92 4x4 explorer (have searched threads and found nothing)

[kallen924]

92 4x4 explorer Tranny problem (have searched threads and found nothing)

Ok so i bought a 92 4x4 explorer the other day as my beater for driving back and forth to work. When i got it you would have to rev it up to about 2k to get it to move. Wouldnt shift any higher then second. took it home took the pan off and changed the filter and gasket. Put it all back together and put some fresh fluid in it. I put six quarts back in it and it drives alot better. Shifts through all the gears, but when taking off it still has to rev up to maybe 1500 or so before it engages. But once it grabs its good goes through all the gears and runs great. My question is im wondering if it should drain it again and change the filter and maybe run some sea foam or lucas tranny fluid through it or if my torque converter might be worn out or something. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[rileyrs]

dump a pint of seafoam trans tune in first, see how that works out

 

[MrQ]

This is a very common problem. My advice is to let the engine warm up first for about five minutes then put it in gear.

 

[kallen924]

alright sounds good, do i just leave the sea foam in there or do i need to change it after a week or so ?

 

[kallen924]

alright i went ahead and put the sea foam in and i guess it is working a little better still has to rev up to about 1200 to 1500 to go and in reverse it hits almost 2000 before going. but it is shifting a little better. I was also wondering i have look around on here and in the manual and i know the tranny holds 10 quarts. But that is if the system is completely flushed correct ? I coulndt find a drain plug on mine which i know some dont have it so i just took the pan off and drained it that way.

 

[scas]

Do you have this problem at stop lights?

 

[kallen924]

yup, everytime i stop. Ive also noticed when im slowing down the rpms drop like normal and then when it its about 1500 or 1400 they just drop off like its in neutral. Been trying to read about these trannys alot today. Think it might be a vacuum leak ? Was looking into the vacuum modulator or just the solonoid that engages the torque converter

 

[kallen924]

anybody experienced this ?

 

[kallen924]

Well after looking at alot of threads I think i have a drain back issue or the tc solonoid is not engaging. So i guess Im gonna replace the solonoid and rebuild the valve body and see what happens

 

[Rhett]

That could solve it. Vac leak crossed my mind first. I'm not a tranny guy, but if it were me I'd look at the torque converter as a potential problem as well.

 

[eXcali]

Just off the top of my head it sounds like your missing 1st gear. Try putting the selector lever in 1st and see if it moves. If nothing it's most likely you've lost 1st and need some trans work. If it continues like that I'd look into the Torque Converter, although with TC problems you usually run into jerky shifts etc.

 

[MrShorty]

Was looking into the vacuum modulator or just the solonoid that engages the torque converter

The "solenoid that engages the torque converter" doesn't make any difference in a "won't go" situation. The mentioned torque converter solenoid is only for the torque converter lockup clutch (TCC) which only engages after the transmission reaches 3rd/4th gear and above a certain speed (35-45 mph). To my knowledge, there are no solenoid issues that cause a no-drive scenario like this on an A4LD.

It also seems that the vacuum modulator is rarely a cause of no-drive scenarios. The vacuum modulator controls when the shifts occur, and tend to cause delayed shifts or early shifts or similar.

You said that you drained and refilled with 6 quarts, can I assume that you checked on the dipstick (engine running in park transmission warmed up) if this was the correct amount?
When you did the filter, did you get the 4wd version (with the longer pickup tube)? Did you get the filter seated correctly? I have heard of cases where the installer didn't get the filter on all the way, or the o-rings weren't installed quite right, which causes issues building up pressure.
Rebuilding the valve body may be useful.
Have you checked the band adjustment? Checked fluid pressure (it seems that BrooklynBay's signature contains a link to checking tranny fluid pressure)?

 

[kallen924]

Well i wanted to think that it was the torque converter but it still drives great its just the take offs. My first guess was a vacuum leak but after reading about the drain back issue it sounds like i might have that as the problem. I have put the correct amount of fluid and the correct filter in it. It had the same delay problem before but it wouldnt really shift at all did that and i can actually drive it now. 1 gear works great, all of the gears are there and it shifts pretty good for being as old as it is. I have also adjusted the bands. the only thing i have not done is adjust the kick down cable which i am going to do tonight or tomorrow when i get time. Is there any way to do some sort of a vacuum check on it ? I wasnt really looking for vacuum lines when i was down there but im guessing there cant be more then 1 or 2 of them. any input is greatly appreciated. I was also gonna try to redo the valve body just because that was the only thing i could think of that might stop the drain back issue if that is my problem.

 

[kallen924]

any good places to buy those valve body rebuild kits ? Was gonna go to auto zone, and napa tomorrow, but i kinda got a feeling they arent gonna have it.

 

[Jlaudio_explorer]

This is just a crazy shot in the dark and some what stupid to do on an Explorer but if a younger guy owned your truck before you maybe he put in a 1500 or 2000 stall torque converter. Probably not but it seems weird that it would shift fine but have problems on take off.

 

[kallen924]

I thought it was weird too, but i read about a drain back issue that fits my problem too, Im just trying to figure out what i can do to fix it

 

[Jlaudio_explorer]

Good luck. I hope you get it fixed. Let us know how it goes.

 

[Forder]

I had this exact same problem when I replaced my modulator valve (due to a vacuum leak sucking tranny fluid into my engine oil) when I first got my truck. When I took the old valve off, I lost the little 1.5" pin that goes in between the modulator valve and the tranny housing and didn't know it, so when I put the new one in, I was missing that pin and it made my tranny shift like that. I had to go to a junk yard and pull the pin out of another A4LD. You can get them at the dealer for like $1 too. I would check and make sure you have that pin and that your modulator valve is functioning correctly.

 

[kallen924]

alright i will check that too, is it inside the pan or where ? My car is also not getting any trans fluid into the oil either so do you still think that could be it ?

 

[Forder]

alright i will check that too, is it inside the pan or where ? My car is also not getting any trans fluid into the oil either so do you still think that could be it ?

Yeah, it could still be it if you're not getting any vacuum leaks or tranny fluid in the vaccum line/engine oil. That just means your modlator valve is good, but without that small pin in there, it caused my tranny to slip like that. The best way I got to the valve was through the access cover on the tranny hump inside the truck. I had to pull back the carpet and it's on the passenger side of the housing. It's been over 5 years since I did it, so I don't remember exactly where it was, but if you reference a Haynes manual or search the forum, I'm sure you'll find where it's at and what it looks like. Hope this helps.. good luck.