another trans problem.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
another trans problem.
i recently purchased a 95 ranger with a 4.0 and an auto trans. i was told when i bought it that the trans didn't work. It does actually shift but on occassion it doesn't like to shift into drive. But if you put it in first then into drive it will catch and shift just fine after that. Could this most likely be caused by crap in the vb or is there some sort of electronic bs causing this? Just looking for a few pointers. Ive been around autos for awhile but am not familiar with this one. If my research is correct this should be a 4r55e. Feel free to correct me if i'm out of line. Thanks for the help in advance.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Seeing as how it'll shift ok if you go through your discovery routine it does suggest that deposits may belong on your suspect list.
So what does the tranny fluid condition & level look like???? Do you know the service history of this tranny, like if its had regular pan drops, filter & fluid changes, What does the pan & magnet deposit loading look like, any sludge, gum, varnish, or chunks of gasket, seal, or metal in the pan???? Any varnish or other deposits on the tranny dipstick????
So what does the tranny fluid condition & level look like???? Do you know the service history of this tranny, like if its had regular pan drops, filter & fluid changes, What does the pan & magnet deposit loading look like, any sludge, gum, varnish, or chunks of gasket, seal, or metal in the pan???? Any varnish or other deposits on the tranny dipstick????
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
i discovered it is actually a a4ld trans. the truck was an old city vehicle and didn't come with a maintainance record. I did in fact do a filter and fluid flush today. The fluid looked dark red and smelled used but definately not burnt. there was junk on the magnet but nothing that wasn't supposed to be there. No heavy metal shavings or clutch material. The flush did help the shifting into drive problem. And i also noticed that the 2-3 upshift is sluggish at times. But not always.
Being a city water depot truck it didn't get drivin much on the highway but i'm sure it wasn't babied either.
Being a city water depot truck it didn't get drivin much on the highway but i'm sure it wasn't babied either.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
i just refilled it and took off. I figured since the fluid looked good and their wasn't any major particles in the pan i figured ill do a full out later. Would a complete flush help take care of the sluggish 2-3 upshift? Like i said its a hit and miss thing. could there be a sylnoid doing this? I know it could be a clutch pack slippin but i would think there would be definate sign in the pan when i dropped it.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
i just refilled it and took off. I figured since the fluid looked good and their wasn't any major particles in the pan i figured ill do a full out later. Would a complete flush help take care of the sluggish 2-3 upshift? Like i said its a hit and miss thing. could there be a sylnoid doing this? I know it could be a clutch pack slippin but i would think there would be definate sign in the pan when i dropped it.
SO, since you can detect some improvement with the new fluid, so you may have some sludge, gum, or varnish mucking something up. Since you now know the pan, magnet & filter are clean & no untoward deposits or debris were found, maybe consider adding 1/2 can of Seafoam Trans Tune & driving it until it stops acting out, or doesn't get any better, then do the full fluid pumpout listed at bottom of the Tech Info thread, with the other half can of Trans Tune & new fluid & see how it goes.
Napa has TransTune on sale for $6.25 this month.
More thoughts for consideration, let us know how it goes.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
update
so i've ran some seafoam trans tune through the trans for a little over 2 weeks now and it seems to still be sluggish from the 2 to 3 shift. The fluid hasn't changed as far as color or odor. I do have some blotter paper and am thinking maybe i should check the fluid out a little more in depth before i come to any major conclusions. Do you think this is a good idea or a waste of time at this point? Any ideas?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
so i've ran some seafoam trans tune through the trans for a little over 2 weeks now and it seems to still be sluggish from the 2 to 3 shift. The fluid hasn't changed as far as color or odor. I do have some blotter paper and am thinking maybe i should check the fluid out a little more in depth before i come to any major conclusions. Do you think this is a good idea or a waste of time at this point? Any ideas?
If the problem is deposit based, you should be able to notice a shift feel difference. If its an electrical or mechanical problem, you won't fix the problem with a detergent additive, but the tranny will likely be cleaner inside.
Did you ever have a tranny shop scan the tranny computer for trouble codes, if so, post All of the code Numbers found, as they can offer up good trouble shooting clues.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
that was one of the first things i did when i bought the truck was pull the engine and trans codes. only code that came out of both was a po401 and i fixed that.
I've done a little digging around and noticed that it appears that these transmissions have a problem with hard 2-3 shifts and sluggish 2-3 shifts. Is this caused by worn clutches or merely a faulty shift solenoid? I'm just curious if this may be an option?
I've done a little digging around and noticed that it appears that these transmissions have a problem with hard 2-3 shifts and sluggish 2-3 shifts. Is this caused by worn clutches or merely a faulty shift solenoid? I'm just curious if this may be an option?
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
that was one of the first things i did when i bought the truck was pull the engine and trans codes. only code that came out of both was a po401 and i fixed that.
I've done a little digging around and noticed that it appears that these transmissions have a problem with hard 2-3 shifts and sluggish 2-3 shifts. Is this caused by worn clutches or merely a faulty shift solenoid? I'm just curious if this may be an option?
I've done a little digging around and noticed that it appears that these transmissions have a problem with hard 2-3 shifts and sluggish 2-3 shifts. Is this caused by worn clutches or merely a faulty shift solenoid? I'm just curious if this may be an option?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Marneaus
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
8
Jul 26, 2011 01:56 PM