Tranny

[Weave]

New to the site. Lots of good info so far. I even found out what was wrong with my 4x4 by just reading. I guess thats the point. Anyway....on to my real problem.

My 92 Explorer 4x4 has been using lots of ATF. I put about a pint in it every few days. It gets lwo on fluid and takes a long time to shift into gear. I have learned to live with the leak. But, apparently I am an idiot. I was thinking that I was keeping it full with fluid when actually I was probably just keeping it at a constant "quart low"

Anyway, yesterday it just stops moving. I towed it home and made sure it was actually full fo fluid. (This is how I discovered I am an idiot, because I put 2 quarts in it) Now everythign works except for when I shift it into the overdrive on the gear select. Evey other gear works. When I do put it into OD, I can feel it engage, but it wont move. It tries to, but doesnt move. Also, when I put it into OD, it keeps the other gears from working as well. It has to sit in park for a minute before it will move again. So I guess my question is this:

Will simply keeping the correct level of fluid make it "fix itself"
Do I need to put in a new filter?
Am I just screwed and need to keep my head out of my butt when checking fluids and make sure I am doing it properly?

Again, great site. I would apreciate any help I can get.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! It's possible that your ATF is disappearing through the vacuum line which is connected to the modulator. Check that line. If this is the case, then spray out the line, replace the modulator, ATF, and filter.

 

[Weave]

Well, I forgot to mention that I am not the most mechanicly inclined person in the world. I assume this modulator is located on the transmition? Or is it internal?

By the way, thanks for the response. I realize that should have come first. It hasnt quite become seconded nature for me yet to use good manners on the internet

Nevermind. I just noticed the links you put. I am slow, but I am getting there. Thanks alot

 

[BrooklynBay]

It's located on the passenger's side of the transmission behind a heat shield just to the rear of 2 servos. Read the sticky thread in the transmission section called the A4LD rebuild diary written by Glacier991. I'm sure that you will be more familiar with all of this stuff after reading this.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Here is a picture of an adjustable modulator inside of the heat shield from Glacier991's photo gallery:

 

[Weave]

Wow, that is cool. I am sure I can find that. Hopefully it will be a fun weekend project. Or I will be completely bald Monday. Either way, I really appreciate the help.

 

[mikeinri]

The only way to see the solenoid at this angle without dropping the tranny is to remove the passenger seat and the center console, pull back the carpet and remove the access plate (on the hump).

The modulator sticks out the passenger side, near the top of the tranny, behind a cat heat shield (that's the bracket shown in the picture loosely installed on the stud).

The modulator is nearly impossible to see or remove from under the truck.

Mike