'93 XLT w/A4LD shifting problems

[davidtg]

Hi,

I searched the forum (fantastic resource by the way ) and found a few people with similar shifting problems as my '93 Explorer 4x4 but not many possible fixes.

For about the last 10K miles the tranny won't really shift from 1-2 or 2-3 unless I back off the gas. If not the rpms just continue to wind. Sometimes if I accelerate very very slowly it will shift on its own. Once I'm at highway speeds the shift into OD is fine.

It does this all the time, cold or hot and hasn't gotten any worse since it first started about a year ago.

The tranny is a rebuilt A4LD that worked fine the first 15K but then developed this problem. I plan on selling this Explorer (bought a '99 AWD) so I'd like to try to get the shifting problem resolved.

Any help or suggestions appreciated. David

 

[Glacier991]

Often when people report a 1-2 shift that won't happen until they back off the gas it is an intermediate band problem, usually broken. But if you also have a 2-3 shift problem as well... it sounds like one of three things.... the modulator (easy to check by pulling a vacuum line), the governor (less easy but can be accessed by dropping the transfer case) or a valve body issue (spools hanging up, etc... - see the A4LD Valve Body Rebuild Diary)..

I'd start by researching the modulator issue on this forum.... and checking it by pulling the line and looking for ATF.

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could check the band without dropping the pan by adjusting the stud on the passenger's side of the transmission. The intermediate band is the second stud in the middle. It is broken if it keeps turning.

 

[davidtg]

Thanks for the advice guys - you both are the tranny gurus. From reading the other posts I was first going to check the modulator so I appreciate your confirming that as a resonable (and easiest) place to start. If I have to get into bands and VB I may take it to a shop but we'll see. I'll followup once I get a chance to work on it.

 

[clawrence1994]

Hey I had the same problems. I was told the transfer case was stuck in low gear. I went through the whole trans system and it ended up confusing the hell out of me. I took it to the trans shop and he was positive it was the transfer case being stuck.

 

[davidtg]

Well my fix ended up being rather easy. After checking the modulator, which appeared fine, I took a look at the adjustment screws for the bands. Ugh! Too bad I didn't just look at these first. The intermediate band adjustment screw was loose - locknut was completely unseated by several turns and I was getting a small fluid leak around the screw.

I adjusted the screw as per spec (10ft-lbs then back off two turns) and snugged up the locknut. Test drove it and it shifted just perfectly. Well I feel kind of stupid that I've been driving this around for nearly 2yrs with that loose band adjustment screw. But well...its fixed now and hopefully the trany is none the worse.

Thanks for the help all.

 

[BrooklynBay]

You are lucky that the band anchor struts didn't fall out with such a loose band. I don't know how that nut could come loose by itself unless a shop fiddled around with it for some reason. Those lock nuts have a small seal to prevent leakage. Check it after a few days. If you see them leaking, then replace the nuts.

 

[Stompah]

You are lucky that the band anchor struts didn't fall out with such a loose band. I don't know how that nut could come loose by itself unless a shop fiddled around with it for some reason. Those lock nuts have a small seal to prevent leakage. Check it after a few days. If you see them leaking, then replace the nuts.

Sorry that this is an old posting and I am replying to this...

Where are these band set screws located? I have this problem with a new/used trans I replaced in my '94 XLT. The modulator is one of those that have the adjustment knob on it. I turned it in small increments and the trans still shifts when I let off on the gas from 1-2-3. Can I make adjustments to these band screws to get the trans to shift within limits?

I don't want to drop the drip pan to get to the VB if I don't have to...

Thanks in advance.

AC

 

[BrooklynBay]

They are located on the driver's side of the transmission. Check the sticky thread on adjusting the bands on the top of the transmission section.