'98 Explorer Won't Start Off in 1st (then 2nd...)

[mikey7]

This is sort of a continuation of a Transfer Case, electrical, computer problem (almost dead computer).

I took the TC shift motor off (SM) and found that the TC is the H-N-L model (Borg Warner IIRC). The TC will shift easily when the eng is running and in Neutral, but not when the eng is not running, usually...that's expected.

But, now the reg tranny won't start out in 1st, but starts out in 3rd instead. I don't see any way, but could this be caused by taking the SM off ?

Did I read that there is a TC speed sensor ? Could this cause it ?

 

[Mbrooks420]

No. This has nothing to do with the shift motor, as stated in the other thread. All of your issues are almost surely related to your computer issues.

I’m not sure why you are so dead set against fixing this the correct way.

 

[mikey7]

Re-flashing the computer is not an option, it costs too much. And can anyone guarantee that a reflash will fix it ? No. I'm a BSEE and have been around computers for 40+ years. For this vehicle, it must be fixed to shift manually and the Brown Wire is the way to do it, simple, cheap, and it will always work.

Thx though. I didn't think the SM or TC would affect the regular tranny either. I have to investigate all possibilities.

 

[Mbrooks420]

You gonna manually shift that transmission, too? Nothing you do with the shift motor is gonna fix that.

You know what WOULD probably fix an electronically controlled transmission……..

 

[donalds]

Why not try a different computer
I'd grab both the .....gem and pcm .....
Not that costly just my opinion

 

[C420sailor]

It’s a good idea to have an extra GEM for your vehicle on hand anyway. It’s not uncommon for them to go bad

That said, I don’t think the GEM controls anything related to the transmission. But it covers all your other problems.

You got gremlins

 

[mikey7]

It's not my Explorer, so I can't recommend a newer ECM or another computer, and, I agree with him. More computers, unless I have free access to a few like a junkyard, are just too much trouble and there are no guarantees. This Explorer is just too old with too many miles and it has to be fixed as manually as possible.

I'm a little confused though, does the above post mean that the regular tranny is also computer controlled ?

 

[Mbrooks420]

Yes. Your transmission is absolutely controlled by, and will not work, without a computer.

 

[mikey7]

Ruh Roh. This is getting more complicated than I 1st thought. Why would taking the SM off cause the reg tranny to shift weird ?

 

[Mbrooks420]

It wouldn’t. You have deeper issues. Like I’ve said many times, your transfer case isn’t important. Focus on the transmission.

 

[mikey7]

I agree in general but it is important as I need to put a switch on the brown wire, so the TC is out of the picture completely.
NOW what do I do ? It's not my car or problem (I have a 4R) but, it seems the reg tranny isn't getting any speed indication input.
The owner won't buy a new computer.

 

[Mbrooks420]

You can simply shift the cam position into high. You can also simply pull the front drive shaft. Transfer case issue fixed.

The transfer case is mostly irrelevant. If the transmission won’t shift, it’s scrap metal. If your front differential is damaged (you said it was making a lot of racket) it’s scrap. It’s very possibly your transfer case is ruined from driving locked.

Spending hours and hours to create a transfer case solution is foolish if you have another existing major problem.

It’s very possible this isn’t fixable.

 

[mikey7]

Yes, I know about shifting the TC into H or L.
Next is to add a switch on the TC EM clutch circuit.
After that, I don't know what 2 do re the reg tranny not starting out in L.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Yes, I know about shifting the TC into H or L.
Next is to add a switch on the TC EM clutch circuit.
After that, I don't know what 2 do re the reg tranny not starting out in L.

Why not fix that first? You’re gonna spend all this time and effort, only to have a smoked t case, ruined front diff, or a truck that can’t be driven because the transmission doesn’t function.

 

[mikey7]

Yup, good idea. And a match. Put it out of it's automatic misery.