I have a 92 explorer eddie bauer edition 4x4. Recently while under normal driving conditions the truck will not shift from 1st into 2nd until it red lines . Same goes for 2nd into 3rd now . The tranny is not slipping, it pulls great and no slop, it just holds the gear forever . drive and o/d work fine .. is this my vacuum modulator or do I need to start looking else where for my problem
tranny was serviced two months ago and ran fine until this came up. tranny has 150+k miles and is otherwise a great vehicle . any help would be greatly appreciated

 

Sounds like a new vacuum modulator would be a good place to start but make sure first that the hose is plugged in ok on both ends. You might want to shop around for a new modulator too....the prices on them seem to vary a lot.

 

Bet you pull off the hose and there is oil in it. If not, the hose may have split. Modulator is about $12 at bulkpart.com and they have the SPX Microfelt filter, a fantastic deal, for only $10 (pan gasket must be ordered seperately). Some find the modulator is easier to remove by taking the seat out to get at the access panel on the floor. How is the reverse engagement and low braking? There is an easy fix for that and they all need it.

 

reverse and engine brake is fine .....only other thing is when slowing to stop i "feel" it hold until just before stop....i really appreciate the help guys ...imnot afraid to dig into it ...as long as i know what im digging into

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 31-Dec-02 AT 02:18 AM (EST)] just a note to let you know . i fixed it today...modulator was bad ....went thru the floor board and had some slight difficulty getting my hand in between the cracks but got in and with the help of my shorty ratchet i replaced the modulator valve.
just a note ...took it to a "reputable tranny shop " here in town and they test drove it and concluded the tranny was shot ...needed to be rebuilt..just so happen they could get me in the shop today ..asked what it would cost me ...$1800 labor and all ....said i couldnt afford it right now ,...went to my garage and replaced the modulator ( took two hours) and drove it back to the "reputable tranny shop".. they asked if i was ready for the rebuild ...said nope ...i just beat your 1800 dollar price ....paid 16 bucks for modulator and had it running fine ...went to a second shop and the drove it and said there was nothing they could see wrong with my "x" ... they did give my electric transfer case motor a cleaning for free to get it to lock in 4x4 without waiting ...so ...again ...thanks to those who helped me and if you ever have a stupid question to ask .....ive got all the stupid answers