4R44E transmission. Delayed engagement into reverse.

[JohnAerostarXLT]

Some of our latr vans have the 4R series transmssions, after '95 I think. Anyway, my '96 3.0L has the 4R44E with almost 205,000 miles on it. It delayes into reverse at times and I told my buddy about it and he gave me this link:

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/789645-transmission-delayed-rev-engagement-etc.html#post6731189

the 4R55E performs best with a full synthetic Mercon V rated ATF such as Mobil 1 ATF because of the high TC loads and heat produced with poor cooling. i changed mine out a number of years ago with outstanding results along with an extra large plate/fin ATF cooler.

some of the more common causes of delayed reverse in a high mileage 4R series tranny are
1. worn pressure boost valve and bore in VB
2. worn pump
3. debris plugging in VB or tranny passages.
4. damaged seals.
5. worn or failing EPC valve

Sonnax makes a boost valve repair kit for the 4R series
http://www.sonnax.com/announcements/37947-01K.pdf
Some typical problems in 4R44E, 4R55E, 5R44E and 5R55E units are soft shifts, delayed reverse, poor modulator control and/or low line pressure in reverse. A worn boost valve is often the cause, allowing reverse and/or TV pressure to cross leak or exhaust

Just wanted some guy's here opinions on this. I'm thinking of doing a fluid/filter change with full synthetic (either Valvoline which worked wonders for my Olds Achieva or his choice, Mobile 1) to my van's 4R44E and go from there.

My dad recently did this procedure on his 1999 F-250's automatic, original at 310,000 miles, shifts great now.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Check the main line pressure, and the EPC pressure with a 0 - 300 PSI test gauge. Get the TransTec Viton D ring kit for the low/reverse servo. Sonnax makes an upgrade kit which includes end plugs with O rings along with other parts. Borg Warner sells an upgraded EPC. WWW.BulkPart.Com sells it.