94 4x4 transmission 1-2 shift intermittent

[mora20164]

I have a problem with my transmission but it's intermittent. My Truck has a problem shifting from 1-2. It only does it when the engine is cold and once the RPM shifts to 4K RPM it goes to second and then it does not do it again, until the car is unused for an hour or two. it only does this in OD and in D, if I shift it to 2nd it shifts fine between 1st and second.

I have had this symptom for about two years now. Sometimes it last for a couple of weeks. then goes away for months, now it's back. Transmission fluid is not leaking and the truck is very well maintained. has 144K miles. I can't imagine the tranny has to be rebuilt.

 

[BrooklynBay]

It sounds like the governor is sticking.

 

[mora20164]

Options on transmission repair.

I took it too a tranny shop and they emphesize that I should rebuild it. They didn't pull the pan down to check it, but said, there is probably sludge in it and it's a heat problem. A contaminate is also causing the Governor to stick. They offered me three options:

SoftRebuild 2100.00

Replacement 2500.00

Replace Tranny oil and filter, and clean governor 410.00 but he said that would be throwing my money away.

They also explained that if I change the Transmission that they have to take out the exhaust from the manifold. But said those bolts break off very easily and a new manifold may have to be purchased. Thus adding an additional 3-4 hundred dollars to the repair bill.

I think the fact that they didn't drop the pan and check it out, just killed me. The Governor gets worse during cold weather when the metal contracts. At this point not sure what to do. IS this a reasonable repair? do those bolts really get that rusted on that purchasing a new manifold is the only alternative if it breaks...

 

[doonze]

do those bolts really get that rusted

Do bears do it in the woods?

The answer is this, I've head of people not doing work on their engine just becuase of how much a pain the exhaust can be...... I've even heard of people just cutting their exhaust to work around the manifolds, without removed them becuase they are so stuck.

However, as far as damaging them.... haven't heard of that... just that people break tools and knuckles trying to get the bolts loose and in the end can't get em loose. I'm not sure you have to remove the exhast to work on the auto's...I know I could drop my manual without haveing to remove the exhaust....

If it was me, I would hightail it to a different tranny shop. This guy seems kinda shady to me all around. Tranny shops can be total Jackels sometimes, worse then your general wrench turner.

This job can be done with a buddy with tools, a weekend, and a case of beer. Oh, and about $300 for a junk yard tranny and assorted needed parts.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Those prices are too high. Check # 45 in my list of useful threads for information on replacing the governor: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155582

 

[shaggymane]

those bolts break off very easily..........


do those bolts really get that rusted on........

that purchasing a new manifold is the only alternative if it breaks...

Yes, those bolts get that rusted and worse. Take a look at the bolts holding your cat & pipe together. After what?.... ..17yrs? they ain't fun. Right Doonze? They literally rust away to the point of not being recognizable as bolts and nuts. Then there's nothing for the socket to grab onto. So it's cutting torch time. Then drill out the holes and chase threads. Time consumming.

It's likely just simpler for them to replace manifolds and pass the cost on to guess who? YOu.

Wouldn't it be nice if ford would get a bright idea and use stainless steel bolts for those parts? Nah.