96' auto trans problem

[Ataractic]

I was doing a little off roading and decided to stop for a minute. When I went to leave the explorer backed up just fine but when I put it in 1, it did nothing but rev. I tried 1,2,D,R.... nothing, just sat there and revved the engine. I got towed home, and once home I decided to try once again just for the hell of it and it worked! I've driven her to work and back a couple times and haven't had any problems, seems to shift into reverse a little harder than other gears though. Anybody got any ideas what could have caused this? If something is getting ready to go out on me I would rather replace it now than get stuck somewhere again...

 

[Ataractic]

Nobody has ever had this happen before?

 

[gmanpaint]

Most likely you overheated the trans when wheeling it. It slipped into limp mode, than it slipped into safety mode. I have had this happen to me a few times. Once in the middle of the dessert in Moab.

The 4R55E is electronic controlled by the computer. Everything on it works from signals. When hot, the O/D light will flash, than limp mode takes over. You can only drive in limp mode for so long as it will slip into Neutral to prevent more damage until it cools off.

Off roading is hard on these trans. Your using higher RPM's but not moving fast enough to get air flow to the radiator to cool the trans fluids fast enough. The guys that wheel these rigs either install a massive Electric fan set up, or swap the auto trans for a manual.

I would reset the computer by disconnecting the battery for 15-20 mins, and check your trans fluids for burnt color/smell.

 

[Ataractic]

Thanks for the reply! Sounds like that's what my problem is, I ordered new trans filter and gasket too just to be safe.

 

[Ataractic]

I don't think over heating is my issue.... the trans works fine in 2wd but as soon as I put it in 4wd the o/d light starts blinking and the trans won't work. Going back to 2wd doesn't re-engage the trans either. Oddly enough, after getting towed for a little while in neutral, it will start to work again in 2wd. I'm thinking it might be the trans range sensor but I'm not sure. Opinions?

 

[gmanpaint]

TRS is for trans gears, not 4wd range I believe.

If that's the case, your T-case might have blown the clutch pack. Drain the t-case fluids and look for copper shavings.

If there are other particles besides copper, ie...white plastic, alum, steel, there are other parts that have malfunctioned.

This would be best case scenario as a t-case is a lot cheaper than the trans.