tranny problem shifting into drive and reverse

[scottina99]

This is a 99 XLT 4X4 sohc When I shift into drive or reverse there is a hesitation and then it shifts into gear. The engine kinda revs a little then it shifts...not hard but not as smooth as usual. I searched through 5 pages and found nothing. Any help for a newbie is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Glacier991]

This is usually the low/reverse solenoid needing a new seal. This can be done without removing the trannie from the car. See my thread on "My A4LD Rebuild Diary" on the General Explorations section for instructions and pictures.

 

[scottina99]

Thanks! I will take a look! Atranny shop says that it needs pulled and rebuilt. Do you recommend this...it has 93,000 miles?

 

[Opera House]

When you drop the pan check the valve body bolts. These only tighten to about 9 ft-lb which is just a light twist. Everyone that has checked has found a couple loose. I bought a 99 tranny with only 52K for parts with a blown out gasket. So it doesn't have to be old for this problem. When they get loose they blow out the gasket. The other problem in the 99 is the bracket on the EPC solenoid cracking causing it to back out.

 

[mikeh]

I have the exact same symptoms. I notice it most first thing in the morning when I back out of my driveway. It goes into reverse fine but when I switch back to drive it takes a few seconds to kick in.

My plan was to not worry about it for a while until it really causes me a problem. I have a 1998 SOHC with 98K on it. I've changed the fluid on schedule with Merc V. I'd like to get another 30-40K out of this transmission but I'm probably due for problems sooner than that.

MikeH

 

[NCSUDockhand]

I had the same problem. It was the EPC Solenoid as posted above. Cost less than $100 to get it fixed. In addition to the delay in shifting into gear, I was also noticing "soft" shifting between the lower gears as I accelerated. '98 w/ 83k.