Auto 94 won't go into gear

[JGalt]

I have a 1994 XLT, V6, automatic transmission. Within the past couple of weeks, I have noticed that it takes a while to get into gear after stopping. No matter how hard or soft I press the pedal, I sometimes have to redline the tachometer before it lurches into driving mode. It only does this for the first couple of miles, before the engine gets warmed up. Anyone else have the same problem? Any solutions? I greatly appreciate any help you can give me. It has 116000 miles on it, too. Thanks!

 

[Glenn Biggs]

With 116,000 miles, sounds like your transmission is asking you for a rebuild. But first check your transmission fluid, it could be low. If not, have a shop you trust check your transmission. Good luck.

 

[Myles]

I'm Sorry to say it but I have to agree with the above comment. It sounds like you need a rebuild. To prolong this, shift through first and second until the tranny warms up them try putting it into drive. This will last you a while, but the problem is still there. your looking from 1500 to 2500 dollars to repair.

I had the same problem and theres not much you can do about it.

Possilbe causes; the engine ran hot (rad problems), fluid is done (do tranny services about 3-4 times a year, VERY IMPORTANT).

My suggestion is to find a rebuilt one around your area, buy it, have it installed, and, if your mechanically aware, rebuild your old one so you have a spare. reason being these trucks have terrible transmissions on years 91-94 and you better get used to this if you plan on keeping it!

Preventaive maintenance;

(1) Do a tranny serviceing about 3-4 times a year

(2) Have your rad serviced 2-3 times a year depending on your climate

(3) Put in a transmission additive on every servicing

Good luck

Myles
94 XLT

P.S. Pay close attention to your rad fluid!!!

 

[gtmazz]

The first thing I would do is check the Vaccum modulator located on the passenger side of the tranny.One way to check is to pull the vaccum line that lead to the tranny off of at the tee located on the manifold(driver side)and see if u see any tranny fluid in there. For 30 bucks I would try this first.....I happened to me and a friend of mine...Good luck

 

[Brett]

JGalt,
If you need the number of a great shop in the Denver area let me know. My truck is there right now getting a clutch, slave cylinder, and tranny rebuild. You should feel lucky too! Mine only has 67K miles.

Brett

94 Sport

 

[Extreme4x4]

Yes your trans is in need of a rebuild. 116,000 miles is good for an overdrive auto trans...... ANY overdrive auto trans. A good trans shop should be able to do a complete rebuild for under $2000, this is with a new torque converter and all new internals. Make sure the shop is familiar with the A4LD, or go elsewhere. Many shops will cheap out and not replace the forward one-way clutch. This is a guaranteed trans repair right after the 12month warranty is up. The A4LD is kinda tricky to work on..... this is why you want to make sure the shop is competant. Also make sure they replace the overdrive drum, they are stamped tin and get out of round. As far as after you get the vehicle back: You should only have to service the trans once a year (every 12-15,000 miles). If you do heavy towing with the vehicle I would recommend an aftermarket trans cooler. A real good stacked plate type, like B&M are available for about $50. These are far superior to the factory cooler, located in the radiator. If you need a good Ford trans expert, I have one here in AZ. Good luck.

 

[jhayes]

I just had the same problem, wouldn't go into gear. It was low on trans fluid. This was caused by the modulator valve leaking fluid down the vacuum line into the engine. I would check this before a rebuild.

Jhayes

 

[JGalt]

funny story-
checked the transmission fluid, was almost out. drove out to the Ford dealer, they couldn't change it before the morning, so my dad and I did it with a tech in the parking lot. That seemed to have been the problem. I checked, and the transmission was replaced before I bought it a couple of months ago, so I was just out of fluid. Thanks for everyone's help, though