Cold start, no shift.

[MustangShane]

Okay I have a 1991 Explorer 4x4 with 199,000mi., Towing package, and the last filter and fluid change was about 12,000mi. ago. I checked the fluid yesterday and it was full and light red/slightly brown. Doesn't smell burnt. My problem is when I start it cold it enguages and drives. But it wont up-shift until it warms a little. I can drive it about 3-4 blocks before it shifts into second at about 25 deg. outside. Plus and maybe its not related. After I started it one time leaving work it smelled like a burning wire. I did some light checks and didn't turn anything up under the hood or in the passenger compartment. So what do you guys think the problem is. I dont think it needs a rebuild but if it does I might have to get rid of the truck at this point.

 

[Glacier991]

This symptom is commonplace if your governor is stuck or sticking. You can repair this without removing the transmission, but you DO have to drop the transfer case.

 

[jnc04]

Had the same problem, a trans specialist replaced my modulators and put in a new governor. no problems now. Hope it helps

 

[MustangShane]

Thanks guys for the replies. Any idea how much that would cost? Its gotta be better than dropping the trans. Oh and is it okay to continue driving or will it damage the trans?

 

[Glacier991]

It won't hurt anything to keep driving it until you get it fixed. I don't know what a dealer's labor would be... probably 4 hours..... and about $100 for a "new" governor. You do not necessarily need to replace the modulator at the same time unless there is some evidence it is not holding vacuum (leaking). you might look at the U joints in the front driveline while you have it out.

 

[MustangShane]

Okay thanks. Thats what I was loing for. I'm going to take it to a tranny shop. But I dont want to get ripped off. Ya know. I checked the vac. lines for trans fluid and it was dry and clean. So no issue there. Thanks a ton Glacier.