Tranny & Check Engine Light

[jstein]

Okay, I have a question, I've owned a 96 Explorer XLT with 4-speed Auto for about two years, never gave me a problem (love the thing)... BUT... yesterday, I drove about 120 highway miles in the 100 degree heat, no problem... parked the car, went back out later and all of a sudden the tranny won't shift into 2nd gear UNLESS I lift off the accelerator and then it'll "jerk" into 2nd. After this, it's fine. Even switching to 3rd or 4th is no problem. At the same time, the Check Engine light ame on and stays on (manual says that could be an Emission problem and it's NOT an emergency). But, periodically the O/D light flashes (which the manual says UH-OH). No delear can see me until Thursday of NEXT week. I'm kinda worried (after reading some of these posts) that by driving the vehicle I might be trashing the tranny (if it's not already).

Now my question.... took a look at the tranny fluid (I'm no car guy), I know it's suppose to be "rose" colored, mine is black/rose colored and has a burnt smell to it. And we even noticed some "dirt" in the fluid. I'm going to flush out the fluid tonight and replace it.

Other than that.... any suggestions? I can't really afford a new tranny, but, I suppose, if I need one...

Thanks!
jaison
jaison@storm1.net

 

[Robert]

Since it is only affecting 2nd gear, maybe you will get lucky and it will be no worse than a bad valve. If your fluid was in bad condition, it could have damaged the valve that controls the shift to 2nd. Get a second opinion from an independant shop if you don't like what Ford tells you. I have heard too many stories of them saying the most expensive part (ie: transmission) needs to be replaced and can't be fixed. I have heard of them saying that about the transfercase when a new speed sensor fixed the problem. I wouldn't drive it anymore than you have to until you get it fixed. Hopefully just a complete fluid flush and filter will take care of it.

 

[jstein]

Thanks for the reply. After today, I'll try to get a rental. Since no one can see me until next week, I think I'll flush the tranny fluid out Saturday. I'm beginning to believe you might be right, it's just a bad valve, which, of course, would still need to be replaired by the techs. Thanks again.

jaison

 

[nyisles_99]

I would definately have a full tranny service done. Have you ever had one done? If not how many mile do you have on it. You may have been low on tranny fluid hence the difficulty of ****ting in the truck. I am no mechanic but I would imagine it as low oil in the car, no lube and the car runs hot and with no oil motor can cease. Same goes for the tranny.

As for the check engine: Don't Panic I had same issue with my 94 on long drives. Its emissions, a computer test needs to be done (About $30) then that will tell you ur problem. Mine was the air mass flow sensor. It conects through the airbox and then the air tube that runs into your motor. I purchased a remanufactured one and the install and part cost $169. Now it runs okay knock on wood. Do you smell an egg odor when the lite was on? If so its possible the Cat converter can be filthy, this makes the truck run like poo poo.

Thanks,
Dan