Transmission issue

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Nov 11, 2002 | 11:27 AM

dam_bzh

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Joined: Nov 2002

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From: Toronto Canada

Transmission issue

Hi all,

I have a Ford Explorer 92 automatic.
It seems that i have a problem with my transmission, I am scared that i will have to change it, but maybe there is something else to do

.
In fact, I was driving without problem, when I brake then the engine stopped.
After that, I could start the engine without problem, but putting on any gears, stopped the engine, looked like the transmission was stuck.
Called CAA, get it towed, then the car was working fine again,

.
I heard that the fact that it was cold that day could be the cause of the problem ?
Is there something else that I can try except changing the transmission ?

Nov 11, 2002 | 12:05 PM

Dialtone

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Joined: Aug 2001

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From: South Texas

Transmission issue

Symptom you described sounds like torque converter failed to un-lock at idle/low speed. Lockup ( and 4th gear overedrive) is activated/released by the computer signal to servo valves in the transmission. If the valve was sticking, aggrivated by cold weather, it could cause what you described. My suggestion is to have a complete fluid and filter change on the transmission. You may be able to run a can of trans conditioner thru it first to loosen any gum deposits that have built up, the have a complete fluid/filter change. Assuming no damage was done to the transmission/converter by the incident, you may get by without a rebuild.

good luck
Dialtone

Nov 11, 2002 | 02:36 PM

Mikeman

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From: PNW

Transmission issue

I agree with Dialtone about the torque converter. If the clutch is stuck, it would feel like slowing down in a car with a manual transmission without pressing in the clutch.

You could try unplugging the torque converter clutch solenoid and see if that makes a difference. If it does, then the problem is that, for one reason or another, the computer is sending an incorrect signal to lock up the converter when it shouldn't be. If it doesn't make a difference, then the problem is in the transmission. It could be as simple as the solenoid, which (I think) can be replaced/repaired without ripping apart the transmission.

Nov 11, 2002 | 04:15 PM

dam_bzh

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Joined: Nov 2002

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From: Toronto Canada

Transmission issue

Thanks Dialtone and Mikeman

Mikeman, do you say that in case that happens again, I should try to unplug the solenoid ? or Should I unplug the solenoid before (knowing that I will use a lot more gas)and leave it unplugged .
If you can tell me where I should find it on the transmission as well

Guys, Tell me if I am wrong, I think I will:
Change the filter/fluid, then add the conditioner.
Try to unplug the solenoid if the problem happens again.

Thank you so much by advance

Nov 11, 2002 | 08:18 PM

soso

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Joined: May 2002

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From: north of 60

Transmission issue

Nov 11, 2002 | 10:20 PM

Dialtone

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Joined: Aug 2001

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From: South Texas

Transmission issue

I wouldn't unplug the solenoid leads unless you are troubleshooting and the problem is there solid. Doing this will only eleminate the computer as the source, a stuck soleniod in the valve body will still keep the converter locked up and cause what you descrbed. In that case, manual intervention to un-stick it is required. By simply unplugging you are masking the problem for it only to reappear later and possibly do more damage.

But if you insist, the connector is located on the left foreward area of the transmission ahead of the gear selector. Disconnecting this will disable both the converter lockup and 4th gear overdrive. Be aware, there is also a neutral safety/backup switch with wires comming from it. If you disconnect it, you can not start the vehicle.
Dialtone

Nov 12, 2002 | 08:27 AM

Opera House Works

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Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 886

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From: Cincinnati

Transmission issue

It has a plastic retainer and at this age is very prone to crack. I think I would first change the filter and fluid. There is a new improved Mictofelt filter that you can get for this transmission from SPX who supplies them OEM to Ford. This new filter has 3 times the surcae area of the old metal screen. This can be purchased on bulkpart.com for $10, unlike the Taiwan one from Autozone for $22. Jst remember to order the pan gasket $.70 too. This tranny has two solenoids and the one closest to the engine is the converter. It would be safer to unplug the wire at the solenoid and slip a rubber tube over it. I wouldn't do that till you tried some new fluid in it.