A4LD converter clutch solenoid.

[pondoon]

Hello, I am in serious need of some help w/my '88 Aerostar. The van clunks out when put in to gear (Rev. or Drive). It is like when you dump the clutch w/ a Man. Transmission. This vehicle is the only source of Transportation for my entire family currently, and money for repairs is scarce, so I am hoping that I may be able, w/ some advice to diagnose and repair "under the shade tree". I am not a mechanic, but have worked on and maintained vehicles since I was a child. I am a quick learner and can exhibit patience when absolutely necessary. I was curious about the Conv.Clutch Solenoid. I disconnected the Solenoid to see if it acted differently, but without being able to really drive it,I really didn't learn anything. I am wanting to find out if it is possible that the problem is the Solenoid, or if there are other "external" issues to be investigated before having to open everything up. When this occurred, it was sudden, and about a mile from home. I was able to get it home by getting the RPM's up enough to keep it from stalling out. It shifted fine through the gears, fluid level was in the crosshatch, but on the low side. Fluid does not smell burnt, is not pristine but does not too "dirty". There are no sounds or smells that are suspicious. Could the Torque converter be "locked out", if so, what is the remedy?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[rhauf]

What does the fluid look like? if it is dark and dirty it's likely that something in the valve body just got clogged up with clutch dust and particles, so the TCC (torque converter clutch) is stuck in the locked position. a simple cleaning of the valve body or parts of it may help. also sounds like your on the right track with the TCC solenoid, perhaps it is gummed up inside from dirty fluid as well. i'm not a transmission expert but those things come to mind.

 

[pondoon]

Thanks for the reply! The fluid is not burnt, not filthy but not pristine. I will pull the TCC and inspect and clean. Do you happen to have an idea how to test the TCC for operability, or after cleaning will it "unlock"? I disconnected the TCC, but did not yet remove it - Does it pullout or twist out?
Thanks for your help! Very much appreciated!

 

[rhauf]

I don't know how to remove it.

but i can tell you this, if the electrical connector (two or three prong depending on the year.. i think yours is 2 prong) is disconnected, the TCC will not engage. so you might just try unplugging it. that would rule out any electrical problem.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! The 1988 A4LD has 2 solenoids (TCC & 3-4 shift), so the plug has 3 wires. How many miles does it have? Did you ever replace the fluid & filter since you had it? The screen might be ripped or the O rings might be deteriorated. The fluid level might be a little low.

 

[FORDBOYpete]

More Information Req'd

I don't understand what you are saying above, your Aero is not engaging in gear at standstill ? or It kicks out in motion? If so @ what approx' speed? Does it kick out almost instantly or must you be going & at what mph? If it kicks out @ low speed, or starting out from dead stop, T/C isn't locked up yet. So that rules out torque converter issues. T/C lock s up during "@ speed operation" [20-28 mph],to reduce any sort of unnecessary slipage, increase fuel efficiency ratio & reduce unwanted "heat" as a result of uneeded slippage.

If A/T starts to move then kicks out your issue is more likely something else.
If you clarify @ what speed it happens, what effect accelerator position has on it & an idea of what overall mileage is on vehicle, you'll get a much better assessment of what is going on, Atleast in my diagnostic opinion.

CIAO
FBp

 

[rhauf]

I have a feeling he figured out the problem and now isn't going to come back and tell us what it was