I was looking at the picture and you show a picture of a single wrap band lever (right) and a double wrap band lever (left). The 98 did not use a double wrap band. Where did those pictures come from?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome back Glacier! By the way, did you get my PM a couple of weeks ago about an idea that I had about valve body bolts?

 

[dogfriend]

I was looking at the picture and you show a picture of a single wrap band lever (right) and a double wrap band lever (left). The 98 did not use a double wrap band. Where did those pictures come from?

He says that the Ford dealer handed him those parts which supposedly came from the pan.

Thanks for responding, I figured you would know what those are.

 

[ernaldmerican]

The Ford dealer said both pieces came from pan when they drained it to investigate. They handed both to me when I checked out. Now to be clear I have a 98 4wd 4.0 sohc. Whats you thought about the two pieces.

 

[ernaldmerican]

I took the three sets pf pictures. They are of the same two parts just different views to enable ease of identifying.

 

[Glacier991]

I mis-spoke before. The bigger piece is where the adjusting bolt attached to the band and the other one is where the servo "flipper" actuates the band to effect the shift. Your 2-3 problem is because you do not have an intermediate band working Something (the band achors(s)) *likely* is broken (the only other way you could do that would be to over loosen the adjusting bolt and let them fall out).

The only way to replace a bad intermediate band is to remove the transmission and tear it down about half way. Once you get that far into it you may as well rebuild it.

Sorry for the bad news.

 

[dogfriend]

Since the dealership wants to replace the trans with a new (remanufactured) one, you might want to get some estimates from an independent transmission shop on rebuilding the one you have. Or you can do it yourself if you are adventurous.

 

[ernaldmerican]

Glacier991, BrooklynBay, Dogfriend, Thanks to all for your feedback. I am deliberating what to do next, but again greatly appreciate your time and assistance.

 

[i3abyjay2502]

i have this same problem, only i have a 96 xlt 4x4..... when i crank my car in the mornings and put it into Drive, it will take about 3 seconds before it starts to pull.....then i i have to stop about 10 ft and it will take about 5 seconds befoes it starts to pull again. But after that 2 time, it runs fine all day long... Any ideas???

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you check your fluid level? When was the last time that the fluid, and filter were changed?

 

[TheVarmit]

I have a 96 XLT 4.0. I'm not sure if its a SOHC or a OHV engine?!?. The reason I'm asking is because I have the same 2-3 shift problem and I don't know which transmission I have. Any help? I need to get it fixed but I don't want to be ripped off on a total transmission rebuild if it doesn't need it. I have 93,000 miles on this Explorer, I'm the second owner and not sure if the trans has ever been flushed or serviced...should I start with a service and/or flush first? All you guys are great for taking the time to post and answer questions. Thanks!!

 

[dogfriend]

I have a 96 XLT 4.0. I'm not sure if its a SOHC or a OHV engine?!?. The reason I'm asking is because I have the same 2-3 shift problem and I don't know which transmission I have. Any help? I need to get it fixed but I don't want to be ripped off on a total transmission rebuild if it doesn't need it. I have 93,000 miles on this Explorer, I'm the second owner and not sure if the trans has ever been flushed or serviced...should I start with a service and/or flush first? All you guys are great for taking the time to post and answer questions. Thanks!!

Its an OHV. They did not offer the SOHC until 97. Also, you have a 4R55E, because they did not offer the 5R55E until 97.

It never hurts to do a trans service (filter change and new fluid). Doing a power flush on a higher mileage trans is controversial. Some believe that it may cause issues if the trans wasn't serviced regularly before attempting the power flush. The logic here is that the power flush may loosen debris and gunk that will then get caught somewhere else. I think some of this may be superstition, but you would need to decide for yourself.

 

[TheVarmit]

Thanks dogfriend for the response and the info. I will do a fluid/filter service first. I bought the X for my 18 yr old son last year and he never lets it sit still long enough to do the necessary PM on the vehicle.
Is the 4R553 transmission the one I've heard that had so many problems, such as crapping out all of a sudden?

 

[BrooklynBay]

The 4R55E is the newer version of the A4LD that you've heard about.

 

[dogfriend]

5R55E > 4R55E > A4LD > C3 in a Pinto Hatchback >= Burro ride bareback

 

[BrooklynBay]

The newer ones are now 5R55W, N, and S in addition to this list.