A4LD Issue

[SPSmith]

I have a 1991 Explorer XLT 4x4 with 150K miles on it. This vehicle was purchased July 2011 and had sat idle for quite some time. Here are the A4LD's transmission symptoms:

1. When cold, the trans functions normally.
2. As it warms it flares between 2-3.
3. Further warming yields flare between 1-2.
4. Completely warmed and there is slippage in 1, 2, and 3.
5. Lockup is positive in OD.
6. There is virtually no trans fluid on the main body of the trans or transfer case.
7. There is a small drip from the end of the shift linkage.
8. All cooling/vacuum lines are sound.
9. The bulk of the visible fluid is on the front of the bellhousing and on the engine.

My first guess would be that the front pump seal has gone south. If that is the case, what are the chances that this could account for the above symptoms?

Thank you in advance for any and all help with this issue.

 

[nexis]

When its warmed up, do you have to spool the engine up to get it go, or will it idle off of a stop?

 

[SPSmith]

It will idle off a stop.

 

[runningred92]

Sounds to me it is a typical A4LD tranny having typical A4LD problems. Ultimately you are looking at a rebuild in your future. In the meantime here are a few things you can do to this one while you prepare financially for the rebuild. change the fluid and filter. while you have the pan off adjust your bands. All those should carry you a long way. Also when adding new fluid go ahead and add a quart of the Lucas trans stop leak. I did all this to mine last year trying to buy time to get the money for a rebuild. Over a year since and I have not had many problems since. I had most of your exact symptoms and doing all those have worked for me so far.The only problem I still have is mine does like to lose fluid along the way and I have to add a quart every 3 or 4 months depending on how much I drive and believe it or not how cold it is outside. Hope this helps.

 

[SPSmith]

Thank you for the good advice. I'm going to assume that taking a day and replacing the front pump seal (as well as what you have suggested) couldn't hurt.

Now to find a quick tutorial on band adjustment.

 

[Mettler]

Dont use Dex! Use only Mercon V. Dexron will kill an A4LD. The leak on the shift linkage is not fixable with the trans in the vehicle. Or so I was told by a trans shop owner that I know to be reputable. Its an oil seal on the shift shaft. It only leaks when the truck is not running. My tranny died at 155k. I went to step on the throttle and it felt like i popped it in neutral.

 

[SPSmith]

Update!

Update:

We dropped the pan and were surprised to find no metal. The fluid was filthy but not burned. The filter, naturally, was completely plugged or near enough to make no difference. We adjusted the bands, replaced the filter and added new fluid. Lo and behold, it now shifts like new and the leaks have disappeared. At first glance, this seemed odd, but upon reflection it stands to reason.

Special thanks to those who responded and for all the great advice.