Questions on adjusting the tranny bands

[blk88]

I have the issue that after searching seems to be somewhat common. I have a 95 Ex and got the code 646 that says 2nd gear failure. It takes a while to shift into 2nd gear and only does so after I let off the gas. After searching I came across adjusting the intermediate band. Here are my questions: there is an adjustment for the intermediate band and the o/d band. Now one the tranny which one is which? Since I wasn't sure I followed the instructions on this write up http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158160&highlight=adjusting+4r55e+intermediate+band and adjusted both back 2 turns. My other question is would 1/2 a turn make a difference since the write up says 2.5 turns back? Also, is there suppose to be any tension when you back these out? After backing both out 2 turns there was no change. My last two questions are: can I adjust them more and what if adjusting the bands doesn't solve my issue. Could it be a bad solenoid? Thanks for any advice.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you feel the band get snug when you adjusted it? If not, then you might have a broken band.

 

[blk88]

Did you feel the band get snug when you adjusted it? If not, then you might have a broken band.

Thanks for getting back so quickly. No...neither bands had tension when backing them out. This is where I'm getting confused. Do I back them out from their current positions 2 turns?

 

[BrooklynBay]

You tighten the adjusting studs with a torque wrench, back them out, then lock them into place with the nut.

 

[blk88]

You tighten the adjusting studs with a torque wrench, back them out, then lock them into place with the nut.

After reading the thread again and thinking this through I think I got the idea...back the adjusting stud out to the 10 ft.-lbs and then back in the 2 -2.5 turns then lock them down with the lock nut. I just turned it out 2 turns from there current position. So how far out should the adjusting stud come out before I should feel tension...if the band isn't broken. Would it still shift if the band is broken? Thanks for all the help.

 

[BrooklynBay]

You have it the other way around. You have to turn the adjusting stud in, then back it out. Don't back it out first. The apply struts might fall out.

 

[blk88]

You have it the other way around. You have to turn the adjusting stud in, then back it out. Don't back it out first. The apply struts might fall out.

Thank you very much! I've messed with a lot of stuff between my Ex and XJ Jeep, but never a transmission. Thanks for the help and I will follow up after I adjust it tonight. I hope this works. A rebuilt tranny is about half of what I paid for the Ex. Thanks again!

 

[blk88]

No go on adjusting the bands. They both seemed to adjust fine, but the 1st to 2nd gear shift didn't change. All my other gears shift firmer so that's nice. Would it be the shift solenoid then?

 

[BrooklynBay]

The servos could be dried & leaking.

 

[blk88]

Would it be best to just take it to a shop and have them diagnose the problem? I'm just afraid I might end up spending more money at a shop than picking up a pulled tranny.

 

[BrooklynBay]

A shop might try to pull codes, then insist on a total rebuild for $2,000.

 

[blk88]

A shop might try to pull codes, then insist on a total rebuild for $2,000.

That's what I'm afraid of. Instead of throwing money at it trying to fix it one part at a time, I think I'll either find a clean pulled tranny or a rebuilt one. There's a shop in town that with my core I can get a rebuilt one with a 2 year unlimited mile warranty for $775. My labor is free.