94 explorer tranny problem
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
94 explorer tranny problem
In cold weather, my 94 explorer has shifting problems. In order for it to upshift, I need to get it revved over 4000 rpm, then release the accelerator. If I would continue to rev, it will not upshift.
I've changed the fluid and filter, then added a pint of seafoam additive. This seems to have made it a little better, but not much. It has about 120k miles on it. I don't have problems in warm weather.
I've changed the fluid and filter, then added a pint of seafoam additive. This seems to have made it a little better, but not much. It has about 120k miles on it. I don't have problems in warm weather.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
Yeah, what he said.
There are plenty of posts about this problem. The part is about $15.00 but really a fiddle to install. If your problem is shifting into the top gear it is likely a VM issue.
Check the vacuum line too while you're in there and replace the VM. Watch out for the tiny spindle that comes out when the VM is removed, you can't buy that "part" at Ford or anywhere else (except a wrecker).
I had the same problem and replacing the VM worked like a charm.
Check the other posts for more information.
There are plenty of posts about this problem. The part is about $15.00 but really a fiddle to install. If your problem is shifting into the top gear it is likely a VM issue.
Check the vacuum line too while you're in there and replace the VM. Watch out for the tiny spindle that comes out when the VM is removed, you can't buy that "part" at Ford or anywhere else (except a wrecker).
I had the same problem and replacing the VM worked like a charm.
Check the other posts for more information.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
If I disconnect the vacuum line at the VM and it is sucking air in, and there is no sign of fluid leaking past the VM, should I still go ahead and replace the VM?
Why would the VM work in warm weather? It shifts just fine when it's not cold outside. Does cold weather cause the VM to stick?
Do I need any special tools to do this?
Why would the VM work in warm weather? It shifts just fine when it's not cold outside. Does cold weather cause the VM to stick?
Do I need any special tools to do this?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
All right...just where is this vacuum modulator. I've crawled back underneath the rig, decided to let a little more fluid drain out (I think I may have overfilled somewhat), and I cannot find anything that looks like a vacuum modulator.
I did find a couple of vacuum hoses in the engine compartment that are badly cracked. I will be replacing these. I wonder if one of them leads to the vacuum modulator on the tranny?
In the meantime, I found a leak in the coolant lines. Four lines come together on the passenger side just before passing through the firewall. They are joined by this odd looking plastic piece and a portion of it has snapped off. Now I either have to try to patch it back together or find a new part somewhere...
I did find a couple of vacuum hoses in the engine compartment that are badly cracked. I will be replacing these. I wonder if one of them leads to the vacuum modulator on the tranny?
In the meantime, I found a leak in the coolant lines. Four lines come together on the passenger side just before passing through the firewall. They are joined by this odd looking plastic piece and a portion of it has snapped off. Now I either have to try to patch it back together or find a new part somewhere...
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
Likes: 2
From: UT
Vacuum modulator is on the passenger side of the transmission. It's kind of hard to get to from underneath because of the cats.
That part in the cooling system is your heater bypass valve (or something like that). It's not uncommon for it to leak.
That part in the cooling system is your heater bypass valve (or something like that). It's not uncommon for it to leak.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
So in order to access the vacuum modulator, I would need to take down a good portion of the exhaust piping?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
Pull the carpets back inside the front of the cab and look for an access panel on the "dog house" (where the drive line runs). There should be a couple of Torx bolts and you can then access the transmission from the top. The VM is on the passenger side. Accessing from the bottom can be a problem especially if the heat shield gets in the way (bent or warped).
Either way it's hard to get at from top OR bottom.
Have fun!! I did... (I own a 91 but should be the same as the 94).
Either way it's hard to get at from top OR bottom.
Have fun!! I did... (I own a 91 but should be the same as the 94).
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Do I have to remove the seats and center console?
Once I get the carpet pulled back and open the hatch, how easy is it to get to the vacuum modulator? I don't want to pull the carpet and still not be able to check out the vacuum modulator...
Once I get the carpet pulled back and open the hatch, how easy is it to get to the vacuum modulator? I don't want to pull the carpet and still not be able to check out the vacuum modulator...
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
The carpets are easy to pull back and the cover plate is easy to remove. It's a tight fit but better form the top (in my opinion). You don't need to remove the seats just a little bit of the trim panel to get at the carpet.
Watch out for the spindle in the VM it's hard to replace.
Watch out for the spindle in the VM it's hard to replace.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Raisin City out of Fresno
Changed mine on a 93. Turned out to be the over drive drum .had it replaced and 7,000 miles later just out of the warranty it went out again. Then again 3,000 later now 20,000 later all is fine with trany but not the front end LOL. the vm is a brat no matter how you get at it but one trick do it early in the day before you ever start the truck as you will hit the exsust many times or its parts but it can be done just wish I had known about the top plate to get at it but that’s me always the hard way LOL