"93 Explorer tranny won't shift when cold

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Apr 6, 2004 | 02:19 PM

TOMKLU

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"93 Explorer tranny won't shift when cold

I just bought a '93 Explorer with an automatic overdrive transmission. The tranny won't shift out of 1st while in the "D" or "OD" position unless I move the selector to 2nd. After a few miles or about 5-10 minutes. I would appreciate any help.
Thanks

Apr 6, 2004 | 04:21 PM

mrshorty

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From: UT

First thought would be a problem with the vacuum modulator. Fluid level correct and fluid in good condition?

Apr 6, 2004 | 06:01 PM

TOMKLU

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Yes, the fluid is at the proper level and in good condition. It was changed a year ago. I'm hoping it's the modulator. I'll try to get it changed soon and let you know what happens.

Apr 6, 2004 | 10:48 PM

mrshorty

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I suppose you could just go ahead and change it, but I've seen in transmission manuals procedures for testing it. 1st "test" is to see if there is ATF in the vacuum line. I yes then it's bad. Otherwise, hook up a vacuum gauge/pump to the modulator and go through a battery of shift tests to see how well it works. I don't remember the specifics, because I left my transmission "manual" (several copied pages from Mitchell transmission repair manual) at work.

Apr 7, 2004 | 09:15 AM

Opera House Works

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The 1>2 shift in the A4LD is controlled by the speed governor. This insures that the wheels are actually up to speed before shifting. This device gets wear marks on the valve which cause it to stick. They can be easily polished out. The governor is located in the extension housing at the rear of the transmission. While it doesn't seem obvious, it is probably no harder to get at than the vacuum modulator. A picture of it can be viewed on www.transmissionspeciality.com

Apr 7, 2004 | 01:33 PM

TOMKLU

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I'm sorry Opera House Works, I'm unable to pull up the info. I'll try from a friends computer.

Apr 7, 2004 | 03:44 PM

Opera House Works

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Sorry, typo www.transmissionspecialty.com

click on ALL PARTS and select Ford and A4LD. Scroll down to 56615-35. Read enough of these and it will make you paranoid. This shouldn't need any parts, just a spin on some very fine sandpaper with oil.

Last edited by Opera House Works; Apr 7, 2004 at 03:51 PM.

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Apr 14, 2004 | 01:52 PM

TOMKLU

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Here's the rest of the story. I tried to change the vacuum modulator ,but couldn't reach it. Probably would have broke the rusty exhaust bolts off that hold that section of the exhaust pipe in and been further down the creek then I was.No fluid came out when I pulled the vacuum line off. I couldn't find the governor.
I took it in to the local Ford dealer this morning, where I feel I've always been treated good. Then came the bad news phone call where you'd better be sitting down because your going to get the patient died news. The governor had frozen-up due to contaminated fluid and caused the cluthes and internals to become damaged. The previous owner changed the fluid and filter every 2 years and the fluid looked clean on the dipstick.
The damage $2100 P&L for a rebuild kit install (12 month / 12,000 mile warranty) or $2300 P&L for a Ford rebuilt tranny ( 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty).
Lesson learned : Should of had it diagnosed when I first noticed a problem. Also, that's why my other 2 cars are Early Broncos with manual trannys. I bought the Exploder while I restore one and build-up the other.
Thanks for the advice and help.