95 Explorer Hard 1-2 Trans shift -HELP

[marragtop]

95 Explorer Hard 1-2 Trans shift -HELP: Adj Bands

I have a 95 Explorer, 4.0, AT, 4x4, 198K miles. It will not perform the 1-2 trans shift without letting up on the gas when the engine gets to about 3k RPMs. I don't think the trans has ever had any maintenance done, so I'm very leering about having a full flush done on it. I am considering dropping the pan and putting in a new filter kit. I'm looking for thoughts and opinions on this. A rebuilt trans is completely out of the question due to the overall condition of the truck. Please send me your thoughts. thanks

 

[manaen]

could be a lot of things.

1) Fluid level
2) EPC valve pressure
3) shift solenoid
4) sticky servo for the 2nd gear band
5) dirty valve body
6) valve body torque (needs to be done)
7) blown valve body gasket

either way you will probably need to pull the pan and start checking things.

 

[Jabo9999]

I have the same explorer you have with 121k miles. I have the same issue with mine so I dropped the pan and changed the fluid. That helped a little, now if I start off slow it will shift into second but but if I drive normal I have to let off the gas for it to shift into second. Hopefully somebody has suggestions.

 

[marragtop]

95 XLT, 4.0, 4wd: I pulled a 646 code (Transmission 2nd gear failure) which makes sense since my problem is the 1-2 very hard shift. One other thing to add is that the OD light is blinking as well. This all started at the same time. Based on some of the posts on this forum, I'm leaning towards adjusting the bands. It's my understanding that the 4R55E has 2 bands, an overdrive band and an intermediate band. Here are my questions:
- specifically where are these bands located? I know they are external to the trans.
- which one controls the 1-2 shift?
- what is the adjusting procedure?
- what else do I need to know in order to not mess this up??!!

 

[Tackle]

On a 5r55e I know the bands are sort of next to the shift linkage on the outside of the transmission. There will be a holding nut as well as the stud that adjusts the bands. I know that on my 99 trans that I put in they were extremely rusty.

About adjusting the bands- I had a senior transmission mechanic drive it and I asked about adjusting them. He said that odds are if you think you need to adjust the bands, they are probably shot anyway. Something about them being thin?:scratch:

 

[marragtop]

Thanks for the reply, but I have a 4R55E and I'm not sure if that's the same as a 5r55e. I know adjusting the bands is a bit of a long shot, but that's sounds like something to try before dropping the pan, valve body, ..etc.

 

[manaen]

They are very similar transmissions. I've never personally worked on a 4r so cannot attest to the location. But I would think they would be in the same place. You may want to take a look at the frankentranny sticky in the tranny section.