Hey all,

I ran out of gas the other night and when I filled up the Truck it started right away but when I put her in Drive she stalls.. If I rev it and through it in drive still stalls.. BUT I CAN DRIVE IT FINE IN REVERSE!! We just pulled the codes and got "P320 Module Ignition Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit"...

2000 Explorer EB 4.0l

Any suggestions??

Thanks

 

Engine stall, failure to idle at all, suggests locked-up torque converter clutch. Why T.H. it would release in Reverse eludes me. At any rate, DISCONNECTING the electrical feed to the Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid would confirm; engine would not stall if clutch is locked-up.

This may be accomplished by removing the appropriate fuse, maybe.....I do not have my schematics here with me sorry.

Anyone else?

 

Thanks for the reply.. The Mechanic tells me it's the "Lock Up Switch" and the transmission needs to be replaced. Is this the only solution?

Thanks in Advance,

 

The "lock up switch" is actually an electrically operated solenoid, mounted inside the transmission, which causes the Torque Converter Clutch to engage and disengage.

These solenoids frequently fail. Mine did, 2004 Explorer, 100K miles. The replacement solenoid "module" I ordered on E-bay, $85.00, replaced it myself.

If indeed your solenoid is the cause of the problem, replacing the entire transmission is ridiculous, unless it has additional other "issues".

 

Hey,

When you say replaced it yourself, you opened the tranny? My mechanic says he is not a Transmission Guy and seems worried to open it up. I feel no way about it as I see it as pooched either way..

So do I need to remove the transmission to do this? Should I have it towed elsewhere? (dont really wanna pay to tow it again)

If I open it up will it all fall apart??? Or will I see the Module as I will have the switch in my hand??


Sorry for the lame questions..

Any pictures or diagrams online?


thanks in advance

 

Why have it towed again? Just drive it in reverse till you get there.

 

That is what I wanted to do but they suggest it might be a bad idea...

 

It does not sound to me as though you are comfortable with attempting this type of job. Firstly, talk to another mechanic....I can't imagine a guy calling himself mechanic being at all worried about "opening" a transmission up. Secondly, this job (replacing solenoid module) is easily done simply by removing the transmission's oil pan and filter, the module then being completely accessible from below. Removal of the entire transmission just to do the solenoid replacement would be ridiculous.

If you are mechanically inclined, and have done ANY work involving parts held together with screws, and sealed with gaskets (the oil pan gasket is RE-USABLE, by the way, if not damaged), you may be able to "pull it off" yourself. Replace the filter with a new one, discard the drained-out old fluiud, and put in new transmission fluid of the correct type. There are many threads in the forum revealing further details........let us know how you make out!

 

Thanks for the advice... Purchased the part, buddy installed it and I drove her home this evening....

Cheers

 

GOOD!
Now put that "MECHANIC" on the avoid list... Philip