Engine shuts down when put into drive

[gottagitgoin']

Been searching for some info here, but maybe not searching correctly, and hopefully posting this in the right place! '97 Explorer starts fine, runs fine, reverse and neutral fine. Put into drive and it kind of lurches, a little shuddery clunk, and shuts down engine. It was an intermittent thing, where a cooldown would solve, and then a battery disconnect, and now nothing. O/D had been flashing intermittently previously. Can't get codes without drive cycles, and have heard it could be time for new tranny at 135,000.
Would tcc solenoid be at the top of the list?
Epc solenoid?
torque converter?
shorts and/or opens in wiring?
and lastly, a poltergeist of some sort?
I really want to drive somewhere soon! It's been a year!

 

[drdoom]

You can get the codes as long as you haven't disconnected the battery, but you need a pro level scanner. Post back up when you have the codes.

 

[gottagitgoin']

Therein lies a previous problem, the battery had to be replaced, so the obd-II won't do a full scan without a full drive cycle. I also changed the fluid and filter,
with nothing alarming with fluid condition or metal in the fluid. I pulled the tcc solenoid and it clicked when put on the batt and had what I thought was about 10 ohms, but I would like to know how to check it from the pcm side of it, and the other solenoids.
Can the pcm be pulled out and checked (at a ford servicer) and updated?
I don't mind spending a few bucks and systematically eliminating some causes, to see if the 5r55e has any miles left.
Thanks for your reply..

 

[my98nnj]

Can you feather the gas while you put it in drive to keep it running?

 

[gottagitgoin']

unfortunately no, it might lurch about 2 feet and clunk out....
Once, I put in 4x4 at it stayed running. Took it out of 4x, and stayed running. I might try that again, but doubtful...
Thanks for the reply

 

[koda2000]

i'm no transmission expert, but it sounds to me that this would be caused by a bad torque converter.

 

[Bobmbx]

Yeah, sounds like the TC is locking as soon as you put it in drive.

 

[pcam13]

Agree with the other answers. A locked TC will do it. Try replacing the solenoids first since pulling the TC is a pain.

 

[gottagitgoin']

I was thinking of just getting a new TC, solenoid pack, and valve body gasket, and go from there. I know what people say about throwing parts at a problem, but I'm getting a little antsy. The real kicker is that the exhaust is in the way of everything!
However, I'll try the solenoids and vb gasket first...
Thanks for your input!
(I'm hoping a friend will let me work on it at his auto shop. Will update with findings. What's the easiest way to tow with another Utility vehicle? A dolly? Just don't see people using tow straps anymore!.)

 

[Bobmbx]

If its a 4x4 its best to get a trailer. Otherwise, dolly the front, and remove the drive shaft.

 

[gottagitgoin']

Thanks again,

For the sports fans: Seattle Mariners season came down to last game! (oakland in)
But now it's on to hockey season! Feel free to jump on the MN Wild bandwagon!
Yes, I am in Oregon, but lived in those states. All we have here is basketball, pffft