'95 Tranny help please.

[ranger161]

I have a 1995 X, 4x4. 4R55E transmission is having a 1-2 shift problem. It doesn't shift into 2 until the rpm's are up and I let off the gas. Pulled code 646. I have just changed the fluit and filter. When I changed the tranny fluid, I noticed 2 small hockey puck looking things in the pan(apologies for the description, it was the best I could come up with in a hurry).
What are these things and how deep of fecal matter am I in?

Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated

 

[toy720]

are they light tan and have a tiny hole in the center if so they are from the valve body i has there been anywork on the vb, 1-2 delay sounds like a intermediate band issue but could be alot of thing maybe glacier will chime in on this one.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! How many miles are on your transmission? I think it could be a modulator, solenoid, VSS, or a low pressure related problem. The valve body does use hockey pucks with small pin holes, but can't just slip out without opening up the entire valve body, and separator plates. If you have fragments in your pan, it might be possible that your valve body is dirty, and could be restricting your fluid circulation. The cooler could also be clogged. Did you check your transmission with a pressure gauge? It might indicate a low pressure problem. You could also have a blown VB gasket/s.

 

[ranger161]

93000 miles on trans.Could this be a band problem?I have not checked it with a pressure guage yet.I will as soon as possible.

 

[BrooklynBay]

I would recommend readjusting the bands, and checking the modulator with a vacuum pump for proper operation. If you remove the modulator, carefully place it upside down with the pin inside of it. Use your vacuum pump to apply a few inches of mercury (vacuum), and see if that pin drops into the modulator. As you slowly release the vacuum, watch to see if that pin goes back out. If this happens, then your modulator is good. If you have a new one, compare the vacuum readings of both of them to see if they perform the same way under the same vacuum. It's possible that it might be a little out of spec.

 

[toy720]

the 4r55e does not have the vacuum modulater i wouls suspect the intermediate band?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Thanks for telling me about the vacuum modulator. I know that several changes were made compared to an A4LD, such as getting rid of the governor. Does the 4R44E still have these 2 parts, or was this a change on the 4R55E, and later models?

 

[BrooklynBay]

It might be a band problem, but I would suspect dirt in the valve body first, with low fluid circulation, since there were already fragments in the pan. If dirt got into the solenoids, it could also cause problems. First try to adjust the band, and see if there is any noticeable difference. The next step is to check the pressure with a pressure gauge. This might pinpoint the area that is having that problem.

 

[toy720]

no the 4r44e does not have these either all computer controlled i would still suspect the intermediate band adjustment or could be something worse but it acting just like mine was i eventually had to pull it out again because my band broke i hope this is not the case here.

 

[Glacier991]

The symptom complex is highly suggestive of a band issue (intermediate) for sure. It COULD also be EPC related...or we could have some sticky spools mixed in, along with a gasket issue.

In order of cost and ease.... check your pressures.... if low

buy new VB gaskets, and a NEW EPC and replace those. Reassemble and test. While you have the VB out is a good time to do the Diary rebuild if you feel up to it. If it doesn;t fix it, you are one step ahead on your rebuild.

Step 2, when you pull the pan, do you find anything foreign, or any metal? That could be a huge clue, depending....anyway....If there is nothing in the pan, and doing #1 above does not fix it, you may be looking and replacing the intermediate band. That is a tear down item. Rebuild time.

 

[ranger161]

Hi all, thanks for all of the suggestions. Well, the intermediate band is toast. Looks like I am going to be rebuilding a tranny. I have already found a great shop that will cut me a break on the price if I am there helping them during the rebuild. My X goes in for surgery this Friday.

 

[Glacier991]

I know you have a newer version, but I suggest you read both the A4LD Rebuild Diary AND "Project Frantentranny" before you start. You will be MUCH better equipped.

 

[BrooklynBay]

I'm surprised that a shop would even let you go into their work area. With insurance regulations these days, all shops are much tougher. Some places have a policy that if anybody besides their shop works on it during the warranty period, it will void their warranty. This shop is very different than any that I've ever heard of. Most places won't even talk to you unless they see $$$ coming their way. This place is even willing to give you a break. Why can't dealerships, and repair shops in my area be so accommodating like this one?