I'm trying to find the modulator valve on my '88 Ranger, 2.9, ext cab. I thought it was on the right side, but can't find it. It's real oily down there, is it possible it's covered up? I don't even see any rubber hoses down there. All I find are the 2 metal transmission lines. The truck is burning transmission fulid like a freight train. It might have other problems too (it was slipping some and would not shift into second). I bought it like this, hoping a modulator valve would fix it. It's sucking so much it's running out of the exhaust. Mike---314-397-7278

 

I suspect you might have other problems. Take it to a car wash and hose it down! Wear goggles and old clothes. If you don't see any hoses, that could be a problem. There should be at least one. Don't drive it if the fluid is low, or you will create more problems. See if you can read the tag on the transmission and get some numbers.

 

The modulator is tucked up behind the cats. Kind of looks like a mini egr valve sticking out the side of the tranny. If you can't get into there(very tight area to work in) You might want to remove the cats to gain clearance-Makes the job a lot easier to work on.

 

BE CAREFULL WHEN REMOVING THE MODULATOR VALVE!!

If you are working on a A4LD trans or C3 there is a rod that sticks inside the modulator valve which goes into the valve body. It's about 3/32" diameter and about 1/14" long. Don't lose that pin or the trans will not shift ever again.

It's a pushrod that connects the vacuum modulator valve to the shift modulator circuit in the valve body. I learned the hard way and had to crawl under my truck for an hour to find it (and making sure the landlord doesn't see me doing tranny work in his parking lot!! )