A4LD 2-3 Cold Problem

[AHar_94XLT]

I should start with a little history: Two months ago I was getting "cold" delayed reverse and occasional slipping above 40 mph in normal temp range. A mechanic said it was likely the direct clutch - but did not push doing the work. I found fluid in the line so replaced the vacuum modulator and flushed/changed the filter and fluid. Added TransX. The delayed reverse and slipping went away due to the transx.
Next and the current problem, this week - I lost shifting into 3rd when not fully warmed up. Reverse delay seems to be comming back (again only when cold).
I rechecked the VM line for fluid -none present, and checked the intake manifolds they do not leak cold.
Anyone have ideas on a cause of failure ?

Thanks in advance,

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! How many miles do you have on it? Sometimes bad valve body gaskets, and loose valve body bolts could cause problems like you are having. A 1-2 shift delay when cold is usually a sign of a sticking governor. A delayed reverse, and drive condition are sometimes caused by the seals on the low/reverse servo. They make double wiper rings, and viton rings for that servo. The viton rings are a tighter fit, so they are recommended.

 

[AHar_94XLT]

I bought it used so 141K miles that I know. I should have also added that the old fluid looked like mud. I realize that fluid is left in the tranny on a pan dump and went to a shop today to do a power flush (brave of me huh). I don't think it will help much.
I believe that drive is actually 2 gears and both are having a problem - 3rd engages at a slightly lower temp than 4th.
Does that tell you anything significant ?

Thanks for helping,

 

[BrooklynBay]

I think that your valve body might need a thorough cleaning, and possibly a rebuild. The problem with temperature affecting the shifts might be from bad valve body gaskets. Read Glacier991's A4LD valve body rebuild diary, and you will see how to perform this task.

 

[AHar_94XLT]

I spoke back with the shop that I saw origionally - they still say it's a direct clutch, but never saw it. These guys always want to do a rebuild. I know nothing about transmissions but thought it was the VB when I origionally had the problem with reverse. Maybe cross leakage ? Now I'm thinking maybe the intermediate servo - maybe both. I found that I could replace the VM without dropping the cat - through the unused manual shift cover panel.
(just removed the seat, console and pulled back the carpet) I'm wondering if I can do the servo the same way.....

Thanks again,,

 

[BrooklynBay]

Another thread worth reading is TN_Explorer's A4LD valve body rebuild journal. Here is the link: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=126461

 

[AHar_94XLT]

I think I'll do the VB in the next week or 2 - time depending. I can agree that a donor VB would be handy. Those links are great. I'll order the better kit and things like the new check balls, hide the cat, etc.

I'll let u know how it works out -thanks again

 

[AHar_94XLT]

FYI - I pulled the seat and access panel like I said was there. I was able to see the intermediate servo "BB". There should be enough room to yank and replace either servo this way. I'll confirm this in a few days after I get the new parts.

 

[BrooklynBay]

There is a bigger servo that is available called the ZC. It requires a matching cover. Here's some information that I managed to get on it: 23963A 4R44E, 5R55E servo piston (ZC-2.314") 1997-on ($9.52). Servo Overdrive Piston (5R55E) 2.330" Diameter. 3011 1997-98 2473015. Servo Cover - Intermediate/Overdrive (largest ID of all covers) 3021 1995-UP 2276021. Servo, and Cover Assembly - Largest Apply Area (firms shift) 1985-94 2273001.

 

[AHar_94XLT]

My Intermediate is a BB, OD is an AB. I was under the impression that to change size that its not just the cover & seal but it might involve the piston bore diameter being different. Have you checked this ?

 

[BrooklynBay]

All you have to do is get a matching servo cover, and servo. The outer O ring seal is still the same size, since the outer diameter of the cover goes into the same hole in the case as all of the other covers.

 

[AHar_94XLT]

Well I had to drop the cat and move the whole exaust system back to do the servos - I was hopeful that it would end the saga.

It took about 2 hours to do - drove it a little it seemed ok. Let it sit 3 hours until cold. Second gear kicked in around 3500 RPM the first time. I was a bit disappointed after all that work.

Its probally the govenor is sticking - which to replace is about half the job to drop the tranny altogether. yikes......

 

[BrooklynBay]

Here is the part # of the Sonnax replacement: Governor weight 56615-35 35 mm ($4.46).

 

[AHar_94XLT]

I was told to do the govenor valve, not weight if anything, by a local shop.

He also took it for a quick drive and at 30mph put it in park until the parking pawl gear just started to engage then quickly back to drive. He said this frees up the govenor valve most of the time - I'll know tomorrow when its cold. He said that the problem is not likely the gov - because it would be hung in 2nd not having problems shifting into 2nd.

He believes it is the VB 1-2 valve. Well we'll see. I planned on doing the VB anyway.