Transmission help please!

[Chrisman889]

I have a stock 93 XLT 4x4 and within the last couple days when I leave in the mornings it doesn't shift out of first gear. After about a mile or so and 4000 rpms it will shift and drive normally. Plus the vehicle just doesn't sound like it did before, sort of a growling/grinding sound and feel, may be the tires because I need new ones real bad and just rotated them so I'm not sure.

 

[arco777]

For the shift issue, transmission governor or vacuum modulator. Do a search.

 

[Chrisman889]

Wouldn't I be getting a lot of smoke if it was the vacuum modulator, due to fluid traveling into the intake?

 

[arco777]

Yes, that's a possibility if the vacuum modulator has a ruptured diaphragm. If the leak was causing enough smoke to be noticeable, the leak would be bad enough to dangerously deplete your trans fluid level if unchecked. Low fluid level can kill a trans if ignored. Might want to check that modulator.

If you're not getting smoke, the vac mod could still be bad due to a smaller leak, or it could have seized up. When mine went bad it seized, the diaphragm was fine but it wasn't cycling.

 

[arco777]

Usually if the trans doesn't shift properly until the fluid warms up, it's a sign of a sticky governor.

Cleaning the governor is not a quick job but not impossible either. In conjunction with removal and cleaning of the governor, a full fluid flush or several pan drops are required to get the gritty old fluid out usually, enough that the governor will stay clean and moving freely. The Sonnax upgraded governor weight is pretty helpful, I have it on both my Explorers since new governors are not available.

 

[Chrisman889]

That modulator is just so hard to get to. I did look into that Sonnax weight, pretty cheap. Transmission USA does have a governor but you have to buy all the pieces separate. I'm just still debating whether I should try and do this myself or not. Plus I just did a full tranny flush not more than 5 months ago. Maybe I should get a better filter than the Autozone one. What do you recommend? Also I was thinking about switching over to Royal Purple or Amsoil ATF.

 

[arco777]

The modulator is easy to access if you use the access panel in the floor. Just pull back the carpet (remove sill plates) and unbolt the panel cover.

Most governors sold online are just used ones "tested good" but with the tight tolerances required for proper function, it's still kind of a crapshoot and lower miles is best.

The governor body and stalk are what get worn.

 

[Chrisman889]

Does this require removing any of the seats? or can I just access it through the back floor panel?

 

[arco777]

Removal of the seats and console is not necessary. Does make a little more room, but not needed. Just pull the carpet back from the front (below dash). The access panel is right in front of the console on the floor.