Strange problem -any ideas?

[ClaytonLust]

I have a 1997 Ford Explorer Sport. Earlier this week I noticed that the vehicle seemed to "slip" while I was in drive - almost like it was in neutral and I was revving. This afternoon at a light it stalled out. I started it up again, it started right up. As soon as I put it in drive, again, stalled. I was starting to freak out out a bit, and started again, and accidentally put it in reverse, and the car went backward without a hitch - so as strange as it was I drove back home (about a block) in reverse.

In my driveway I tried again several times, same results - if it's in drive, 1, or 2 it stalls with almost a clunking sound, in reverse, it runs and accelerates just fine. Any thoughts on this? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JK080]

I have seen where a faulty TCC solenoid will cause the converter to stall the engine in drive and not in reverse

 

[albi1cnobi1]

I was thinking the same thing. Bad TCC solenoid. Is the OD light flashing?

 

[ClaytonLust]

no the o/d light is not flashing - well not that I recall - I usually notice it, such as when I hit the button with my thumb. I will go start it and check to make sure though.

 

[JK080]

If the computer has set a code it should flash the OD light, but if it does not flash or set a code the solenoid can still be bad. There are two parts to a solenoid, the electrical part which is the coil windings and the connection and there is the mechanical part which is the valve or check ball that the electrical part controls.

What I have seen is the mechanical part can fail but the electrical part will be fine. This will not set a code but the solenoid will still be bad. This is about the only thing you can replace without removing the transmission to fix this kind of condition. The other issue can be with the valve body itself, but that would be a rare, but is still a possibility.

 

[ClaytonLust]

thanks JK, this is has been very helpful. At least I have a place to start that isn't "replace the transmission"