Tranny Issues! Please give me guidance!

[SHOtYmE24v]

Hi. I have a 91 Ford Explorer XLT 4x4. I have had it for about a year. Anyway, probably about 4months ago it would start revving up on its own when I would let off the gas after driving about 55mph. Now I dont know if the 2 are related, but tonight I was coming home and it will not shift out of 1st! I press the gas and the RPMs just keep climbing to redline and wont go to 2nd. My freind suggested a possible vaccum problem. What do you guys suggest? I hope my tranny isnt done....

 

[BrooklynBay]

The climbing rpms above 55 mph is the torque converter locking up. That is normal. The sticking 1st gear might be a governor problem. Do you have this problem when it is cold?

 

[SHOtYmE24v]

No, it was warm. Probably about a half hour into the trip. We went into the store for like 15 min. Came out and it still wouldnt come out of 1st. However, reverse and everything still works...

 

[BrooklynBay]

When was the last time the filter, and fluid were replaced? How many miles do you have?

 

[SHOtYmE24v]

It has 147k on it. I thought my uncle(previous owner) said the tranny was replaced at 100k, but I'm not sure. My freind said something like a possible vaccum hose came off of something underneath maybe? I really dont know where to begin looking for easy fixes that might be the problem.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The only vacuum hose going to it is on the passenger's side. It is connected to the modulator. Check that hose for signs of ATF. The modulator is known to leak when the diaphragm ruptures.

 

[SHOtYmE24v]

I'll check that. Is there any other easy thing to check real quick before I have to start looking at more time consuming things?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Check your kickdown cable.

 

[SHOtYmE24v]

I dont mean to sound dumb? But what is the kickdown cable? And where is it located?

 

[BrooklynBay]

It is connected to the throttle (accelerator) pedal. There is a part connected to it that you squeeze in, then pull up on the cable. When you step on the pedal, it will self adjust. It's not complicated, and only takes a few minutes to do.

 

[SHOtYmE24v]

Ok, I will go check the things you've told me to. Thank you so much for your patience and trying to help me out.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Here is a link to a photo thread on adjusting the kickdown cable: http://www.rangerpowersports.com/forum/showthread.php?t=176459

 

[SHOtYmE24v]

Ok, modulator looks good and dry. Hose is still connected. As far as the kickdown cable. Im not sure if this is normal or not, but at the top of the accelerator the is one cable with a large spring that is connected to it. (Im assuming this is the throttle) The second cable I see sticks out about 2-3inches and has a smaller spring on it which slides loosely up and down. Pressing the accelerator down looks like it has no effect on this cable. Are these findings normal?

 

[SHOtYmE24v]

Ohhh, now that you post that, mine is ALOT longer than the other one. No where neat the 1:1 ratio they are speaking of.

 

[SHOtYmE24v]

Hold tight, I just snapped a pic of mine. Tell me if this looks normal...im uploading it now!

 

[SHOtYmE24v]

OK, heres mine!

 

[BrooklynBay]

The longer one is the kickdown cable, and the shorter one the actual accelerator cable. It's hard to tell if it is adjusted right just from the length of slack coming off of it. When you step down all the way on the pedal, there should be no slack on either cable. That is the best way to tell.

 

[SHOtYmE24v]

When I press it all the way down, the slack is gone, but it doesnt depress the spring any. Is that okay?

 

[BrooklynBay]

It might be OK, but just to be on the safe side, try to adjust it. That will eliminate any doubt.

 

[SHOtYmE24v]

Ok, its getting late here, so it'll have to wait until i wake up. Again, thanks for all your help!