96 XLT 4X4 automatic not engaging gears.

[IanM]

Hello guys,

I started the journey of fixing up my parents old explorer a couple of months ago, with what little free time I could scrounge up. So far I've replaced the fuel filter and dropped the fuel tank twice. The first time to clean out the fuel that has sat in it since 08. And a second time to replace the fuel pump (that was yesterday.) With a great feeling of accomplishment I called it a day. Then this morning I go and start up the engine so that I can move the car 50' to where I was planning on changing the oil. That's when I discovered that it won't engage the transmission.

So I've tried shifting it into reverse, drive, 2nd, and 1st. With no luck. I tried switching it through the 4wd modes. I also checked the fluid level, it's fine. The check engine light is on, and the o/d light will start flashing. I'm not sure what's up. So I figured that I'd come to you guys for help. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I've tried to include all information that I believe is relevant, but I'm sure that I've missed something.

I was planning on getting new tires, and a new battery on Friday. Also new trans fluid, so that I drain the tranny, and fill it with fresh fluid. The plan is to replace all fluids in the vehicle, since it sat for so long.

Any help that you guys have is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Ian

 

[too_many@verizon]

I have the same vehicle (96 Exp. XLT 4R55E trans. 135,000 mi.) and since last Friday, the same problem. It was not giving me any trouble at all, then I got about 100 yds after leaving a stop sign, and it felt like it popped out of gear. I managed to coast into a parking lot and started going down the usual list. Fluid is full, does not smell burnt, nothing dripping or smoking. I tried starting it and put it into Reverse, it made the usual klunk into gear (maybe a little lighter than normal) and it tries to move back, but will barely move. Put it into drive next, same thing, light klunk into gear and tries to move forward, but will only keep moving if I step out and push, was on level asphalt.
Since then I dropped the pan, changed the filter and fluid, and cleaned the grey stuff out of the pan and magnet. No chunks in there, just the fine grey mud.
Same thing, no change. No bllinking OD light, No codes found either.

 

[IanM]

I've been meaning to get back on here for a few days, your reply just reminded me. I was able to finally get the tranny in my car to work. Turns out that it was just low fluid on my behalf. The dipstick was reading in the proper level with the vehicle off and the transmission cold. So very low on fluid, added a couple of quarts and it runs like a charm!