Automatic Transmission problem HELP!

[gianclaudio]

Hi, my name is gianclaudio, I owe a Ford Explorer XLT 1997, and I am having a transmission problem.

Ther "check service" light is on all the time and the reason is because when I ran a computer tester for Fords, it showed that the first gear is not kicking in, I always go from stop to second gear even if I step real hard on the gas.

I took the transmission down and found out that the preassure valve was getting stuck, so I kind off fixed it but then when I was driving to the mountains, I took the overdrive off, and the problem kicked in again, and I haven't been able to fix it.

Once, I had a load of about 50 cement blocks in the back, and when I was going up a hill which was very steep, the first kicked in and the light went off for a while but then came back on and the same problem, the car goes from 0 to second gear always.

Can you give me any hints, besides buying a new transmission? =)

I really would appreciate it.

Sincerely,
Gianclaudio from Panama Central America...

 

[ALYZ1FLR]

Welcome.

There are a couple of possibilities but it sounds like the low reverse servo lips seal is leaking. That is the one you see when you take out your valve body. The other poss. is the valve body gaskets themselves. By the way the pressure valve that was stuck was it an electronic valve or a spring and spool valve? Try coming to a stop on a slight incline and see if it feels like it falls out of gear or rolls backwards like it in neutral. Alot of folks got that when the valve body gakets were leaking. Also check the manual linkage adjustment. I know it sounds dumb but missadjusted shifting linkage will do all of those things you listed. To adjust the linkage put the transmission in O.D. and have some one hold down on the lever. Then disconnect the ball socket and make sure it is centered on the ball stud. the adjustment is a pinch type on the bracket were it attaches to the transmission. Once its is centered, push it back on the ball. Good luck and post your results. You might help someone else out.