94 Explorer Transmission Problems

[sampexp]

Hi
I own a 94 Eddie Baur 2WD. Has 89K on it. The maintenance on this is done regularly. Recently I noticed the transmission hard to shift to the first, and when I checked, the fluid level was low. Now, I had changed the Trans. fluid/Filter/Gasket not too long ago on this. I checked EVERYWHERE possible but could not find a leak
1. Checked the pan/gasket for leaks
2. Checked the seals for leaks or splatters
3. Checked the Return lines to the radiator
4. Checked the coolant quality to see if it leaks inside the radiator
None of these worked. I simply cannot find a leak.

Two important things though:

I have always used MOBIL1 synthetic Motor oil and ATF. A guy at O'Rielly told be that MOBIL1 ATF is known to burn fast. Now, my transmission oil looks a little dark in color than what it should be although I changed it recently. Any ideas about this ?
Is my tarnasmission going bad ?
Anyway, as soon as I fill more transmission fluid, I have no shifting problems. This, to me, leaves out a problem with the transmission/clutch too.

Please help ?

Thanks

 

[VairKing]

Did you check/replace your vacuum modulator? I know that can be the culpret when the level is low...

 

[sampexp]

No. I have no idea where that would be. Can you give me some details.

Thanks

 

[TPLYNCH]

see here.... Dead Link Removed

The diaphram goes bad and the tranny fluid gets sucked into the engine...

 

[sampexp]

Thanks Tom
Can you please explain what the vaccum diaphram/vaccum modulator does (are they both the same) ? Are you saying that since I am losing Trans. fluid and cannot find a leak anywhere, it is getting mixed with my engine oil ?
Please let me know

 

[sampexp]

Also, I did some searching on the web. Here is what one guy had to say.


"I had to replace the one inch pin that mounts on the inside of the modulator valve. "

and according to him, it was a pain to find one. Any ideas about this ?

Please let me know

 

[TPLYNCH]

I can't answer that. I ran a search here using Transmission modulator and attached are the threads. I'm sure you'll find your answer there. (The search function on this site is a very good tool to be used.)http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...d=114474&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending

 

[Limited Ex]

I just had to get my transmission rebuilt, it was not shifting out of 1st until 4000 rpms. The cause: bad mechanics. The solution: good mechanics. When my torque converter ahd to be repaired, the mechanics that did it used silicone to seal the transmission pump instead of a gasket. The mechanics that had to rebuild it said that the silicone had worked its way loose and started to gunk up the insides, as well as leak fluid. Just some food for thought.....