Trans help? Tried Servos - anything else worth a try?

[Johnny Glenn]

Thanks for looking in -- I've got an 02 Limited w/ V8 that needs transmission help. It hangs on to first gear up to 4-5k rpm and if I let off the gas it will eventually shift. I replaced both external servos, adjusted bands and was wondering if this type of shift problem points to another component worth trying to replace DIY. Thanks for any guidance!

 

[tmaher]

did you use the modfied servos with the viton o-ring or OEM replacements? OEM replacements won't fix bore wear issue.

 

[Johnny Glenn]

I used OEM but believe someone had been there before because both bores had brass fittings. There was some play in one of the servos so I went ahead and replaced both...but no luck. I have seen the modified servo but thought I'd try OEM...Does a long first shift point toward servos or something else? Thanks.

 

[Triton8273]

Solenoid Pack

 

[Johnny Glenn]

I'll try the pack tomorrow but that would be a first for me...if it works. As most know -- the code is always Solenoid but rarely is the real problem. Has anyone else had experience w/ a long first shift being a faulty solenoid? -- How about the internal low/reverse servo assembly? Thanks again for any advice.

 

[Triton8273]

Solenoid pack is a $300 part so i'd try to get confirmation from someone first, just thought i'd give you another part to ask people about

 

[Johnny Glenn]

I have a new pack on hand but I've never had any luck w/ them -- I mine as well try it before sending out for rebuild but just wondering if anyone has any ideas besides that. I could get the modified servos but not sure that corresponds to the type of shift problem this trans is doing. Thanks

 

[Johnny Glenn]

Any more ideas to look or try....for a long first shift?

 

[liftdmountaineer]

sorry to be the bearer of bad news but i think your problem is internal. thats how my 02 mounty was acting just before she gave a $2k death rattle. what happened with mine was one of the pins holding the planetary gears in place broke. it held for about a week then when it let loose shifting from od to 4 on the highway at about 60. the pcm fail safe got me back to the house limping. after troubleshooting servos and solenoid pack, dropped trans and found more brass and metal shavings than i would allow to be on my metal lathe before cleaning it. so if youve adjusted bands and they torqued and the servos looked good, and you dont think its the solenoid pack only place left to look is the suspect weak link I.E the candy-ass guts ford decided to put in. wish i could be of more help. but if youve checked the obvious and still have the problem, my experience says its probably worse than you hoped. once again sorry, and good luck.

 

[Johnny Glenn]

Thanks for the info -- It's heading to the shop Monday