Got a little miss in the 92 Ranger so I pulled codes yesterday.
KOEO codes all I got were 566 3-4 Shift solenoid circuit fault and 629 Torque converter solenoid circuit fault or lockup solenoid circuit fault.

Raining today so no chance to test wiring and the solenoids. Looking up parts it seems I need the upper and lower valve body gaskets,pan gasket,fluid and filter along with solenoids if they test bad.

My main question is when I lower the valve body is there any check ***** or springs going to drop out of the transmission and or valve body?

Other than making sure I have 12v to the transmission connector and ohm out the solenoids and check to make sure pcm is grounding the solenoids any other test can be done before dropping pan?

Thanks
Tim

 

I would check the wires to the solenoids before pulling the pan. Most of the time these codes are due to a wiring problem, not a solenoid problem.

Looking at the wires is a waste of time. You need to unplug the harness at the PCM and at the transmission. Probe the BACK of the connectors NEVER push a probe into the end that makes the connection. That spreads the pins and makes new problems. Check each of the wires for continuity from end to end, for short to power and short to ground.

 

Mark,
Update:

I got a chance to look under the Ranger yesterday. I found the connector for the solenoid pack just hanging not plugged in. It was starting to rain so no testing I tried to plug it back up but was not able to get the connector to seat. I am hoping it was because of the position I was in or something. The truck is suppose to be all original so hoping someone did not put a 2 pin A4LD in the truck as my harness is for 2 solenoid 3 pin A4LD.
It started raining so did not get anything done but yard work cleaning up the last of the leaves.

 

Mark,

Was working on the 92 RWD 3.0 Auto Ranger today. I moved it around a bunch of times today flushing the radiator and doing cooling system maintenance. Drove the truck around the field to get it good and hot and circulate the new antifreeze. Went to back up and no reverse. Earlier in the day had reverse and no problems.
Is it time to find me a rebuild shop with it loosing reverse all of a sudden?

 

Yes, it probably is.

 

Mark,

I am going to do a 5 speed swap to the truck.

I am more curious now than anything on this A4LD. What would be causing it to still want to go forward in P,R,N?

I have not been able to find someone that will do a complete rebuild on it here locally. The 2 shops I asked said they only fix what is bad and then want 1700-1900 for the work and parts.

 

If the forward clutch failed and welded itself together it will want to go forward in every position.

 

Not sure where things are after this long, but anyway, the A4LD is bad-mouthed as being a poor and weak design. It can be made to last a decent time.
It is not super difficult to take apart and repair. You can order a 'banner kit' and then get used hard parts from local shops if needed.
The hardest thing as i recall were installing the Teflon rings and getting the !brain fade! big chunk to slide into place where the rings seal. It is a DO NOT FORCE installation, and wiggling and gravity should do the job.
The 'basket' at the front tempts one to flip that flat plate with the worn 'finger edges' that fits, but it is worth it to have someone weld the things together.
The splines on the input from the TC need to be inspected for twisting. If twisted, replace with good used.
The valve body has 'rubber' ***** in some places. You need to keep track of them on disassembly, or get the ATRA or Ford manual on the trans to know where they go. There may be a few TSBs on valve body mods, and I honestly forget... it's been 10-15 years since I did one in a '92 extended length Aerostar 4.0. that had been used to pull a horse trailer. That trans lasted 225K miles and finally wouldn't move.
The 'flat place' mentioned is actually used to transfer all torque into the trans, and it's maybe 1/8-3/16 thick using some VERY thin splines on the input shaft. One weak point as far as I am concerned.
tom

 

I have managed to get all the parts for the swap. All I need to do now is get me some labor help and remove seats to roll back carpet to add the floor plate for shifter and drop steering column to add clutch pedal. Then drop the auto out and put the 5 speed in. Talking with the wife since the truck is for daughter I may just get her another A4LD from one of the builder's online as no one around here wants to fool with it.

 

If ordering from out of state, you might consider the shop in AZ, or 'streetwise transmissions' .. both do online, ship in cases, and have seemingly decent warranty coverage.
I likely have the name incorrect.
Surprising that a local shop won't touch an A4LD. They are not hard. OTOH, most former transmission specialty shops have now opened up to other repair services.
Back when I was involved, AAMCO would not allow non-transmission work officially.
Do a search for 'rebuilt A4LD transmission for sale' and you'll get a buncha hits.
topm