Rough 1st Shift

[ncd]

Hello everyone.

Here is the issue. I have a 96 V6 Explorer with 170k miles. Every morning I start her up and roll down the driveway. Then when I put it in D we just sit there. One of these days, hopefully not soon, I am going to get in an accident. It should have a full clean tank of tranny fluid after the flush last summer. How shot is my tranny? Troubleshooting steps?

Oh please gently enlighten me. Much obliged.

 

[Glacier991]

"It should have a full clean tank of tranny fluid"

First off, have you checked the fluid level, with the engine warm and running? It sounds like you are assuming, and have not checked. Check it and let us know. It could be as simple as low fluid.

 

[ncd]

Check Complete

I checked the level with the engine running after the drive home from work. It seems to get worse according to how cold it is. This is especially bad since I am in Michigan.

I was doing some reading on the forum and came across some information but seemed a little vague. It describes the "close tolerance fit of the speed governor would cause sticking and cause the problem." The whole article is linked below. It sounds just like the problem that I am having but I cant seem to follow his process. I have a hynes manual and I will research more tonight.

http://www.explorerforum.com/Singleton/web/pages/at2.html

 

[Glacier991]

The 1996 did not have a governor, and besides that didn;t cause a rough shift, it causes a non shift into 2nd condition or delayed shift into 2nd when cold...

I'm still not sure I understand your problem condition. First I assume you are saying the trans fluid level is ok. Next I assume you say that you shift into D after backing out of your driveway, it delays making the shift, and when it finally does, it is harsh - is this your situation?

 

[Glacier991]

I should note that with the creation of the 4R44E and 4R55E and then the 5R55E the shifts are ALL controlled electronically. Generally when you have a shifting problem, the first thing to do is check and see if the computer has set any codes (it may save you time in troubleshooting as often it will pinpoint a bad solenoid etc). If you have a code, fix that and retest. otherwise the next step is to test all electrical components (there are 6 solenoids.) It can also be a problem with the valve bady or a component part thereof. Lastly, the low reverse servo seals can play a role in delayed shifts into reverse and or 1st... however the harsh shift sounds more like something to do with a shift solenoid or EPC problem to my mind. Hope this helps you.