96 Explorer with shifting problems

[nomad94]

I have a 96 4x4 xlt with 115,000 miles on it. At around 80,000 I started having problems getting it to shift from first to second gear. It would not shift unless I drove very slowly and kept the rpm's down but if I took my foot off the gas for a moment it would pop right into second. It then shifted fine into third and fourth. The O/D light also comes on and flashes until I shut the engine off.

Took it to Ford and they immediately said it needs a new trannny, $2500 please, eh no thanks.

Transmission fluid is clean and there are no leaks, I have become so profficient at driving it like this that I am used to it. The problem has gotten no worse in the last 25k so it can't need a new transmission, but I would like to get it fixed as it is a great ride and I still love driving it.

I have searched the forum but haven't found too many answers for this problem and thought that there may be some new ideas on what this problem could be.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[white96x]

why don't you take it to a trans specialty shop and have them diagnose the problem-just because you think it doesn't need a brand new trans doesn't mean there aren't some internal parts that could have problems-just a thought

 

[jon42]

Nomad:That is one of the most common problems ive read in these forums with the ford trans(A4LD,4r44e,4r55e).The ATSG manual says to check the following:fluid level,kickdown,"GOVORNER VALVE STICKING"(much troubles with this in others trans),intermediate band out of adjustment(worth checking at 115K miles(..easy to adjust),vacuum diaphram leaking,valve body bolts loose(lots of owners replacing filters have discovered this).The A4ld mutated into the 4r44e and 4r55e units and many improvement where made in the progression.Ive been talking to a guy contemplating a rebuild at 200K.That would leave one to believe many more miles are possible at 115K.The only damage the manual states capable of causing the condition you are discribing is an intermediate servo.......This is all stuff you can examine your self with manual and a cheap set of sockets.Go for it.If you get scared come back here and we,ll talk you through it..............jon

 

[nomad94]

My plan is to take it into a transmission shop and have it checked as soon as I can find the time to drop it off and be without it for a day or so. I just figure the more knowledge I have going in about the problem the less chance I have of being ripped off.

I appreciate the input from jon42 and white96x , I am still hoping to hear from some people who have had a successful resolution to this problem other than a new or rebuilt transmission.

This is by far the best board I have found for info on my X and have used it to fix other maintenance issues on it in the past.

More input is much appreciated.

 

[nomad94]

Well I took it to Aamco and they said it needs a new tranny. I am still driving it the same as when the problem started but it now has 121 K on it and the problem is no worse.

If it has to be replaced then I would rather sell it and get a newer Ex.

Has anyone who actually has had this specific problem been able to fix it without replacing the tranny?

 

[Bill Kemp]

Search for posts from Opera House. He is very knowledgeable and has discussed many trans issues/repairs. You will probably need to get a trans manual and parts which he has mentioned & shown the site to get them. As with many repairs that you havent done before, doing it isnt half as bad as thinking about it. And your probably looking at a couple of hundred $ or less instead for a thousand or more.