Fascinating transmission problem - ideas?

[TN_Explorer]

I've had my share of transmission problems, but never anything like this --->

91 EB, A4LD: It's been acting normally, a little weak, revving on hills, running about 2900 RPM at 70 (wife's 91 with a new rebuild sits on 2500 RPM @ 70).
Today, on the way home, I entered the Interstate & it shifted nice & strong - then locked in a 2300 RPM @ 70 - I was hoping some dirt broke loose & it would be working great from now on -- yeah, right. When I pulled off the Interstate & came to a stop, it stalled the engine. I managed to get it off the road, but it acted like it was locked solid in 3rd gear; kept stalling.

After playing with it, I found I could manually shift it from 1st through the gears, but when it got up to about 30 in OD position, it dropped down to about 1300 rpm and lugged the engine. When I got home, I tried to back it into a parking spot, and it kept stalling the engine in reverse - I ended up pushing it into an out of the way spot until the spring thaw.

Clean, full, red fluid - engine runs great, nothing to warn me, but as always, the old reliable Explorers bring me home before they give up, so I'm thankful for that.

It's got 172K on the clock, so I may be replacing the tranny, but thought maybe you folks could give me some ideas before I break out the checkbook. Thanks!

 

[Glacier991]

Likely the TCC solenoid. Someone else on here is having the same problem. Same advice....

Here is the thread... come back here and read on after you look at that thread...

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123312

Your A4LD only has TWO computer controlled events... 3/4 shift, and TCC.

You can pull the valve body and access them. Both are relatively cheap, if you go this route replace em both. For more info and pics peruse the "My A4LD Rebuild Diary" in the Useful threads forum.

 

[Opera House]

I should mention this. Before you try to just pull the solenoids out, the valve body MUST be dropped to do this. They do look like you don't have to do that. Not that hard. Just don't tip it over if the seperator plate has been removed because things will fall out. And you can't tell the players without a program.

 

[TN_Explorer]

I'll give it a try

I've always been a little (make that a LOT) intimidated by an automatic transmission, but between you guys on this board and a friend at work, I am encouraged to try removing the valve body. I recently flushed the transmission, and am told that may have allowed varnish or crud into the VB.

Between work, snow, and Christmas trips, it will be a while before I attempt this. In the interim I will read the Rebuild diary, and try to work up the courage to get into it.

As my coworker says, the worst I can do is nothing, and I might just get it running!

Thanks & Merry Christmas! I will repost after I make my big attempt & tell you how I fare.

-- Mike

 

[Glacier991]

If you need any assistance, advice or moral support, we're all happy to provide it. Diagrams etc. This site is all about help and furthering our collective knowledge. If you really get stuck feel free to PM me, I'll give you my telephone number. Since you are going to drop the VB, might as well clean it and check all spools and bores.... essentially when you get done and add new solenoids, you have a VB rebuild... if you have a digital camera... as you sit at your kitchen counter and work on it (great place for VB work... on a towel...) you might photograph it and we can help you post a newbie VB rebuild! (That will be a useful thread for sure). Let us know when you're ready and several of the old hands here will be happy to give you an assist. In fact, make ya a deal. Agree to do (or take pics for) a photo thread and I'll send ya free gaskets for the VB and separator plate! (Christmas special, limited time offer, not good in States where prohibited. One at this price. Vin number..... (wait? VIN number???!!!)

And Merry Christmas.