Slow To Engage Drive.

[DBray6]

My 1997 Explorer 4.0 SOHC 160,000 has recently started being slow to engage from P to R to D. Driving seems normal although the last tank of gas went from 20 to 16 mpg. This current tank seems normal so far, judging from the miles driven to gauge movement.

I have read on this forum about replacing the filter and checking the valve body for loose bolts and blown gasket.

I am planning on dropping the pan in the morning and am wondering on the torque for the VB bolts and if there is only one gasket to replace on the valve body. I saw in the VB diary that there were 3 sections to the valve body and I haven't looked at it yet but do all of the gaskets need to be replaced or just the one that mates the valve body to the transmission?

I also would like to confirm that the pan bolts torque to 12 ft/lbs.

Thanks in advance.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The EPC solenoid might be starting to fail. Check # 67 in my list of useful threads for torque specifications.

 

[mawrazen]

My guess is low ATF.

 

[DBray6]

The ATF level was fine. I did change the VB gasket and transmission filter yesterday and test drove today. I used Castrol Mercon 5 with a bottle of Lucas Transmission Conditioner. There was some sludge in the pan but nothing excessive. No metal filings or chunks.

On the test drive the transmission is shifting great but it was still slow to engage drive, about 3 seconds, after backing. What are the dangers of driving with a failing EPC soleniod? I know I don't want to take it apart again this weekend.

 

[BrooklynBay]

This solenoid regulates the pressure in the valve body (Electronic Pressure Control Solenoid). The transmission can't change gears without sufficient hydraulic pressure.