No Overdrive in A4LD....

[RacerRick]

The overdrive has gone out in my 92' Explorer 4x4. It only has 191km on it (~130-140k miles).

I believe that OD went out while I was driving down the highway. It suddenly just shifted out of OD and would not go back in. No noises, clunks or anything. It drives around fine on the other 3 gears, but 3000rpm on the highway is killing my gas milage.

Is there an article somewhere that list how to do the trouble shooting? It seems like a lot of people have had this issue.

So I will check to see if the TC is still locking (I think it is but will check) and I think the cruise control still works. What else is there to check? The solinoid?

 

[MrShorty]

The first step is to determine if the problem is in the EEC-IV controls of the 3-4 shift (ie an electrical problem) or not. I know I've posted specifics before. The basic idea is to start by pulling and resolving any EEC-IV trouble codes, then check the 3-4 shift solenoid circuit.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The solenoids should have about 25-40 ohms.

 

[MisterCMK]

Probably just the solenoids. It should set a code on the PCM

 

[JakeHammer]

Sorry about the stupid question...

How can I locate these solenoids?
I have 94 4wd XLT. And I'm missing OD also.
Couple of photos would be great!

 

[MrShorty]

The solenoids themselves are in the valve body in the transmission. Pictures should be found in the rebuild diaries in the stickies of this forum.

 

[Glacier991]

The A4LD Valve Body Rebuild Diary is chock full of pictures.

 

[JakeHammer]

Oh yes! Thanks!

 

[RacerRick]

Looks like it is the 3-4 shift solinoid.

I hooked up the voltmeter to the plug with a couple of probes and it gets voltage when it should be shifting into overdrive. The torque converter is locking up fine still.

I have ordered a 3-4 shift solinoid, filter kit, drain plug kit, and the VB gaskets. Is a shift kit worth installing? They seem pretty inexpensive at about $36 but thats even cheaper if you consider they come with the gaskets for the VB which are $12 by themselves.

This is a factory tow package truck, and I am told they already had a reprogrammed transmission with firmer shifts as part of the towing package. I wouldn't mind using it to tow my race car on an open trailer since I sold my F350 dually.

 

[Glacier991]

Shift kits are an excellent idea, but they do not come with separator plate gaskets. You will also need an inch pound torque wrench. Torque on valve bodies is critical and I am seeing way too many people "winging it" and then coming back wondering why they are having problems.

I will caution you this transmission is not designed for towing. If you must, be judicious in your use of overdrive, and add a larger external cooler, preferably with its own fan.