'95 Limited with the infamous "flashing od" light

[alec_b]

Hi all-

I'm new and i had a couple questions. I have the opportunity to pick up a '95 limited, sea green/tan leather/basically loaded for DIRT cheap. I'm talking 3-400 range. It's only got 147k on it, and runs GREAT. Only thing is the tranny is acting up and the "od" light is flashing. I can reset the computer and get it to shift normal for a day or two till the light comes back on. I've read that this is a problem, especially on the early model 4R55w's (that's what i have right?). It's a 4.0 4x4.

Is there a way i can either: A. Find a good used VB out of a newer explorer with low miles or B. Easily fix the one i have in there now? I'm plenty mechanically inclined to handle something like this, i just need a starting point. Thanks guys!

 

[frisbeeguy]

What's a VB?
My 95 limited tranny was rebuilt for $2,200 at 180,000 miles. Now at 318,000 miles & still runs good except for the CRASH Friday night.
May be worth it at that price.

 

[Glacier991]

The 5R55E VB rebuild Diary applies equally to the 4R VB. That OD light is a sign the computer has picked up a code. The shifting "problem" is probably FMEM kicking in.... that is where the computer UPS the line pressures to get you home. Get your codes read for us to start. You have a Powertrain code stored that will be a HUGE help. (maybe - helpwise, there IS a code there).

Disconnecting the battery is like shooting the messenger without reading the message.

 

[alec_b]

Will autozone be able to read the transmission codes with their cheapy actron scanner? I know this vehicle hasn't had the best in care over the years, and after reading over the posts and stickies on this forum i've learned a lot. I'm SURE the bands need to be adjusted. And that pressure solenoid sure seems like a viable problem.

I did take it out for a drive today, just to see, and from what i can tell it WILL go into all gears, but it does NOT like to stay in OD. Anything but the lightest foot on the throttle will kick it out. Also, it shudders VIOLENTLY on high-load upshifts and downshifts. I do know it just had a recent transmission fluid and filter change. Other than that it's gotten nothing fixed on it. I'll try and get the codes and let you guys know. Thanks so much for the help!

 

[nssj2]

no, autozone can only pull check engine lights. i work there, and the reason is because the company doesnt trust the stores with better scanners. local tranny shops will pull the code for free usually.

 

[alec_b]

Thanks for the advice. I'll take it to TSI instead. I know they have a good scanner up there. I'm really hoping i can get by with just fixing the valve body and not replacing the transmission. Because if it is the transmission, it's not getting fixed.

 

[alec_b]

Will this valve body work with my truck? It seems like a GREAT deal:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD...008QQitemZ180146984208QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW