Gear not shifting when cold need help?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 4, 2003 | 06:02 PM

starcongo

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

From: San Jose

Gear not shifting when cold need help?

I have a 93' Ford explorer, 6 banger 4x4 automatic. Need help! Rpms rev real high when cold then after seems fine. tran fluid changed, filter changed. What could be the problem? Valve body, Govern, Sensor, Tranny even? Any suggestions?

Dec 5, 2003 | 12:13 AM

Torky2

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 1,716

Likes: 15

I don't know anything about Explorer transmissions. But many of the bigger car and truck electrically shifted transmissions have a temperature sensor in them. When the ATF is cold, like morning after a cold night, the shift points are moved up in RPM. One truck I have would usually be in 3rd running at 1500 RPM at 30 MPH. But when cold enough starting out, it will stay in 2nd at 30 MPH, and engine revs will be at 2000 RPM. Very noticable. As the trans warms up, the shift points revert to their usual setting.

This all may have nothing to do with what you have.

But did you have the truck last winter in similar situation to know that what you are observing isn't normal?

Dec 5, 2003 | 04:05 PM

starcongo

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

From: San Jose

thank you for the reply!. last year yes it was normal. and now its way off. it revs really high before it shifts close to the red zone, way higher then normal. i juss cant figure this out. i had it checked out, one says i need new tranny then another says i need rebuild valve body, and govern. Do you know how i can get this dignoised? scanner wont work
thanks torky.
Crystal

Dec 5, 2003 | 04:14 PM

starcongo

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

From: San Jose

More to add... i juss checked and its at 5000 rpms in first gear for then shortly after it shifts before it hitting in the red zone..
any suggestions??
crystal

Dec 5, 2003 | 06:56 PM

Opera House Works

Elder User

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 886

Likes: 0

From: Cincinnati

Why is the reaction of people

If it doesn't shift, give it more gas. Not the first time I have heard that. Doing that, you are very close to snapping your intermediate band and major problems. The A4LD just can't take that kind of torque. The speed governor only works for the 1>2 shift and this can be fixed without removing the transmission. They can get sticky. A good idea to also replace the vacuum modulator at this age.

Dec 5, 2003 | 10:52 PM

starcongo

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

From: San Jose

Thank you! and also to add to this i think my vavle is sticking also..thank you for the imput. if you get this one other thing, do you think i have damage my A4LD?
thanks again!
Crystal

Dec 6, 2003 | 12:44 PM

Opera House Works

Elder User

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 886

Likes: 0

From: Cincinnati

There are things an individual can do to extend the life of an A4LD. The vacuum modulator, low/reverse servo seal, and speed governor are all wear items that an individual can replace with a little effort. It would be difficult to get a transmission shop to do these and it would not be cost effective. I would be suspect of any shop that would. There would probably be leagal issues about a shop doing work that they could not guarantee would fix anything. Any work on a transmission could bring on new problems and implied liability. If you do have the transmission rebuilt, get a three year warranty. A one warranty is about worthless.