Transmission Problem

[putnamrg]

In my 96 Explorer I do not really know how to describe the issue but it seems that the tranny may be shifting two or three gears and the RPM's rev and go back down constantly almost like it is trying to shift into a different gear and can not, if that makes sense. Does anyone know what the problem may be? It has been connected to a computer and they stated the solenoid is the problem. I am trying to avoid costly repair as I am overseas and would have to pay in Euro to have repairs done and the Euro is kicking the dollars butt at the moment. Thanks for advance with any help that maybe provided.

 

[Jack Flash]

which solenoid did the scan say was your problem ? (it has 6)

also, there may be a gasket blown out in the valve body, or possibly a sticking valve. it's hard to diagnose problems on the net and even harder (I guess) if you are stationed in a foreign country.

keep posting and someone more knowledgeable than I will join in with some answers.

........jjf

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Do you have a flashing overdrive light or a check engine light? How many miles do you have?

 

[putnamrg]

The check engine light comes on for awhile and then goes off for awhile. Occasionally the OD light will flash. It has 125,000 miles. Don't know which solenoid is the problem, I ordered a control solenoid.

 

[BrooklynBay]

How do you know that you ordered the correct solenoid?

 

[putnamrg]

I guess I really don't for sure, I ordered through Rock Auto and it only listed 2 solenoids for my vehicle, a control solenoid and a torque convertor solenoid. I am hoping it is the right one.

 

[putnamrg]

And they also say it is not shifting into 4th gear.

 

[BrooklynBay]

A sensor fault could prevent 4th gear from locking up.

 

[putnamrg]

And what exactly does that mean? I am really not smart when it comes to dealing with automobiles. What kind of sensor would cause this? What would one need to do to narrow down the fault?

 

[BrooklynBay]

An electronic transmission uses sensors to determine what gear to go into. The PCM takes these inputs to control the EPC pressure, TCC engagement, and shift solenoid engagement. The VSS, TPS, BOO switch, and other sensors determine when to engage 4th gear. A scan of the codes will pin point where the fault is before you replace every sensor.

 

[putnamrg]

Let me ask you this, if I turn O/D off it does not do the RPM yo-yo. It only does this with the O/D on, could it possibly be a Throttle Position Sensor?

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could test the TPS, VSS, and other parts with a DMM.

 

[putnamrg]

I am assuming by DMM you mean digital multimeter? I really appreciate the help. Serving in the military I really can not afford to purchase a bunch of parts on a hunch, that is why I am trying to eliminate the common things first.