'95 that is slow to shift from 1st to 2nd

[jp1450]

Hi -

Looking for some input from the brain trust out there. I am not a mechanic, and was hoping I might get some ideas/input from everyone on a transmission issue.

I have a 1995 Eddie Bauer that I purchased new. It has 135K on it and I have never had any real mechanical problems - just the usual maintenance and items that wear out and need replacing (which can be expensive in an of itself). Anyway, just yesterday it started lagging in the shift from 1st to 2nd gear. It seems to take about twice as long as usual to shift in normal driving conditions. No problem from 2-3 or 3-4. Any ideas? I just had the transmission serviced about a month ago

 

[toy720]

sound like a intermediate band issue could need adjustment or pressure problems do you have any codes od light flashing? could also be within the vb have you changed fluid and filter since you had it?

 

[jp1450]

sound like a intermediate band issue could need adjustment or pressure problems do you have any codes od light flashing? could also be within the vb have you changed fluid and filter since you had it?

The OD light is not flashing. The fluid/filter were changed about 2K miles ago. I have not had a chance to check the codes yet......

 

[toy720]

I dont know you level of mechanical skills but you might need to do band adjustments there is a write up in here somewhere about band adjustments. Im assuming you have the 4.0l engine search this forum for 4r55e band adjustment.
4R44E/4R55E 5R44E/5R55E:
Single wrap bands.
Overdrive band = 2.0 turns back.
Intermediate band (1995-1998) = 2.5 turns back. All other years 2.0 turns back.
This is from brooklyn bay sticky at the top its real simple to do.

 

[toy720]

Actually if you will read the thread at the top on band adjustments it has pictures and everything. if you still need help just post.

 

[Glacier991]

Do you have the 4R44E or the 4R55E. In the 4R55 and 5R55, the intermediate band does not initiate the 1-2 shift, but instead it initiates the 2-3 shift. The 2nd gear is OD being applied to the 1st gear. Instead of the intermediate band being applied, it is the OD band in the 55's that causes 2nd engagement. Still the band adjustment advice is not bad. Also at 135K, rebuilding the VB and replacing the EPC would not be a bad idea, as many possibles here relate to valve body or EPC issues. Be warned that is an expensive EPC.

 

[jp1450]

Toy and Glacier -

Thanks so much for your input. My mechanical skill in this area is limited, although the vehicle is to a point where I am beginning to wonder if I should use it as a guinea pig to learn more. It has been a great truck, and I would like to keep it going a couple more years, if possible.

Glacier - you reference that the EPC in this unit is expensive. In your opinion, what would be a fair estimate on a professional repair/re-build?

 

[Glacier991]

That is a difficult question to answer. To have the VB rebuilt locally, with them removing and reinstalling it, presents certain unanswered Q's I would need to know. If all they are going to do is replace the EPC, I'd guess between $350 to $400. If you wanted a shift improvement kit added, and the FORD TSB modifications done at the same time, probably $550 to $650.

If you do the removal and replacement yourself, you can save probably $125 to $175.

I am assuming a shop rate of around $70 an hour in my assumptions.

All that said, most shops will not want to do this.... why ? Because there is no guarantee this WILL solve the probem, and then they have an unhappy customer who says - "gee for just $x.. more I could have had a rebuild."

 

[jp1450]

That is a difficult question to answer. To have the VB rebuilt locally, with them removing and reinstalling it, presents certain unanswered Q's I would need to know. If all they are going to do is replace the EPC, I'd guess between $350 to $400. If you wanted a shift improvement kit added, and the FORD TSB modifications done at the same time, probably $550 to $650.

If you do the removal and replacement yourself, you can save probably $125 to $175.

I am assuming a shop rate of around $70 an hour in my assumptions.

All that said, most shops will not want to do this.... why ? Because there is no guarantee this WILL solve the probem, and then they have an unhappy customer who says - "gee for just $x.. more I could have had a rebuild."

Glacier -

Thanks for the insight. I plan on having the situation evaluated next week, so I will have a better idea which direction to go. My biggest concern is my lack of knowledge in this area - which translates not wanting to be taken to the cleaners...... Your advice will go a long way in helping me evaluate the situation. I will post the results. Thanks again!

 

[jp1450]

sound like a intermediate band issue could need adjustment or pressure problems do you have any codes od light flashing? could also be within the vb have you changed fluid and filter since you had it?

Toy -

You mentioned earlier about whether the fluid and filter had been changed. For my own education, how could this cause the sticking between 1 and 2? I did have the transmission serviced about 2000 miles ago, which included a fluid change. Previously, the last time I had the fluid changed was around 90k.

 

[toy720]

Well the old fluid if broken down can cause a variety of problems such as shifting problems, pressure problems, etc

 

[jp1450]

OK....... The verdict from the shop on my tranny is that it has a broken band. According to the shop, I am looking at somewhere in the neighborhood of $2000 in repair. Plus, there could be more damage if debris got loose inside. Now, I have reached a crossroads..... do I take the plunge on a truck that has been around for a while but has been great, or do I just basically walk away. Any ideas, sympathy, etc? I really hate getting rid of this ride. Is it possible for a partial re-build?

 

[Glacier991]

Well I guess the diagnosis makes sense. Did they find band parts in the pan?

The intermediate band is under the center support.... and honestly when you are that far into it, and it is out,,, might as well rebuild it.

Unless you are willing to rebuild it, or do some of the labor of R&R... you are kinda stuck. Wish I had better news.

 

[BrooklynBay]

I'm surprised that it didn't throw a code. You should read Glacier's rebuild diary, and the valve body rebuild diary. This will help you get aquainted with the inner workings of this transmission.

 

[Glacier991]

wait.... I was just thinking, if you have the 4R55 or 5R55 it would be the OD band what's broken? Which band is it? The OD band can be replaced without really getting very far into the tranny!

 

[jp1450]

Yea, it was the OD band. Problem is, there was debris in the pan. Looks like it could be pieces of the band, but there is really know way of knowing if there was any residual damage. By the time it is broken down to check, might as well take the plunge. I am just about resolved to going ahead with an overhaul. At 135K it does not sound like a bad idea, the more I think about it. I really like the truck and would not be able to replace it with something I know as well. This is the first major mechanical issue I have had with it in over 10 years of ownership, outside of the normal wear-out stuff. I just hope it all doesn't crap out at the same time......

 

[Glacier991]

Band failure typically does not contaminate a tranny. Usually there will be a band anchor that breaks loose.. it is a big piece and singular.... usually does not fragment. Is it debris? You bet, but not harmful debris.

Find out what they intend to do to the trans for $2000, and let us know.

 

[BrooklynBay]

My front pump's gears exploded, and I had metal shavings all over the inside of my transmission. It completely clogged up the VB. Metal shavings are what clog up a transmission, since they are hard, and don't dissolve. The bands have a paper like material which is soft (except for kevlar bands), and the band that is used in the rear (where the low/reverse servo applies pressure).