96 Explorer transmission wont engage any gears, fluid not pumping through either cooler line.

[BillyBoy72]

Ok, so here is the situation. I have a 1996 Explorer 4x4 Eddie Bauer 4.0 V6. The truck has never had a transmission issue and whenever I checked the fluid in the past it has always been just right. So I have never added or removed any fluid. Recently the truck sat for a year, I put it back on the road and made an initial 50 or so mile highway trip. There were no issues truck shifted fine. Next day went for a couple quick runs and after about 10 miles I was stopped at a light and when I went to go it was like the truck was in neutral. First thing I did was check the fluid level. The fluid was way over filled. So after talking to some people it was suggested that maybe there was a hole that was allowing coolant into the trans. So I disconnected the upper line running into the radiator with the intention of pumping some fluid out and have a look at it. When I started the truck nothing pumped out. So I switched to the lower line and again nothing pumped out. I noticed that the upper line did not leak any fluid when I disconnected it but the lower line did have fluid in it. So I was thinking that the trans was not overfilled, somehow all the ATF wound up in the bottom of the transmission. So thinking that there was a clogged line or filter or something. I dropped the pan and replaced the filter and gasket. The pan was nice and clean just that fine powder like shavings on the magnet. Old fluid is still pretty red and smells fine. I put 4 quarts in it and started the truck. It seems to still not be moving fluid through the trans. So that's where I'm at. Im thinking pump died maybe, but the only thing that's bothering me is all the fluid wound up in one place. If the pump died I'd think the fluid would still be evenly distributed. But if there was a clog then that may cause the fluid to be pumped into one place and stop there. So I'm not really sure where to go from here. Another question if the TC was pumped dry does it need to be primed for the pump to start working again? how would that be achieved? I read through some forums about a vacuum line to the top of the Trans, but Im not clear as to weather mine has that or not. I think from what I read that I have the 4R55E trans. Well thanks in advance. I'd like to work on it some Thursday, its my only day off.

 

[96eb96]

I think the fluid circulates based on temperature, but there should be some flow when cold. You would have to verify transmission pressure with a gauge. Is there a difference in fuel level when the truck is off vs running in P?

 

[BillyBoy72]

Thqnk you for the reply. Im guessing you ment fluid level. But in any event, No there was no difference with it off or running in park or running in neutral. I let it run for about a half hour before i decided it was not going to go down. About 8 qts came out when i did the filter, i only put 4 qts. In for now. I wasn't sure if I need to prime the tc and pump. And if I did I'm not sure how other then forcing fluid in with a pump.

 

[96eb96]

Thqnk you for the reply. Im guessing you ment fluid level. But in any event, No there was no difference with it off or running in park or running in neutral. I let it run for about a half hour before i decided it was not going to go down. About 8 qts came out when i did the filter, i only put 4 qts. In for now. I wasn't sure if I need to prime the tc and pump. And if I did I'm not sure how other then forcing fluid in with a pump.

yup fluid sorry. Priming should not be necessary. The trans will not run missing 4 quarts, and the fact that you see fluid on the stick when 4qts low and running is disturbing. Does not sound good. I know fluid is checked running, because the pump draws fluid into the internals. How many miles?

Maybe try one of the lucas trans fix products, if a seal went out it may help. If the pump is really shot though it will never get to do its job. A trans pressure gauge would confirm it though.

 

[BillyBoy72]

OK so the pressure gauge I'll try to get. If a seal was blown I'd loose fluid no. Cause like I said I took about 8 qts out. Owners manual said 8. Something was capacity. It has 177k on it. Can you tell me do I have any vacuum lines and does it matter anyway?

 

[96eb96]

OK so the pressure gauge I'll try to get. If a seal was blown I'd loose fluid no. Cause like I said I took about 8 qts out. Owners manual said 8. Something was capacity. It has 177k on it. Can you tell me do I have any vacuum lines and does it matter anyway?

No, the pump seal would be internal. Some bushing or whatever could be worn too. I don't recall 8 quarts at a pan drop, maybe 3-4? No vacuum lines, possibly a VENT, but I doubt that would cause such a critical issue.

 

[BillyBoy72]

Yeah its in my original post. It appears that most of the fluid was pumped into the bottom of the trans before failure. I never added or removed fluid from this truck it was always right in the hash marks