A4LD Not Shifting To 2nd Until Throttle Is Disengaged

[Forder]

My dad called me from across the state looking for advice since we both have identical '94 Explorers. He's doesn't do much online, so I'm posting this here for him.

Problem: He's telling me that his Ex will not up shift to 2nd until he lets off the throttle, then it will shift through the gears fine. It seems to only affect 1-2 shift and it does it regardless of temperature or run time. I had him try shifting it manually from 1-2 on the column and it still doesn't respond until you release the throttle.

Checked/replaced: Tranny fluid was about 1/2 quart low, so he topped it off and no difference. He replaced the modulator valve a few years ago and just replaced it again hoping to fix it and it didn't. He did noticed fluid in and around the vacuum hose coming off the modulator valve though, so he thought he'd replace it anyways. He also said he checked the vacuum lines for leaks and didn't find any.

I think he's going to try a flush and filter replacement, but I wasn't sure what else to tell him as I've never had that issue on my Ex with over 220k on it, he's got around 180k or so I think. I have searched here on the '91-'94 subforum though and all I have found so far is that it may be a vacuum leak somewhere or the governor. But most people are saying that if it's the governor, then the shifting issue will go away once the tranny warms up and that doesn't seem to be the case.

So is there anything else you all could suggest that doesn't warrant him pulling the transmission? Any help is appreciated! Thanks in advance .

 

[runningred92]

While he is doing the flush and filter change have him check the bands. It may be just adjusting will solve it.

 

[wood1]

X2 on the band adjustment. If that doesn't fix the problem then replace the governor. If it is jammed it won't free up once the transmission heats up to operating temp. It's pretty easy and cheap to replace. You don't even have to drop the pan or change the fluid.