I have a 94' Ford Exploder Eddie Bauer. The 4.2 V6, I believe? My transmission has been slipping for a while now. I have added fluid a few times and it resolved the issue temporarily, but the it will gradually start slipping again. I also, when the issue first arose, replaced the fluid and filter, which helped again for just a bit. There are no leaks of any kind or exterior physical evidence of ANY transmission fluid leaking. I have no idea what to do next. I don't know where the fluid is going. I'm thinking maybe that perhaps there is a seal that separates the Bell Housing and the gears that is possibly leaking, so that the Bell Housing is slowly filling up with fluid? This seems like a possibility because the tranny will slip the most when taking off after coming to a quick stop (fluid rushing forward?). If this is a major problem, is there a model type of the transmission that is in my car at this time (94 explorer Eddie Bauer 4.2 V6) as I would be willing to pick one up from a junkyard and replace it myself. Or, is there a different model of transmission, from an applicable ford truck that will fit mine? I appreciate anyones help in advance.
Thanks,
David

 

Two places where fluid can go if it's not leaking to the outside of the transmission. Most common is losing ATF through the vacuum modulator into the engine. Check the vacuum line between the modulator and the manifold vacuum tree and see if it has ATF in it. I've occasionally heard of someone losing ATF from the transmission into the transfer case. In this case the t-case would be overfull. The bell housing isn't sealed, as it only covers the torque converter, so if it were leaking into the bellhousing, it would come out onto the ground.

 

thanks for your quick response. if it is the vacuum tree, what would be the next steps to resolve the issue?
Thanks,
David W.

 

Replace the modulator. Does it have one? None of my Fords have modulators and the oldest one is an 89.

 

You can get one for as little as $12 on www.bulkparts.com and a manual is only $16. The modulator sticks out of the side of the transmission and is held on by one bolt. Sometimes it is coroded on and takes a little force. There is a pin in it that can easily be lost. Near impossible to get at unless you remove the exhaust. Many remove the front seat and go through the access panel. Shop will charge about $130 to do it.