Learned some things about the Explorer today

[tidmarshsmiths5]

• Pulling the park lights on cuts on the radio - think this is why I keep blowing park lights, tag lights, etc...also why it cuts my dash lights off if I try to turn it to full bright; whoever put in the radio must have wired it incorrectly
• Cleaning up in the engine compartment and found a Lucas Tranny Slip top that someone evidently poured into the transmission fluid; not the end of the world as I know I'll have to have it rebuilt in the future but explains why it "clunks" into gear...other than that it shifts fine (every once in awhile in overdrive it'll act like it's skipping or can't decide whether to kick down or not)
  • One of the rear brakes wants to hang up once in awhile; will tear them down one night this week and see if it's a spring or a plunger...maybe an air bubble in the line (I did change the front rotors and could have missed one since I had a heck of a time with those rotors)

Here is what "Ole Blue" looks like; pretty great shape for a 24 year old vehicle.

 

[FR-425]

The delayed or clunky shift is just a band adjustment to correct.

The OD twitchyness is the speed sensor and an adjustment of the kick-down cable.

It is not the overdrive however but the TCC that's doing that.

The kick-down is simple as simple, just press down the "D" shaped plunger on the top, pull the cable out about 1" then go press the throttle all the way to the carpet. Done.

Speed sensor: (transfer case) doubles as the speedo drive)

 

[FR-425]

I just bought a 94' this week with a "slipping" trans and no 3rd gear! for $400. Otherwise it was clean, clean, clean.

Replace the vacuum modulator, cleaned the governor, adjusted kick-down cable, adjusted the bands, replaced speed sensor and changed the fluid. Total cost $135.

Runs and shifts like it should.

Sold it today for $3550! It was THAT clean!

Would have liked to keep that one, but a quick flip for the cash was needed.

 

[tidmarshsmiths5]

Do I need to replace the speed sensor as well?

 

[FR-425]

Yes, adjusting the kick down won't effect the TCC. The 3-4 shift and TCC are electronic, the speed sensor is the primary input for the PCM.

 

[acschilling]

i just bought a 94' this week with a "slipping" trans and no 3rd gear! For $400. Otherwise it was clean, clean, clean.

Replace the vacuum modulator, cleaned the governor, adjusted kick-down cable, adjusted the bands, replaced speed sensor and changed the fluid. Total cost $135.

Runs and shifts like it should.

Sold it today for $3550! It was that clean!

Would have liked to keep that one, but a quick flip for the cash was needed.

gtfo!

That's a score!

Well done!

 

[FR-425]

When I bought mine it ran fine, but I replaced all the engine control sensors just because it's 20+. Made a huge difference in performance and mileage. Not to mention 60,000 miles with nothing but oil changes.

It only cost about $500 to do a full refresh. (if you do all the work yourself) Plugs,wires, ICM, ECT, Speed sens, clean MAF, belt, water pump, rad flush, transmission tune up as described above, TPS, CPS, brakes, (catching breath)

You can use the search box at the top of the page to find specific write-ups for each step.

Also check the "sticky's" on the opening page for first gens.

 

[FR-425]

gtfo!

That's a score!

Well done!

Right! Ex's are in the plenty here in Phoenix. On any given day there are dozen's for sale. This time of year they start having battery, starter, overheat, and trans issues. You can snatch'em up for cheap and do a little tlc and flip.

 

[tidmarshsmiths5]

Right! Ex's are in the plenty here in Phoenix. On any given day there are dozen's for sale. This time of year they start having battery, starter, overheat, and trans issues. You can snatch'em up for cheap and do a little tlc and flip.

wow!