93' Explorer 5-speed tranny issues... suggestions needed

[BC_Coastling]

Hey all... NOOB here

Approx. 6 weeks ago, while on my way to work, I was cruisin' in OD when all of a sudden I felt and heard a sort-of 'pop' noise, as though something had just let loose. Next thing you know I found myself coasting up the highway to the off-ramp until I came to a stop. Low and behold I wasn't able to shift into any gears!?!?!,... except fourth, and the tranny TRIES to go into second... but not quite. Previous to this I hadn't had ANY tranny issues, slippage, difficulty getting into gears, or anything even remotely askew.

After the truck came to a stop and I shut it off, there was no smoke, or hint of anything burnt smelling,... although there was some slight tranny fluid leakage on the pavement... and upon checking the fluid level I couldn't even get a drop on my pinky finger. I refilled the fluid but to no avail. Upon having the vehicle towed home, I noticed that where I had been parking there was evidence of MINOR tranny leakage on the gravel, but appeaered as though it had been doing so for awhile.

ANYWAYS... like I said I had never had any indication that anything was wrong.

I can't afford another tranny, and I'm not the most adept mechanic, but can find my way around with books and input from the likes of yourselves. I'm hoping that this isn't anything major and that with some insightful tips or pointers from yourselves, that I'll soon be on the road again promptly. I don't even know where to start troubleshooting this problem.

+The Wife is getting sick of me using her van for work and her and the kids are stranded on the days she's not driving me.

Thanks in advance

In the Doghouse... on the Island.
John

 

[TedJ]

The M50D has rubber plugs on the top of the trans near the shifter. They are known to get brittle and fall out. Subsequently the fluid comes out and soon there is none left. Trans failure results....

Manual transmissions don't really have any "tricks" to them. It either works or it doesn't. You're going to have to pull it out and have a look inside....

 

[BC_Coastling]

TY for your reply Ted. I'm aware of the plugs and they seem to be fine/not leaking.
I just put my truck up on ramps to pull the pan and inspect and noticed there is minimal gasket leakage on both ends of the trans. Is it possible that low trans pressure could cause it to malfunction? Hopefully I'll find no debris in the pan. Thanks again.

John

 

[92exp4x4]

Pan? I thought yours is a Manual Trans? When you say 5 speed, that assumes manual. The automatic is a four speed, called the A4LD. I think this is what you are talking about?

 

[Jimk]

BC, my 93 5 speed manual did EXACTLY the same thing. Sorry dude, but your tranny is trashed. Time for a rebuilt. If you want to get back on the road before the wife divorces you for purloining her van, that's your only choice. A manual tranny doesn't have a "pan" so I doubt if you have the knowledge to rebuild it yourself. Maybe you have a friend who is knowledgeable about tranny rebuilds? But then, finding parts and doing the work all takes time, and your wife's clock is ticking. Sorry I didn't have better news.

 

[hoss_hanna]

i have been a mechanic for almost 20 yrs and i dont even think about tryin to rebuild transmissions, did a manual once and it took me forever, never was fully right but it worked for a cupla years till the trk went to the crusher, not sayin u cant rebuild yours give it a try if u like, but keep in mind it requires some know how and specialized tools

 

[safn1949]

I rebuilt 1 manual tranny in all my years as a GM tech,if it is a manual and won't go into gear and the clutch is good,it's junk.Go to the boneyard and get another one.

And if it's an auto....it's junk also would be my guess.

 

[Spdrcer34]

I did a write up on rebuilding a M5OD...actually I think there are 2 or 3 of them on here...

It's not hard, and there is 1 really special ized tool, and I made one.

Ryan

 

[92exp4x4]

I did a write up on rebuilding a M5OD...actually I think there are 2 or 3 of them on here...

It's not hard, and there is 1 really special ized tool, and I made one.

Ryan

Sweet, I have not really looked into it yet, as i'm not in the position yet. I want to do one as I never have and the best way to learn is to be thrown into the fire so to speak.

Thanks