HELP! Delayed shift when cold

[acepaul]

Unfortunately this is a 94 xlt with a A4LD auto so there is no stuck speed governor easy fix for this one. Basically, when i first go down the road when the tranny is cold, it does not want to shift out of first until the rpms get up above 3500. After a few succesful shifts and a little warming up, it starts to work perfectly. I can see the saliva dripping from the mouths of all the trans mechanics I talk to. I dont think this is really a total rebuild scenario, but hey, if I knew the answer, I wouldnt be here.
I had the tranny flushed, new filter put in and I threw some lubeguard in it. Made a little difference, but still has the problem. Hello? Anybody...

 

[JWood]

Vacuum Modulator? A4LD

Had the same problem with my 93 about 5k miles after last rebuild. The problem was the speed governor, which you said is not present on the 94. However, prior to finding the problem the vacuum modulator was replaced, then the valve body removed and cleaned. Might ask about those, if you haven't already.

 

[CHH777]

I had the same problem. I have a 94 with the A4LD and it DOES have a speed govenor. Sounds like you've already seen this:

Dead Link Removed

If your Explorer isn't 4x4 this is a very simple fix...

 

[jDan]

I too have the same problem. My tranny hates to shift when its cold. I have also had it flushed and a new modulator put on it as well. Works fine the rest of the time. However it makes me worry about my engine because 4000 rpms first thing in the morning isn't exactly the best thing to do to your motor. If anybody has a clue what the problem please let me know!

 

[acepaul]

More info

My explorer is a 4x4 so getting to the govenor would not be my idea of a fun time. Also, I found out that if I stick it in 2 it will shift up to second, but then it went back down to first gear when I stuck it back in drive. It only did this once because it warms up and starts working pretty quick. A couple people I talked to said that the speed sensors were all electronic on the 94 4x4. Who knows..

 

[JWood]

Tranny Problem

Acepaul -

That's a tough call. Sounds like you do have sources to help evaluate the problem. Still, I would get a recommendation or two about a tranny shop and try to pick their brain about it; or go to a Ford dealership and try to talk your way into asking a transmission repair person there about it.

It's hard to say how long it will last like that, but the symptom could get worse the longer you wait, unfortunately.

And your right about tranny shops, they love the A4LD....it's a money maker for them!!

 

[n2knee]

And your right about tranny shops, they love the A4LD....it's a money maker for them!!

I thought the A4LD was one of the most reliable transmissions that Ford had ever built? Some even said they had gone over 250K miles in limousines/trucks without a major problem at all.

 

[JWood]

Is the A4LD reliable?

n2knee -

You may be correct, I really don't know the actual reliability data. However, the transmission shop I use always has another Explorer or 2 in there for a rebuild each time I have visited.

It could be that because there are so many Explorers on the road, that it may only seem as though a high number of A4LDs have failed, when in reality the percentage of A4LDs made vs the number of them reapired/rebuilt may be in line with other companies. Who knows?

It would be interesting to find out!!

 

[n2knee]

I am interested in finding that out too! I have the A4LD as well.

 

[JWood]

Transmission Fluid

n2knee -

One thing I overlooked was changing transmission fluid on time in years past. That's one thing, I believe, that led to my first rebuild.

 

[n2knee]

Originally posted by n2knee
I am interested in finding that out too! I have the A4LD as well.

...wait. I may not have the A4LD. I think I have the A4OD (automatic four speed over drive). Is there such a thing as A4OD?

 

[acepaul]

Problem might have gone

Hey, I just got back from Thanksgiving down at Long Beach. While we were there, I took my explorer out on the beach abd drove it several miles through the sand. This put the rig through a tremendous workout for both engine and tranny. Since I got back I have not noticed a shifting problem when cold. The weather isnt as cold now as last week, but will let you know when it gets below freezing if the problem is still gone. Maybe the fix is: flush tranny, add lubeguard, and go to the beach. I've heard stranger...

 

[CHH777]

acepaul,

The A4LD speed sensor is electronic. However, the speed governor is a small mechanical valve. What typically happens is debris in your tranny fluid gets lodged in the valve and causes erratic shifting. Mine started acting up (exactly as you mentioned) after I did a high mileage tranny flush. If I had changed the fluid every 20K miles this probably wouldn't have happened...