Question about a Transmission Problem...
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New User
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Springfield USA
Question about a Transmission Problem...
First of all, Thanks in advance for any advice. I have a well cared for (pampered) '96 Aerostar with 3.0L automatic w/OD and 100,000 miles behind it. I've drained the transmission pan, changed the filter, and refilled every 25k miles or so.
Recently, it's been acting as though it can't decide what gear to be in. This usually occurs at normal operating temperature, going up an incline, anywhere between 35 and 55 miles per hour. The problem worsens with the A/C on. I 'm not sure if it's actually switching gears or the overdrive is turning on or off but I think it's the later. It's not low on fluid and the transmission does not slip.
Any ideas what would be causing this? The manual I have only covers transmission replacement and does not address diagnostics. I'd hate to think I'm due for a new and, if so, about how much would this cost?
Again, Thanks for any advice.
Lyle Dillon
Recently, it's been acting as though it can't decide what gear to be in. This usually occurs at normal operating temperature, going up an incline, anywhere between 35 and 55 miles per hour. The problem worsens with the A/C on. I 'm not sure if it's actually switching gears or the overdrive is turning on or off but I think it's the later. It's not low on fluid and the transmission does not slip.
Any ideas what would be causing this? The manual I have only covers transmission replacement and does not address diagnostics. I'd hate to think I'm due for a new and, if so, about how much would this cost?
Again, Thanks for any advice.
Lyle Dillon
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Joined: Jun 2003
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Question about a Transmission Problem...
Dude, sucks to be you. I just got done rebuilding mine. I have 105,000 on her. So far I have spent about 800 dollars in parts alone. The sad thing is that I only replaced what absolutely had to be done. Anyhow, to answer your question I would bet it is the solenoids located on the passenger side of the tranny housing. Mine hung through the gears too long before the rebuild and I was told that it was the rubber pistons on the inside of the caps. Good thing is that all you have to do is drop the pipe to get to them. Just pull the snap rings off and pull them out. Buy the new pistons and you should be good to go. Both of them are something like 25 dollars. Make sure to buy the new o-rings.
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Joined: Apr 2001
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Question about a Transmission Problem...
From what you describe, it sound more like conflicting information arriving at the computer controlling the engine and drivetrain. I would suspect a vacuum leak from either loose/split/ line connection or loose manifold bolts. With the care and attention you've given the van and the transmission in particular, there should be very long odds the problem lies within the transmission.
Dirty mass air flow sensors and throttle position sensors can also elicit similar behavoirs from the transmission. Again, from faulty input data, so you may want to also clean and check those items.
Dirty mass air flow sensors and throttle position sensors can also elicit similar behavoirs from the transmission. Again, from faulty input data, so you may want to also clean and check those items.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: PNW
Question about a Transmission Problem...
Never mind my original post. I was going to suggest the TPS but I now see that aerocolorado mentioned it. Is there a way to delete a post after you've made it? I only see the option to edit.
Last edited by Mikeman; Jun 11, 2003 at 02:41 PM.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 15
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From: Springfield USA
Question about a Transmission Problem...
Thank's for the advice so far. I did determine that my problem is the overdrive engaging and disengaging. As I said before, there is no slipping, all the gears are there, and there is no fluid loss. I haven't been able to try any of the advice so far because of weather here. Since I've determined the problem is the overdrive, would the advice given so far still be applicable?
