overdrive and reverse slipping

[tubicinator]

1995 XLT 4.0 control track, 158,000 miles. Tranny slips in overdrive under a load (uphill). Also, reverse was slipping, now not working at all. I've taken it to a fairly reputable local tranny guy and want to arm myself against what he might tell me. Ford rebuilt this tranny at 55,000 miles, shortly after I bought the car - broken bands - failure and O/D light flashing then.
The O/D light is not flashing now, and car drives fine in forward gears with overdrive switched off.
I don't have the car right now. Can I tell the transmission type from the VIN? Since it had a total rebuild only 103,000 miles ago, is it possible it needs another? What else might be causing the problems?
This site helped me immensely last summer. I did the air mix door fix as photo documented - worked great. Hoping you guys can help me again.

 

[Glacier991]

There is a high probability that the prior rebuild just used the old solenoids. Your problem fix may be as easy as replacing the EPC solenoid, but I'd consider a valve body rebuild as well. I cannot guarantee you this will solve things, but if you do that and a full flush, the odds are in your favor.

Your have a 4R44E or a 4R55E, the 5R55E Valve Body REbuild Diary covers your valve body rebuild pretty well, and using it you should be able to do the things necessary. It is in the stickies at the top of this forum.

 

[tubicinator]

Thanks. No time to do this myself. Can you tell me what price ranges might be acceptable from the shop for 1) EPC solenoid replacement 2) valve body rebuild (what's the name of the valve)? 3) Full flush?

 

[Glacier991]

Here is what I would recommend. Get the trans flushed. (This may improve the symptoms but will not fix it. Price? $100.) drive it a week. Then have a shop replace the EPC solenoid... and when they drop the pan to do that have them replace the filter. Price... maybe $400 to $500. In an ideal world, I'd like to see the FORD Mod done on this transmission (see Diary) but that would add another $150 I would guess, and the EPC changeout on this transmission is an expensive devil all by itself.

Pro's and Cons. Pro. This is way cheaper than a rebuild and has a decent chance of fixing your problem. The fact we are not rebuilding the VB and adding new gaskets (a problem child) does not eliminate all the non rebuild possibilities.... but it goes along way.

Cons - It may not fix the problem. But if you plan to rebuild this is stuff needing to be done (the new EPC for example....) so your eventual rebuild, should do you do that will either be cheaper or better.

A full VB rebuild with kit and FORD mods? On this tranny maybe $650 or so maybe more.. at Shop prices.

Oh and, a valve body is not a valve, but the brains of the transmission.... many many valves and solenoids etc... for more info invest the time to skim the diary.

 

[tubicinator]

Overdrive

Thanks a heap. Would Ford have done the Ford mods when they rebuilt in 2001, or is it a more recent recommendation?

 

[Glacier991]

I think the initial TSB was 2002.