Slipping Auto-tranny; Re-build, replace or wait?
Slipping Auto-tranny; Re-build, replace or wait?
New User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4
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Slipping Auto-tranny; Re-build, replace or wait?
Several months ago, I began noticing a slight hesitation as my tranny shifted from 3 to 4. It got a little more noticable, so I took it in. The dealer told me I needed a new tranny ($3,000.) I took it to a tranny shop for a second opinion. They suggested a re-build ($1,735.) Neither shop actually opened it up. Are these the only 2 options on auto-tranny repair: replace or re-build? Which is the better value? (My truck is a '95 Ranger with less than 46K miles.)
Assuming I don't do either repair, and the tranny eventually fails while in motion, can the nature of the failure be predicted? Will the truck loose power and roll to a stop, explode in a ball of fire, or just not go above 3rd gear, for example. If one of the clutches fails, might the lower gears continue to operate normally?
The current slippage is hardly even noticable. Would I be stupid to allow it to get somewhat worse before getting the repair?
Thanks for any insight. I realize predictions are only predictions.
Jack
Assuming I don't do either repair, and the tranny eventually fails while in motion, can the nature of the failure be predicted? Will the truck loose power and roll to a stop, explode in a ball of fire, or just not go above 3rd gear, for example. If one of the clutches fails, might the lower gears continue to operate normally?
The current slippage is hardly even noticable. Would I be stupid to allow it to get somewhat worse before getting the repair?
Thanks for any insight. I realize predictions are only predictions.
Jack
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 4
From: South Jersey
Slipping Auto-tranny; Re-build, replace or wait?
I'm not a tranny expert in any way but the newer trannies have a lot of electronic controls that are activated by the PCM. The PCM controls the shift timing, shift feel and torque converter. The PCM uses information from several sensors that are not part of the tranny also. The Ford dealer should have a tranny tester that can test a lot of things with the tranny in place. Is the tranny slipping in 4th or is it a slow engagement into 4th? How did they determine the problem, did they check for codes using a scanner? Have you changed the filter and fluid? It seems odd to have a tranny fail at 46K unless it has been abused. If you don't have a cooler I would suggest adding one, heat is the main thing that kills auto trannies.
New User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4
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Slipping Auto-tranny; Re-build, replace or wait?
Ken00,
Thanks so much for your help! It's actually a slow engagement into 4th (rpm's get a little too high before the shift.) My tranny has definitely not been abused, so it does seem odd that it would go out at 46K (although the tranny shop told me its not all that unusual - that he's seen several go bad in the early 40K's.) They told me the scanner showed no codes, but that it still needed to be re-built.
(The dealer just said I needed a new tranny. That's all. No explanation. When I asked about the possibility of a re-build, they shrugged it off as a bad idea. I have no trust in them at all.)
Can a transmission be repaired without a complete re-build?
I will definitely try changing the oil and filter first, and look into adding a cooler. Again, thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge with me.
Thanks so much for your help! It's actually a slow engagement into 4th (rpm's get a little too high before the shift.) My tranny has definitely not been abused, so it does seem odd that it would go out at 46K (although the tranny shop told me its not all that unusual - that he's seen several go bad in the early 40K's.) They told me the scanner showed no codes, but that it still needed to be re-built.
(The dealer just said I needed a new tranny. That's all. No explanation. When I asked about the possibility of a re-build, they shrugged it off as a bad idea. I have no trust in them at all.)
Can a transmission be repaired without a complete re-build?
I will definitely try changing the oil and filter first, and look into adding a cooler. Again, thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge with me.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 4
From: South Jersey
Slipping Auto-tranny; Re-build, replace or wait?
No problem Jack. From what I have seen there are many components that can be replaced since the newer tannies have the electronic control. If it was slipping or the fluid was burned then I would think it would be more serious. I would try another dealer and see if they can test it. I have some information about the testing from my Ford manual, I will send it to you so you can at least read it. Email me at RACSAN99A(No Email Addresses In Posts!). When you change the fluid check for disconnected wiring. You may have a cooler, look in the grill and see if there is a small 6"x12" radiator in front of the radiator. The price does seem high, I found this place just as a reference for a price, I never bought anything from them.
http://www.phoenixhardparts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PRT&Product_Cod e=4R44E&Category_Code=FAT
http://www.phoenixhardparts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PRT&Product_Cod e=4R44E&Category_Code=FAT
