Transmission won't go into OD

[rfull]

My '91 Navajo auto trans seems to work OK except it won't shift into final OD unless I let it coast. As soon as I touch the acellerator it downshits into 3rd. Is this common and/or fairly easy to hve fixed - I don't want to get nailed for a $2500 complete rebuild job if it doesn't need it. Would a shop like Cottman understand and only fix what was necessary? THANKS.

 

[Opera House]

OD problems are common

This is an A4LD and probably 60-70% of the problems involve the overdrive section. The clutch drum or the planetary usually snap metal. If you shop around, you could get it fixed for as little as $1K. I've thad the overdrive problem twice with my 92, each time different. I don't understand your diagnosis. How do you know it is in overdrive if you don't put your foot on the gas? You need to drop the pan first to see if there is metal in it. There is also an electric solenoid that can hang up. Go to atcdg.com and click on tech for A4LD problems. If you are adventurous, this is an easy transmission to work on and there is a thread here "Anybody rebuild an A4LD." Only hard part is pulling the transmission out. Transmission itself is very easy and cheap to work on. Let's face it, you have to question the economics of even buying a new set of tires for a 91.